By Mia Aitken
Ukraine is encircled by Russian troops with 400,000 people still trapped without running water, food and medical supplies. Since the attack in Mariupol, 2,400 civilians have been killed, and residents of bombed cities have been busy making – and filling mass graves.
Following the devastating Russian invasion in Ukraine, tearing down many homes and cities to rubble, Ukrainian nationals have been forced to flee their country, leaving their homes and loved ones behind in an attempt to escape war. This would be a natural reaction to most people in crisis, so what can UK citizens do to help those experiencing torment in Ukraine?
The UK government has launched “Homes for Ukraine” which allows people who have lived in the UK for at least six months, apply to house those who have fled Ukraine. More than 89,000 Britons have already registered for the scheme.
Beautician Kara Stevens, 49, says: “I think the scheme is a good thing if it’s managed properly and doesn’t lead to permanent residency in the UK. We would appreciate it if the shoe was on the other foot.”
Ukrainian refugees will have to apply for a visa via for the scheme, which will make them eligible to work, access state benefits and public services in the UK for three years. Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer and Morrison’s are some of the UK retailers that have offered to employ Ukrainian refugees.
Kimberly Knight, 32, a Press Office Manager for Marks and Spencer says: “I am delighted that we are opening this opportunity at a time of great need; we will work closely with Ukrainians who are coming to work for us to ensure they have a healthy wellbeing.”
Graph by Mia Aitken
The graph shows that 30% of people asked would open their homes and 70% would not, based on a survey of about 60 people in the London area. There are various factors for this, most being that there has not been anything like this before and people feel fearful that the scheme may not be as thought through as they would like it be. However, most feel that the idea is a good one.
Some people are wary of welcoming strangers into their homes due to a continued fear of the pandemic, Sam Boxall, 23, who works in a film studio, says: “I feel it is a great idea from our government, but I do not think a lot of people would be comfortable due to the fear people still have over Covid-19 and the pandemic.”
Other reasons people said they would not welcome refugees include affordability, food inflation and other costs. The government has said that every household that takes in refugees will receive a £350 monthly payment.
Boxall added: “The scheme seems promising as they are funding the homeowners £350 a month to account for living costs but there are already so many families struggling to feed their own families, how long will the funding be kept up for?
“Overall, I would open my homes as I can not begin to imagine what they must have gone through to get here and I think people should do the same to prove that there is still humanity in this world.”
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