From the beginning of the war, Paul, a widower, had followed events closely. A few months after the Government launched its Homes for Ukraine scheme, Paul began to ask himself why he wouldn’t offer his home. To start with, Paul focused on the practical questions:
• What can I really offer? One spare bedroom? Two spare bedrooms?
• Who am I looking to host? A couple my own age? A family? Young children?
• What if the children are noisy?
• How would we use the kitchen and bathroom?
• What would I be letting myself in for?
After much soul searching, Paul realised that while he had worried about language issues, differences in culture and upbringing, he really only cared about one thing: What if his guests had experienced really terrible things? Would he really know how to help them? Would he be able to ensure they got the right kind of support?
Despite his worries, he decided to sign up to the scheme. He knew he had room in his house to cope with a small family, and living close to a small town his guests would have easy access to the local shops and services.
With the decision made, Ukraine2chiltens arranged an informal meeting between Paul and a young family who were looking for a new host. Understandably everyone was nervous but from the minute Paul met with Hannia and her two children Sofia 17 and Artemii 4, Paul said his fears fell away. Hannia said later that she felt as if she were meeting a long lost relative.
Within a matter of weeks of their first meeting, Hannia, Sofia and Artemii moved in with Paul. Sofia was able to continue studying at the local secondary school, and Artemii was able to stay at his local primary school and is already starting to speak in full sentences in English, and almost without an accent.
Initially Paul treated the family as guests, taking them on trips around the local area. He also helped Hannia to meet up with other Ukrainians by taking her to the local activities organised by the Ukraine2chilterns charity. However within a few weeks, Paul realised that as Hanniaand her family began to adjust to their new home, they all just settled into a new daily routine that worked for them all.
“My advice for people considering taking on a guest is do it, but only if it is right for you. You do need to recognise that this will impact your time and your routine but in time, you find a way to adjust. It’s also important to consider where you live. I’m lucky because I live in Princes Risborough close to the town centre so Hannia has been able to get about independently, but I know of other hosts who live more remotely who have had to help with transport for their guests.”
“I know Hannia is very grateful to be in the UK with her children and I have been delighted to be in a position to offer them support. The whole experience has definitely enriched my life. I love having my home filled with the sound of laughter and with the sound of a happy family and I hope the support I have been able to provide has put the family in a good place for getting on with their lives.”