Since the Homes for Ukraine (H4U) Scheme started in early spring 2022, the Rye H4U Hub, run by volunteers, has been coordinating support, with other bodies, such as Rother Voluntary Action, for Ukrainian families (mostly women and children) taking refuge in the Rye area. Of the original 25 families which came to Rye the number has dropped to around 12. Some refugees have returned to Ukraine; some have moved elsewhere in the UK.
Each month the Rye H4U Hub ensures that there is “get-together”. The latest of these was a “soiree at Ashburnham Place” on Thursday, June 5. Rother Voluntary Action organised the event with local support from Ashburnham Place. Rye Community Transport provided the transport to and from Rye.
We have been to Ashburnham Place before and as always, they do a fantastic job. There was tea and cakes and lots of music. Dancers and singers performed Ukrainian folk songs dressed in traditional clothing. All the guests seemed to know the words!
These events provide a welcome diversion for Rye refugees as well as a reminder of their culture and links to home. Some of the children have spent more time in UK than they have in the home country! Well over three years of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has affected all their family situations as most originate from the east and south of Ukraine where Russia either occupies or is fighting to take land. The nightly bombing continues to impact all parts of the country. With peace negotiations seemingly far from delivering any sort of a solution, 2025 appears set to bring continued uncertainty.
Until they can return, we have pledged to support the Ukrainian guests in the area for as long as it takes.
Image Credits: Anthony Kimber .