Two Years on: support continues to be given to Ukrainian guests in Wiltshire

Communities across Wiltshire will be marking the second anniversary of the invasion in Ukraine, as hundreds of Ukraine guests continue to find a safe place to stay in Wiltshire.

February 24 will mark two years months since the invasion in Ukraine began.

Since the Homes for Ukraine scheme was announced by the government, over 1600 Ukrainian guests have arrived safely in Wiltshire. 405 guests still remain in active sponsorship, whilst more than 600 have now moved into independent accommodation, moved out of Wiltshire or returned to the Ukraine.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council said: This weekend, Ukrainians will be marking the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of their country. This will be a difficult anniversary to mark for those who have had to uproot their families and start new lives in different countries and cultures. With the generosity and goodwill of the people of Wiltshire, we were one of the top local authorities, welcoming over 1600 guests into Wiltshire.

Now that a lot of those families are choosing to settle in Wiltshire, our teams, communities and partners are working hard to support them either within the Homes for Ukraine scheme or to transition into independent accommodation.

We have been able to use the government Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) to purchase 26 houses specifically to support Ukrainian households. 21 of these houses are now occupied, with caseworkers providing support to the families to integrate into their new communities and access childcare, utilities and transport.

Maryna Sokolyk arrived with her two children as part of the Homes 4 Ukraine scheme, not knowing where she would be living or who she would be living with. After being met at the airport by her sponsors, she was provided a home in Wiltshire. With support from caseworkers, Maryna's children were enrolled into nursery and school and her family started integrating into the local community.

Maryna moved into one of the LAHF properties in July 2023, with the assistance of the Moving on Grant. Supported by the Homes for Ukraine caseworkers, she has been helped to access wraparound support, enrol the children into new schools and arrange school transport.

Maryna, said: Standing on the ruins of my old life, I found support that I did not expect and a chance to start a new life, but to feel the security and safety of the family is worth a lot.

People who have queries on Ukraine matters can find information on our website at Support for Ukraine - Frequently asked questions.  If there are specific questions related to being a host or providing community support people can email the dedicated Ukraine inbox which is H4U@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window).