Ukrainians fleeing their war-torn country still need our help. Here, local volunteer Sasfi Hope-Ross explains how you can help – and the impact on people in need…

AS Russians bombs continue to bombard Ukrainian towns and cities, it is estimated that
15 million people have been displaced from their homes. So far, seven million are estimated to have fled the country.
There is a desperate need for families to find homes and safety, now more than ever.

I spoke with Andre and Sue, who invited Elena into their home last year. An initial Zoom meeting was set up for them to get to know each other. Once they were both happy, they started on the paperwork together, with assistance from another local Ukrainian.
Her visa application was processed quite speedily.
Andre said: “An important thing, I feel, is that you are not alone. There is a good support network locally with other hosts who have been through the process and this has been very important in helping us organise everything. There is a whole community involved.
“For the Ukrainian families here, a good support system has developed locally that has helped everyone connect too. A network of hosts and guests makes everything so much easier for everyone.”

Some of the Ukrainians coming to Dorset have family or friends here, so it is wonderful to be able to help them settle near people they know.
If you are interested in hosting and wish to see if you might be able to offer a suitable home for someone, please contact shaftesburyrefugeegroup@gmail.com and we can talk through the process and answer your questions.
Or similarly, if you wish to volunteer locally, please contact the above email or visit www.shaftesburyrefugeegroup.org. Volunteers are always needed.
There is an extensive list of potential families we can connect you with, and we can assist you to find a good match that works for both parties.
And as Andre said, you are not alone – there is a community here that can assist, guide and help you.