This week marks the third anniversary of Russia's unlawful invasion of Ukraine.
It's an important moment to re-state that Hammersmith & Fulham Council continues to stand with Ukraine.
The borough has been home to more than 200 Ukrainian refugees over the past three years. And we are still home to 114 Ukrainian guests, including 16 families, in the Homes for Ukraine scheme. More than 300 local residents volunteered to open their homes to Ukrainians fleeing the conflict.
H&F Leader Stephen Cowan paid tribute to the brave Ukrainians this week – both at home and locally, by saying:
The Ukrainian flag has stood outside our town hall and within every council office where we have major meetings. It is important to remind everybody that this is a once in a generation fight. Across Britain, people look to a just peace which involves winning the war against Vladimir Putin."
Shepherds Bush family welcomes Ukraine family
When the Homes for Ukraine scheme launched, retired GPs Carolyn, her husband Faisal, and their much-loved dog Eddie, opened their home in Macfarlane Road, Shepherds Bush.
The trio were joined by Ukrainian refugees Tanya, and her children Alona, 16, and Vova, 10.
"We were retired, and we realised the house was big enough and we couldn't think of any good reason why we wouldn't do it," explained Carolyn.
They rearranged their home so that they could offer two bedrooms, a bathroom and a study area, all on the same floor to a family in need.
"When Tanya, Alona and Vova arrived, the whole street got involved, it was tremendous.
"Neighbours came forward with gifts for them, with offers of help and with information about schools. Which was a great help to us as well. We think this road is the best in London."
In addition, their neighbour Vicky who lives across the road also signed up to the scheme. She opened her home to a mother and child – Tanya's close friends from back home.
We're so proud
Tanya's family lived with Carolyn and Faisal for one year before moving into a flat nearby with their friends who lived with Vicky.
In that year, Alona started her first year of A-Levels at Latymer Upper and Vova joined the local primary school. "He's a lovely boy and he picked up English so well. The first couple of words he learnt were 'beautiful' and 'delicious' – and they'll take you a long way," added Carolyn.
Vova is now doing well in all his assessments, including his English tests, and Alona is studying Maths at Imperial College London, based in White City.
"We're so proud, we feel a bit like adoptive grandparents really."
The two families still see each other regularly for birthdays, celebrations and on Christmas Eve.
Support for refugees in H&F
Hammersmith & Fulham is a borough for all, and we have lots of support on hand to help refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.
If you know any Ukrainian guests, let them know about our monthly Hammersmith based support group – organised by and run in partnership with local residents.
Find useful information about services and support on our dedicated refugee and asylum seeker webpages here.
