How're Ukrainian guests settling in Rutland, 6 months since the start of the war?
Today also marks the Independence Day of Ukraine
With today being the Independence Day of Ukraine, but also 6 months since Russia's invasion, we found out how our guests have been settling into Rutland.
After the first refugees arrived on 2 April 2022, Rutland County Council say more than half the guests in the area are currently working or are looking for other opportunities.
Some are considering self-employment, having brought over a range of skills - with many being doctors, engineers, construction workers, hospitality and support workers.
The Council say every guest has informed them that they want to:
- o Work
- o Contribute to the community
- o Improve their English
- o Earn money
- o Return home as soon as it is safe to do so
Help needed "more than ever"
The Council revealed to Greatest Hits Radio that 70 households in Rutland are now signed up to the Homes For Ukraine scheme since the outbreak of war.
Of those, 32 sponsors are still waiting for their guests to arrive.
Julie Shaul, from Ketton, normally lets a cottage out to tenants, but has decided to take it off the market to allow a Ukrainian family to move in free-of-charge instead.
She says there's still just as much demand to host and help refugees in Stamford and Rutland than there was at the start of the conflict, and a large number of Ukrainians still looking for sponsors:
'It's generally very, very positive. Most people want to help and do what they can. More than ever they're realising that this isn't going to come to an end any time soon and, natural reaction they want their families safe.'
'I've got a friend who works in Peterborough who's going to supply a couple of PCs for my guests, Screwfix have also offered to pay for the materials needed to do up the cottage which is good.'