EXCLUSIVE: over 400 Norfolk homes still hosting Ukrainian refugees
150 people in Norfolk are interested in hosting Ukrainian refugees in the future
We can exclusively reveal that over 400 homes in Norfolk are hosting Ukrainian refugees- over a year and one week since the conflict started.
Data obtained from Norfolk County Council also shows that around 80 of these hosts aren't claiming 'Thank you Payments' of £350 a month.
There are also 150 people in Norfolk interested in hosting Ukrainian refugees in the future.
"We need to save our children"
Aleksandra is from Odessa. She came her in July and lives in Norwich.
She told us how her journey to Norfolk started:
"My friend just called me and said we need to save our children. They are the future generation and if they die who will raise the country later? So, let's just raise them in another country and let them see the culture there.
"My daughter didn't know any English at all when we first came here. She knew hello and goodbye, now she speaks it fluently. It was tough at the start because I didn't know where to work and the money from Government wasn't enough to live on. It's not enough for food or transportation".
"I feel very grateful and thankful"
She told us what the immediate future holds for her and her daughter:
"My hosts have told me that I can stay until I feel okay to move and they will not kick me out. I want all English people to do the same, as sometimes it's too hard to find a job when you don't know English.
"I feel very grateful and thankful to all English people that have helped me along the way. Many people have brought shoes, clothes, bicycles and even a TV for me. Others have offered activities and even their friendships."
What has the 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme achieved since its creation?
The Local Government Association say local Councils have helped 163,500 Ukrainians settle in the UK.
This has included 47,800 arrivals via Ukraine Family Scheme and 115,800 arrivals via Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme.