Two further homes for Ukrainian families on the Isle of Wight have been found...but more is still needed.

An appeal, launched by Community Action Isle of Wight at the end of 2022, aimed to find vacant properties for larger Ukrainian families who were desperate to stay together on the Island.

Thanks to media coverage, Including this article in the County Press, places were found for two families including family members Alisa Druzhbina, Halyna Vasiukova, Albina Kulchytska, and her daughter Nina Kulchytska

The family had travelled to the UK from the east of Ukraine, where most of the hostilities have been focused.  

On their arrival, Alisa and Halyna were hosted in one home and Albina and her daughter Nina were hosted by another family. 

Halyna said: “When we came to the UK, we thought we might only be staying for a few months and would then be able to return home but sadly it has just not been safe to do so.

“We have been supported for the last nine months by the most wonderful hosts but, having been separated in different homes and knowing we will potentially be here for much longer, we desperately wanted to live together again as a family.

“After the appeal we received the fantastic news and we have now been able to move into a property together.”

Philippa Daley, from Community Action Isle of Wight, which has been co-ordinating support with the Isle of Wight Council for over 100 Ukrainian families echoed Halyna’s thoughts.

She said: “We are so grateful to the media for the coverage of our appeal and to the continuing generosity of Islanders.

“We are determined to continue to do what we can for these families who remain desperate to return home and be reunited with family and friends."

Accommodation specifically needed includes:

  • 3 bed rental property, driving distance from Newport for a family of 5
  • 2 bed rental property for a family of 3, Niton/Whitwell/Shanklin areas
  • 2 bed hosted accommodation for a family of 3 in Ryde
  • 3 bed rental property for a family of 3 in Ryde
  • 2 bed rental or hosted property for a family of 3 in East Cowes
  • 2 bed hosted property for a family of 2 in Cowes 
  • 2 bed rental property for a family of 2 in Newport
  • 2 bed rental property for a family of 2 in Shanklin

Anyone able to help is asked to contact Philippa on 01983 539374 or email ukraine@actioniw.org.uk Funding support is still available for host families.