Love Ukraine: One year on

A year after the war broke out, we take a look at the work of Love Ukraine for families and individuals fleeing the conflict.

On the ground

Leaving everything you know behind and starting fresh isn’t easy. When it’s done out of necessity, it becomes even harder. Anastasia and her family discovered this first-hand. Before the conflict broke out, they enjoyed a quiet life in a small village outside the city. Anastasia and her husband, Yuri, both worked and sent their two children to school.

She described the fear she felt for her family as Russian forces descended on her village in early 2022. Arriving in military vehicles, they began searching houses and basements and taking cars from her neighbours. It was only a matter of time before they arrived at her door.

“I was very worried at some points. I was even ready to give up. But my husband and the Love Ukraine team confidently went forward.“

Anastasia

With no plan, they fled the area. All they knew was that hope and safety lay to the west. Trying to navigate the imposed roadblocks took them the route of craters in the ground and the burnt shells of cars. The four of them, plus four more relatives, found accommodation in a two-bedroom house. Sleepless nights were broken by the sounds of shelling and explosions. In trying to keep their distance from the areas of fighting, she knew there would be no work or schools for the family to settle here. Something had to be done.

“In an instant, we – those who have lived and worked on our land for years – became no one.“

Anastasia

Love Ukraine

Fortunately, the family knew Andriy, who had been seconded from

Fortunately, the family knew Andriy, who had been seconded from his role as Head of Alpha Ukraine to Head of Love Ukraine. Love Ukraine is Love Your Neighbour’s response to the humanitarian crisis that was born out of the conflict – welcoming and supporting those displaced by the war to establish their lives in the UK. Anastasia had never travelled. She had no passport and not much knowledge outside of her life in her hometown. Andriy and the Love Ukraine team were there to support the family through a huge change – a change of culture, a change of surroundings, a change of life. From bus and plane tickets to SIM cards, the Love Ukraine team took care of all the family’s needs as they readjusted to their new life.

The story so far

Anastasia’s story is one of so many. Although she and her family wish to return to Ukraine when they’re able, for now, they’re settled in London and being supported by loving and personable sponsors. That personalised care and support is happening at churches and Hubs across the UK with Love Ukraine. One year on from the start of the conflict, Love Ukraine has been working tirelessly to match those fleeing to host families here in the UK. Arranging Zoom meetings between hosts and arrivals as well as that administrative details, Love Ukraine has assisted 111 people out of the war and to a better life in the UK – with a further 130 on the waiting list for assistance.

“We attend English language courses and improve our knowledge about this unique and beautiful country.”

Anastasia

Tackling the language barrier has proved one of the more difficult challenges, but with the Love Ukraine team being made up of Ukrainian speakers, they’ve been able to assist with English lessons. This is usually done through classes at local churches and Hubs. Pattern Church in Swindon has been doing a great job of building that sense of community, offering practical help and emotional support to those arriving to the UK. Offering English lessons to assist with acclimatising to life in the UK, they also began hosting ‘The Table’ – a ‘bring and share’ dinner to integrate Ukrainians and build that local sense of community.

Andriy, Head of Love Ukraine, sees the year ahead continuing this work, with a plan to visit churches to gather and share positive stories of hope.

“I know there are a lot of churches across the UK already involved in this process to help Ukrainians, and I thank you for this. Please continue to pray.”

Andriy

To support the work being done and to find out more please visit our Love Ukraine page