Ukraine refugees

[irishfarmer]

Just wondering if anyone has taken in refugees? How is it going?

I signed up with the Red Cross appeal (Ireland) a few weeks ago and they just phoned to see if I can still take someone. I said yes. She asked a few more questions about where I live/ rooms available/ local facilities. Asked would I and Dh be open to be vetted which I said yes. I asked was there anything else we needed to do and she said no. If a case worker thinks we are a match they'll be touch.

I've only signed up until early July as baby is due at the end of July so would only be for a short time. Is there anything you've learnt that I can do to make them feel welcome? Not sure what I can do for them/ offer them. As my name suggests we live on a farm which is very pretty imo but not a lot to do, it about over an hr walk to the village. (One car family which DH uses all day so it would be on foot).

Any just looking for your thoughts? How is it going? What do you do? I'm guessing they will be happy to be safe even if bored.

Maybe when you know what ages you are getting you could ask friends/Facebook if anyone has a bike(s) that you could borrow.
ps. I'm from an Irish farm as well and I feel so proud of the response shown by you and the thousands of others in Ireland who have opened their homes up to Ukrainian refugees.

We are in Scotland and have offered a double room with private bathroom. Heard nothing for weeks but are now in conversation with someone who assists matches.
I’m finding many refugees want to be in a city for support and employment.
Some of the sites I’m looking at state farms are not always suitable for families with young children if there is open water and farm machinery.

Good idea with the bikes @FrydayFish

@Finfintytint my SIL did say that we won't be suitable because of where we live. I suppose just wait and see if we are needed. I def understand wanting to be in a city or at least a town for support etc. I didn't really think about the farm safety aspect. The house and machinery yard are fairly separate. Like the tractors/livestock wouldn't be near the house. We've no open water and our slurry system is very safe. I do know kids can go exploring though so we would have to make sure they understand the dangers.

Looking for advice am expecting my guests from ukraine mid sep they need to travel through Germany to uk , which is the best way , would also like advice on how they can bring a small dog and what if any documents will be needed for it

I would investigate what opportunities are available in your area. Our local library is running a two hour session for learning English but it is also a place to meet other Ukrainians so they don’t feel so isolated. We run a stall nearby and collect money donations for Ukraine and clothing etc. We keep some for giving to people here too. So they can come and ask and we will try and source it. Sized clothing, curtains, duvets, crockery and books. We have also worked with another local group to source bikes. There might be something like that in your area. Some of the refugees have met up with others for lunch etc from links to the library and our stall. Some people have met at church. Some Orthodox Ukrainians may want to go to church. You could find times and places for Catholic services. Also if there is a Polish service. Many Ukrainians can speak Polish too.Useful if they don’t speak any English.
We have found many of the teenagers from cities are fairly fluent in English but not always confident. Some younger children are now being taught English at school so may have some knowledge. Parents often don’t have any English especially if they are living rurally. Some may be more fluent in Russian if living near the border.
If you have a Polish shop or supermarket near you then having some things like Polish sausage/ salami and some biscuits and sweets would be kind. These things would be more familiar to them. Aldi and Lidl are other options.

You might find they are very quiet when they first arrive as some are extremely tired from travelling and some are traumatised. Allow time to adjust.
A sponsor showed her refugees which bus to catch, where the bus stops were and how much so they could go into the city centre when she was at work. She brought them and introduced them to us and we suggested the Library too. This meant they could have a little independence.

Financially they should get £200 when they arrive then forms need to be filled in quickly to get money from the government. This money takes about 5 weeks to arrive. Any children should be eligible for free school uniform. We had a school secretary be very rude to one of our refugees but I managed to sort that as I knew the overall Head of the Academy. So if children are being enrolled you might need to point it out. A village school provided sweatshirts, t shirts and a school bag and had it all ready so it varies from school to school.
I think they are eligible for school meals too. It has changed recently but free meals and free uniform go together and are more available now than a few months ago.

My friend is Ukrainian and has been here 16 years. She has found jobs in some local factories if they are available to work. It is line work so fairly easy once shown. You may find Polish workers in these jobs so it helps communication.

They may be very homesick. One of our families are returning because mum is not coping. The children have been doing well. They are isolated in the country but villagers have been amazing giving lifts to the city etc. We are sad to see them return as we worry about their safety. Dad is in Ukraine working in IT and they are missing him.

I hope this helps.
Oh and if you get a doctor or nurse help them get in touch with the NHS as one of the sponsors informed us that they can work here if they speak English. May have to do a couple of exams first but one doctor is now working in the local hospital. They can also help with accommodation. This sponsor was on holiday and has worked with other refugees and so a great source of information.

Sorry so long but hope this helps you. Thank you for so much for sponsoring.

I will check up about the dog. One family brought three dogs and a cat in their car. Didn’t seem to be a problem. Think they need rabies jab but if you check with a local vet they should know. I know someone who came via Spain so I will ask them as they brought a gorgeous, small dog. I should see them today.