CAPTION: Ten-year-old Ailia has helped to make a video appealing for more Ukraine hosts in Devon
Video Appeal for More Ukraine Host Families in Devon
Residents of a Devon village have made a video encouraging more people to consider hosting a Ukrainian refugee family.
The video is presented by 10-year-old Ailia from Ukraine, who is now living with her mother and sister in Walkhampton, near Tavistock.
It has been made on behalf of the Diocese of Exeter, which has been working with the charity Citizens UK, to offer Ukrainian guests a home in Devon.
So far 34 families (89 people) have been housed by the Diocese across the county but there are still at least 26 families (55 people) awaiting matching.
The Diocese of Exeter is seeking possible hosts in urban areas of Devon, near good transport links and with schools nearby.
Neil and Jean Jameson are hosting Ailia and her family in Walkhampton
Hosts need to have at least one spare room and to commit to offering accommodation for at least six months.
The Archdeacon of Exeter, the Ven. Andrew Beane, said “We were so encouraged by the enormously positive response from people from across Devon when the scheme was launched in March.
“We have been able to find homes for nearly 90 people, but the need is still there as the war in Ukraine continues to cause such hardship for its people.
“We fully appreciate that for us all, the cost-of-living crisis and people’s personal situations may have changed. Still, if you do have a spare room and are open to the idea of helping a Ukrainian family, we would love to hear from you.
“Homes in towns or cities with good transport connections and links with schools are ideal, but we have also found homes in some of our beautiful Devon villages.
“Consider Hosting Carefully”
Neil Jameson and his wife are hosting Ailia and her family. He is also the Director of UK Welcomes Refugees and said, “We are almost into our sixth month of hosting now and the experience has primarily been a privilege and a pleasure – learning, listening, sharing plus laughing and being sad together – at the tragic war and the implications for Ukraine and the future.”
Ailia said “At my school in Walkhampton, there are three other children from Ukraine and I have lots of friends and enjoy learning English.”
Neil added that it was important for homeowners to be honest with themselves about whether they could host a family or not: “We would encourage you to talk seriously to any others living in the house, to think carefully, talk to others who are hosts, if possible engage with your extended family and neighbours to make this a joint and shared challenge.
“If, after that, you have back up, sound advice and have had the chance of ‘meeting’ on zoom with your potential guests and you still feel positive – go for it!
“If not, don’t do it – there will be other opportunities for you to help refugees seeking sanctuary in Devon which do not involve them moving into your house.”
Please email our Ukraine team to find out more about hosting.
