Ukrainian refugees 'finding it tough' to get a place of their own in South Yorkshire
A host family based in Sheffield have been speaking to us about some of the difficulties their guests have experienced
We're told 'it should be easier' for Ukrainian refugees to find a place of their own to live in South Yorkshire & North Derbyshire.
Kevin Ryan & his wife Jessica hosted a Ukrainian family of three in Sheffield for nine months - until they recently found somewhere to rent.
However, Kevin says it wasn't a straightforward process for them to gain their own independence:
"The challenges facing refugees now - as they've become more settled here - is the support that's available to help families get out of their host houses & onto the British renting market.
"Everybody knows, that at times, it's not easy to find a place to rent.
"Also, getting into work has been a challenge for many here who fled Ukraine last year.
"We've been fortunate enough to see that our Ukrainian friends have jumped into help wherever possible, but there's not loads of institutional support.
"In terms of being able to enter the country and from a bureaucratic standpoint, the support's been good.
"The City of Sanctuary in Sheffield's been absolutely incredible in helping Ukrainian refugees to settle in.
"Overall, I think Ukrainian refugees should feel some optimism about their future in the UK for the medium and long-term future.
"The government's made the right noises about how they'll continue supporting those who had to flee Ukraine last year."
It's following a report published earlier this week - which argues Ukrainians here 'must be given clarity' over their future - including around visa extensions.