Only days after Angela finished and graduated with her masters in linguistics, her home country was invaded. She was 23 and an English teacher in Ukraine. She was able to seek safety through the homes for Ukraine scheme, but one year on from the invasion she still dreams of being back home and with her family

“I arrived in the UK on the 22nd of April 2022, my host family met me at Birmingham Airport. I’m being hosted by my friend and her family. I really miss home. Every day I call my parents. But one day there was a huge bombing that meant they wouldn’t have electricity at home or any mobile connection. It was horrible not being sure if they were okay.

The family I live with helped me a lot. They introduced me to Refugee Action, who helped me access wellbeing support and financial assistance. They connected me with my caseworker Sarah. She’s lovely. She makes sure that I’m comfortable and that I have everything I need. When I need information, I know that I can ask her. Her support helped me find volunteer opportunities. I’m thankful for the
great work Refugee Action is doing to support hosts and people like me who were forced to leave Ukraine.

I do believe that everything is going to sort itself out as soon as possible. My hope is that sooner or later, I will be able to go back home.”

Since the War in Ukraine a year ago, Refugee Action have mobilised to support where needed. We initially provided services to families with children who had urgent health care needs. More recently we have supported over 1,000 refugees and 400 hosts across the Midlands to ensure they have the resources, guidance and information they need.