'Huge' need for more hosts for Ukrainian families
As Swindon celebrates the annual UkraineFest, local people are being urged to open their homes.
An organization dedicated to assisting Ukrainians in the UK has highlighted a "huge" demand for additional volunteers to host individuals escaping Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which commenced four and a half years ago.
Swindon Welcomes Ukrainians (SWU) reported that the town has already welcomed over 500 people since 2022 through the Homes for Ukraine scheme. However, SWU vice-chair Kris Talikowski stated that there has never been "a more pressing time" for those who have not previously hosted to come forward. This appeal coincides with Swindon hosting one of Britain's largest Ukrainian festivals this weekend and pursuing a formal twinning association with Rivne in north-western Ukraine.
Talikowski believes that the current demand from Ukrainians wishing to leave their country is "as great" as it was at the war's outset in 2022. He explained, "The Ukrainians who have been there for four years have absolutely had enough. In the beginning, they might have said: 'I'll stick this out, it's not going to last long - we'll be able to outsee this'. Now they are in a very difficult, dark place."
While acknowledging the "incredibly supportive and warm welcome" offered by Swindon Borough Council and local residents to Ukrainians over the past four years, Talikowski suggested that approximately 50 additional hosts are needed. He emphasized, "There's a huge push, even now, to find new hosts who have spare rooms and are happy to welcome a Ukrainian or Ukrainian family for a minimum of six months and provide a safe sanctuary for those escaping the war."
Recent data from Swindon Borough Council indicates that a total of 567 Ukrainians have received support through the Homes for Ukraine scheme. This week alone, three individuals have expressed interest in hosting. Among them is Marina Strinkovsky, an Eastcott ward councillor, who views it as a "wonderful" opportunity for cultural exchange.
Strinkovsky articulated her motivation: "I see my job as offering a person, who is in need, a stable foundation on which to rebuild their life in the UK. How they do that is up to them, not up to me. I'm not coming with some kind of well-developed philanthropic intent because people who come from Ukraine already have mothers, and they may not need me." She added that while a friendship developing would be a bonus, "it shouldn't be imposed on people - because the refugees who come are in a very vulnerable situation and may feel under duress to let you into their lives because they feel beholden to you."
The council's figures also show that of the 567 Ukrainians supported, 84 are still living with hosts, 231 have resettled into private rentals in Swindon, and 252 have since departed the town. A spokesperson clarified that homes are required not only for Ukrainians seeking to come to the UK for the first time but also for those already residing here whose current hosting arrangements are concluding.
The initial steps for prospective hosts involve security checks by the Home Office, followed by a safeguarding process organized by the council, and finally, a meeting between the potential host and guest. Eligible hosts currently receive a 'thank you' payment of £350 per month.
Saturday marked the fourth annual UkraineFest in Swindon, drawing over 4,000 attendees to the celebrations in the Town Gardens, Old Town. Maryna Shpylova, who arrived in Swindon three years ago and now leads the Ukrainian Choir, described the event as more than just a celebration of Ukrainian culture and music. "It's about unity - not just for Ukrainians, but for English people too - because we feel welcomed and accepted here. We touched the hearts of English people, even though they didn't understand the language - maybe they feel the pain within our soul," she remarked.
Anastasiia Banatska, SWU chair, noted that the festival also served as an occasion to acknowledge the growing friendship between Swindon and Rivne, following a visit by Rivne's Mayor, Viktor Shakyrzian, in June. She stated, "The friendship between Swindon and Rivne has grown from acts of kindness shown by local people when Ukrainians first arrived here. To see that relationship developing into a formal partnership between our two communities is incredibly emotional and something many Ukrainians in Swindon are proud to celebrate."