Celebration event thanks hosts for contribution to Homes for Ukraine scheme
The generosity of Winchester district residents who have hosted Ukrainian guests as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme was celebrated at a special event on Wednesday 17 July organised by Winchester City Council.
The event, held at Winchester College, was attended by 100 individuals across 60 host families and live entertainment was provided by the Ukrainian choir, accordion virtuoso Volodymyr Vasylenko and choreographer Anna Panniotova.
Since the crisis in Ukraine began in February 2022, 250 Ukrainian families have made their way to the district, living with hosts as part of the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme.
The city council has taken a proactive role in supporting its Ukrainian guests and host families, working alongside Hampshire County Council and other organisations to provide rounded support during their stay with hosts and beyond.
17 months on, residents continue to provide a high level of support, with 329 Ukrainian guests currently living with their hosts in the district.
Speaking at the event, Leader of Winchester City Council, Cllr Martin Tod, said:
“We can all remember when the horrifying news came through from Ukraine at the end of February 2022. And – here locally- many of us gathered in Abbey Gardens the following day to say ‘Winchester stands with Ukraine’
“And I know those words still stand true. Winchester stands with Ukraine.
“But I also know that, while many of us have said it, there are some of us who have lived it – who have done more than any of us can imagine to make that commitment real.
“We want to thank the hosts here today, on behalf of Winchester City Council for your continued kindness, generosity, support and sympathy providing homes and security for those who have been displaced by the war in Ukraine
"We are intensely grateful for the example you have set for our city and our community and the support you have provided to our city’s and district’s Ukrainian guests
"It’s a matter of pride for the city to stand alongside you and work closely with our Ukrainian families."
Speaking after the event, Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Rob Humby, said:
“I was honoured to be at the event on Wednesday evening and I’d like to thank the City Council for hosting. The important role played by Hampshire residents in opening their homes to Ukrainian guests and welcoming them into their communities cannot be praised highly enough. I know that many hosts went above and beyond providing bed and board for those families and I am proud of their generosity of spirit.
“It is incredibly important that we recognise and thank all those who have provided safe spaces for people fleeing the conflict. Without their compassion, many might have found themselves in an even more desperate situation. We continue to be steadfast in our support for their country’s ongoing fight for freedom and peace, and will continue to offer our collective hand of friendship to the Ukrainian people in the months ahead.”
Winchester City Council has worked closely with hosts to support Ukrainians since the start of the crisis, supporting their transition to life in the UK, from providing valuable housing advice, supporting guests to find work, or receiving relevant training and language courses, all aimed at helping them to living independently in the UK."
