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Original poster

Will you be opening your home up to Ukrainian refugees?

999 replies

musicalfrog · 11/03/2022 08:03

Interested to see how popular this will be considering so many of us want desperately to make a tangible difference.

My OH wouldn't be up for it I don't think, and we don't have a spare room so I will avoid that particular argument. But otherwise I think it would be such a great thing to do.

The govt is asking for a minimum commitment of 6 months. Will you be signing up?

OP posts:
Scabetty · 12/03/2022 21:52

If my adult children were not here I would consider it but there isn’t room.

Kattekit · 12/03/2022 21:56

We’ve discussed this and are very keen to offer our guest room, it’s a nice room and I can be at home most of the time. The only problem maybe that we live rurally so we might not be considered.

flashy44 · 12/03/2022 22:12

No,and for those who are ,how do you know you are not sharing your house with people who may be violent,thieves,rapists muderers ,child molesters etc,people like this do live in Ukraine just like anywhere else and they too be will be fleeing the war

Jobseeker19 · 12/03/2022 22:15

Hell no

HELLITHURT · 12/03/2022 22:16

@flashy44

No,and for those who are ,how do you know you are not sharing your house with people who may be violent,thieves,rapists muderers ,child molesters etc,people like this do live in Ukraine just like anywhere else and they too be will be fleeing the war
Unlikely to be women and children, so what do you suggest happens to these people?
SallyMcNally · 12/03/2022 22:28

I think we are going to do it. We only have a small spare room and a single communal living space so I don't think we have space for children unfortunately but I work in higher education and I think I could offer a lot of support to a young person to help them continue their education in the UK. Or an older single woman of course. I wouldn't feel comfortable hosting a man though but I don't think that looks like it will be an issue anyway.

Ddot · 12/03/2022 22:30

Majority are woman and children. the men 18 to 60 stayed to fight and alot of childless woman stayed to fight too

kennycat · 12/03/2022 22:42

I’d be ok with it but my husband absolutely would not. Broached the subject of putting up students (uk nationals or foreign exchange ones) and he was vehemently in the ‘no’ camp so I wouldn’t even suggest this. Perhaps I could just get rid of the husband…

Thatsplentyjack · 12/03/2022 22:48

There are 5 of us in a 2 bedroom house and I work from home looking after other people's children so no, wouldn't be possible.

TibetanTerrah · 12/03/2022 22:49

Now that it's come up about the £350/month payment, will that change anyone's minds? I'm in the city centre but unfortunately in a tiny studio. I do however know others in bigger places that are seriously considering it.

VeryMuchFlaggingMinty · 12/03/2022 22:53

If I had the space and funds I would seriously consider it, unfortunately I'm not in that position.

Nomorepastry · 12/03/2022 22:55

My grandparents are considering it. But I don't think I'd be okay with sharing my living space with people I don't know as I have special needs and don't feel comfortable having my 'moments' around them..

Rosesandblossoms · 12/03/2022 23:03

Yes.

NittyGritty66 · 12/03/2022 23:07

Some of these comments make me sad. As a nation we leave strangers (workmen, kitchen fitters, nannies etc) in our houses all the time. I’ve hosted language students for 15 years. Day two they get keys. Never had a problem bar the odd window left open 😉

However, it is a big deal hosting someone who has been displaced like this. It’s an opportunity to really give someone what to they need. None of us have to do it. I probably won’t for now, but might if I can find a way. I’m in awe and extremely grateful to those who might/will. And I cannot believe that costs won’t be covered. Good luck to anyone who’s helping this way. I’m full of gratitude.

Peasock · 12/03/2022 23:08

@NittyGritty66

Some of these comments make me sad. As a nation we leave strangers (workmen, kitchen fitters, nannies etc) in our houses all the time. I’ve hosted language students for 15 years. Day two they get keys. Never had a problem bar the odd window left open 😉

However, it is a big deal hosting someone who has been displaced like this. It’s an opportunity to really give someone what to they need. None of us have to do it. I probably won’t for now, but might if I can find a way. I’m in awe and extremely grateful to those who might/will. And I cannot believe that costs won’t be covered. Good luck to anyone who’s helping this way. I’m full of gratitude.

I mean there's a difference between living living someone for a minimum of 6 months who is likely to be traumatised, and giving the key to a workman Confused
Taranta · 12/03/2022 23:10

I’m going to offer, I’m a single parent with DC and I’ve spoken to them about it already to make sure they understand and are happy with the prospect.
I live in a city and have a large spare room (with double bed and single, sitting area) and with en suite to give someone a bit of space and myself enough privacy when I want it, to make it work.
I understand that it’s not for everyone, but I honestly couldn’t watch this play out and not help if it possible for me to do so.

GiftedFish · 12/03/2022 23:11

No. For many reasons.

Quackpot · 12/03/2022 23:32

@NittyGritty66

Some of these comments make me sad. As a nation we leave strangers (workmen, kitchen fitters, nannies etc) in our houses all the time. I’ve hosted language students for 15 years. Day two they get keys. Never had a problem bar the odd window left open 😉

However, it is a big deal hosting someone who has been displaced like this. It’s an opportunity to really give someone what to they need. None of us have to do it. I probably won’t for now, but might if I can find a way. I’m in awe and extremely grateful to those who might/will. And I cannot believe that costs won’t be covered. Good luck to anyone who’s helping this way. I’m full of gratitude.

I don't leave any stranger alone in my house. And certainly not while I sleep, while my children sleep.
telvg · 12/03/2022 23:45

I would if it was just me. My grandma was Polish and her village helped her and my grandad escape under Russian occupation after ww2. However, my husband doesn’t have that history and would not accept anyone else living in our house. He wouldn’t cope. But I do feel guilty not to do so myself.

Patapouf · 12/03/2022 23:51

No, I would much prefer to support refugees in other ways.

I have young children, i do not think it is appropriate to bring displaced people into their home.
I can barely tolerate weekend guests, let alone 6+ months
Household bills are rising rapidly and I do not want to add to our utility usage.
We have no real spare room.
I also do not endorse the govts seeming ability to care about Ukrainian refugees but not about refugees from non European countries.
I do not want to constantly feel on edge and uncomfortable in my own home.

Mamanyt · 13/03/2022 00:00

Here in the USA, that isn't even a consideration just now. I do have a spare bedroom, but there are strict regulations about how long a visitor can stay (no more than 15 out of 45 days). However, if we had refugees coming in, and the restrictions could be waived, I would. I could not handle children, but an older woman would be welcome.

EveryFlightBeginsWithAFall · 13/03/2022 00:31

@LampLighter414

Anyone paying bedroom tax on council properties should be highly encouraged to take someone in
Why? I have 2 boys 9 and 10, both have sn so probably wouldn't be great with people they dont know in the house

People shouldn't be forced just because they are on benefits anyway. We still pay our electricity and food bills you know, I couldn't afford extra for a star

McShowy · 13/03/2022 00:33

@welliewarmer

I haven't read the whole thread but so far nobody has mentioned the benefits of putting somebody up in your house. It's not quite the same but we've had a few young people staying in our house to help with the garden etc in exchange for bed and board and it's been fun.

Longest was for three months. It was interesting getting to know them, had some really fun mealtimes with games afterwards, and it has really helped with our children's social skills and taught them about generosity, hospitality and sharing. When I was growing up, my parents invited various children from more deprived backgrounds to stay with us over the summer and it taught us a lot, something I've wanted to pass on to my own children. I want them to learn kindness and generously and the best way is by modelling it. Yes it's a sacrifice loosing your spare room for six months and money will be tight but bloody hell we are the lucky ones here.

Am I understanding this correctly - for roughly three months a year your parents used to let the poor kids experience the good life, show them what they’re missing out on, then chuck them back to their ‘deprived’ lives?? All so you could be taught a lesson about how privileged you are? 😯
Anubias44 · 13/03/2022 00:37

Certainly Not. There is a high probability, that these people will be carrying diseases, and that aside, who will be paying for the, not insignificant, consumable on costs?

MumsMetHer · 13/03/2022 00:37

We're seriously considering it. It's part of our Christian faith to be hospitable and to care for the vulnerable, especially widows and children, which I think could include those whose fathers and husbands are unable to provide for them.

I'm a SAHM with a WFH husband and two toddlers in a three bedroom house, so whether we'd be accepted is another matter.