A SPECIAL message of support has been issued by the Chairman of Wychavon to mark Independence Day in Ukraine today (August 24).
Chairman of the district council, Robert Raphael, has shared a message of gratitude to the residents and volunteers who have worked to help those fleeing the conflict.
Nearly 400 Ukrainian guests have been supported under Wychavon’s Homes for Ukraine Scheme with thousands of others donating items and money as well as offering English lessons and support in gaining employment.
Councillor and chairman, Robert Raphael, said: “Our residents have the most amazing community spirit, which makes Wychavon such a great place to live, which is not limited by nationality and borders but motivated by compassion and friendship.”
August 24 marks the day in 1991 when Ukraine gained independence from what was then the Soviet Union.
Leader of Wychavon District Council, Coun Bradley Thomas, said: “Ukrainian Independence Day is a good time to renew our support for Ukraine and our commitment to helping our Ukrainian guests forced to flee their homes because of the invasion by Russia.
“I know Wychavon employees, together with hosts and volunteers, are working hard to provide the support people need and we will continue to do so for as long as is necessary.”
Coun Raphael added: “For our Ukrainian guests in Wychavon, and throughout the rest of the UK and Europe, August 24 has an added significance this year as you express the love you have for your homeland.
“We continue to hope and pray peace will return to your country very soon.
“Most Ukrainians are still unable to return home and are looking for a safe place to call home.
“We also thank and are grateful to our Wychavon inhabitants who have generously opened their homes and their hearts to those in need.
“We also need to appeal to others who can help, to do so by joining in with the Homes for Ukraine scheme.”
The Homes for Ukraine scheme was established in March 2022 and has helped over 115,000 people fleeing the war in Ukraine find safety in UK homes.
Hosts were asked to sign up for an initial 6 months on the programme, and many have chosen to continue beyond this initial period.
To recognise the hosts’ generosity, the UK Government extended the monthly ‘thank you’ payments.
