A family from Ukraine is at risk of homelessness unless they managed to find a new host family in Chesham urgently.  

This winter brings more stress and anxiety of the unknown to several Ukrainians, who made Buckinghamshire their home following the Russian attack against Ukraine in February, as first wave of hosting is due to end.

While many people in Chesham and Amersham provided a room rent-free as part of the government’s home scheme for a period of up to 12 months in exchange for £350 per month for living expenses, with the looming Christmas season some hosts need to regain their spare rooms.

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Sisters Anna and Svitlana left Ukrainian capital Kyiv with their children for nearby Makariv on February 24, where they were caught in the horror of active military operations.

They said: “We hoped that it would end quickly but unfortunately, we became witnesses of damage, fire, military fights and very scared people. We had no choice but to move on to another area. Our way was through forests because the main roads were dangerous.

“In our new temporary home we decided to volunteer and help people in a way we could be useful to other people.

“I (Anna, financial adviser) helped people to manage their own finances and showed them how to build a budget in such hard times. Svitlana, as a certified psychologist, helped people take care of their mental health and worked with children, young people and parents.

“When we arrived in your country our experiences confirmed that our values are similar.

“We were lucky to find a new home with so kind, attentive, compassion and an empathetic person, as our host, Peter.”

Now the "friendly, polite and independent" family of four needs to find a new home near Chiltern Hills Academy and Chartridge School “urgently” by October 26 to “give the children safety and continuity.”

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Both Anna and Svitlana are on their way to finding jobs in the area, hoping that their multicultural experience will help them to rebuild Ukraine in the future.

Hilltops Ukrainian Support Community, a collective of 42 host families and 153 volunteers, has helped 210 Ukrainians to date with welcome packs, coordinated donations, and setting up and running a shop to provide access to clothes and other items.

Most Ukrainian refugees are women, as men of military service age (18-60) can only leave Ukraine legally in exceptional circumstances.

Sarah Graham from Hilltops Ukrainian Support Community said: "We are looking for a second wave of hosts, to cover a period of up to 6 months, for our Ukrainian friends who are already part of an existing and supportive community group.

“If you would like to make a difference to the lives of Ukrainians and can offer a spare room in your home, or accommodation, it can be a hugely rewarding experience."

Those thinking of hosting can find more information at hilltopusc.org/hosts