A Ukrainian family who were forced to flee their war-torn country and move to Kent have thanked residents for their kindness.

The family, who now live in Gillingham, have settled into the community and volunteer with Gillingham Street Angels to help others in need.

Dad Volodymyr, 68, who was the director of a regional orphanage for children in Ukraine, and a former Mayor of Ternopil, was left with no choice but to find safety in another country for his family when Russia invaded his country exactly one year ago today.

With little time to safely escape and barely any personal belongings, he joined his wife, daughter-in-law and her two children on the journey to the UK in search of his daughter who has lived and worked in England for more than 20 years.

Volodymyr’s daughter, Iryna, said: “Thank you so much to everyone who has shown not only my family, but all Ukrainians who have had to leave their homes behind, such kindness and compassion.

"My family is extremely grateful and enjoy being in Medway, with lots of beautiful places to see.

"My dad is now volunteering with a local charity to do all he can to thank the local community and help others.”

“Thank you so much to everyone who has shown not only my family, but all Ukrainians who have had to leave their homes behind, such kindness and compassion."

More than 600 households across Medway have expressed an interest as part of the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme and continue to be matched with refugees fleeing their home country. Since April 2022 Medway has welcomed 224 Ukrainians, through the government’s Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

The government continues to offer payments to UK households who open their home to a Ukrainian refugee to assist with costs.

Find out more information about the Homes for Ukraine scheme to check if you’re eligible here. Residents in Medway can also find out more information here.

As a mark of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, the Ukrainian flag will be flown at full mast at Medway Council’s headquarters at Gun Wharf in Chatham.

Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett, said: “Thank you to everyone who currently provides a room to a Ukrainian refugee or who is on a waiting list to be matched. Your generosity to open up your home is a lifeline to people who have endured tragic events over the last year.

“I am pleased to hear that Iryna’s family have settled in UK life and have become part of the Medway community, with her father dedicating his time to volunteering to help people also in need.

“We continue to stand with Ukraine and its people. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Ukrainian people, and any Medway residents with family or friends in the country.”

Mayor of Medway, Cllr Jan Aldous, added: “I was pleased to meet Volodymyr, Luybov and Iryna and hear how welcoming Medway’s residents have been to them as well as other families who have fled Ukraine. I hope the warm welcome they have received has comforted them at this difficult time.

"Our thoughts are with the Ukrainian people, as well as the Medway residents who have family and friends still in Ukraine.”