Residents across the South Kesteven district are being encouraged to host Ukrainian families as the Council, and the country, mark the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Today, Friday 24 February, marks one year since Russia invaded Ukraine in a dramatic escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian war that has been going on since 2014.

This unrest has driven millions of Ukrainian people from their homes to seek refuge across Europe, with many Ukrainian families being housed in the UK.

South Kesteven District Cllr, Annie Mason, Cabinet Member for People and Safer Communities, said: "One year on and sadly the devastation continues for the people of Ukraine.

"Alongside local authorities across Lincolnshire, South Kesteven District Council stands with Ukraine and its people and will continue to offer support wherever possible. It has been heartening to also see such a unwavering response from communities across our District."

People arriving under the scheme are able to live and work in the UK for up to three years, and access healthcare, public funds, employment and other support. A year on, there are still 350 hosts providing a home to their Ukrainian guests across Lincolnshire. Throughout the county over 70 family groups have successfully made the move from their hosting arrangements into private rental accommodation, and a small number of guests have moved on to other parts of the UK.

Anyone can consider hosting as long as they can offer accommodation for at least six months, and those who are successfully matched to Ukrainian guests are offered a £350 per month 'thank you' payment, rising to £500 a month for guests who have been in the country for over a year.

Simone Woods and her family, from Billingborough, are currently hosting Mariia from Odesa.

Speaking about what made them want to get involved in the scheme, Simone said: "It was hard to watch the news and see ordinary people, with their children, living in fear and being forced to leave their homes. The one thing Mariia said to me before she arrived was that she just needed to go somewhere she can sort her life out. Which she is starting to do."

If you think you could commit to hosting, click here to find out more and complete Lincolnshire County Council's hosting expression of interest form. 

Image credit: Stamford Churches / Stamfrod Diversity Group CIC.

The Stamford community are marking their struggles this week, as well as remembering those who have been left behind, injured, and killed in the conflict.

South Kesteven District Council will be flying the Ukraine flag outside SK House, St Peter's Hill, on Friday. More information about SKDC's ongoing support for Ukraine is available online.

Stamford Churches, supported by Stamford Diversity Group CIC, will be hosting a service this evening, 6:30pm, at Browne's Hospital. Find out more here.