To ask if you'll sponsor a Ukrainian refugee?

[TheBeesKnee]

The humanitarian pathway means that charities, communities and individuals can sponsor refugees. I've felt very disturbed and useless this past week and want to do something, contribute somehow, make a difference to someone's life.

We have a spare room, so we could take someone in? Just need to talk to DP.

Would be interested to hear if anyone else plans to or experiences - either in this war or any previous if applicable.

It feels like the first thing is to keep pressure on the govt to stick to its promise to allow in sponsored refugees and allow them to work. And to allow people to come soon. Writing to MPs may help.

@MalagaNights

I'd like to consider it, as we have space. I've been finding it hard to get information though. I'll follow the threads linked.

If anyone is doing this and has more info e.g. do they get financial support, what would be the longer term plan, how would the children get into school etc please let me know, as this will help us make a decision.

The response of the Poles has been immense, I'd like to think we'd do the same.

I don't think there is any proper information. The govt have announced a scheme but produce zero details. I'd be happy if I was wrong on that, so please someone correct me!

dixiechix

Did you think of sponsoring Syrians or Afghans when they fled their wars?

Honestly, no. We just bought this house 2 years ago and it has been a building site up until very recently (and it's still not finished tbh).

I did donate money, though. It was all I could do at the time.

Not to drip feed but my 23&Me results said I was 28% Eastern European (includee in the mix was the Ukraine, Hungary, Romania and Poland), and we have been on holidays out that way in the past as well. My partner's grandparents were war refugees who came to the UK too. So I suppose I feel a stronger connection/affinity, as well as being in a better position to offer something other than cash donations.

We've also been trying and failing to start a family in excess of 3 years and the room earmarked for a baby feels wasted.

Sorry, very long answer to a straightforward question there!

I'm thinking I'd offer for a women and 2 chiledrn so I presume she wouldn't be able to work. What financial support would they get?

Ar there links specifiaclly for Ukrainian refugess? Or are the ones linked the organsiations who will deal with all refugees?

No I wouldn't.

Sorry, but I wouldn't feel comfortable or happy with strangers in my home.

A friend has extended family in Ukraine and has asked if we could help if they made it to our country (not UK). So we might be getting the inflatable mattress out. It might get crowded, but hell, they’re fleeing a war. I speak a little Russian, and I have Ukrainian friends who are active in the relief effort, so we can help to get them sorted out.

I'd happily take someone if it something that's needed.

I'm finding it surprising that the government would expect refugee families fleeing a war to stay with strangers though? Is it the only option they have?

Desperate women with small children? How cold you are.

I don't think it's fair to make these statements. People have different boundaries and limits. You don't know who you're welcoming into your home.

It's all well and good to say "yeah I'd definitely do it" on an online forum but the reality and practicality is very different.

Don't attack people who are just being honest about their feelings.

We are considering it as a relatives house is empty after they passed away recently. As soon is probate is done, a week or so we will be in a position to offer it to a family or a few people.

@girlmom21

Desperate women with small children? How cold you are.

I don't think it's fair to make these statements. People have different boundaries and limits. You don't know who you're welcoming into your home.

It's all well and good to say "yeah I'd definitely do it" on an online forum but the reality and practicality is very different.

Don't attack people who are just being honest about their feelings.

Thanks for this.

I have BPD meaning social interactions make me very anxious, so no, I would struggle hugely with strangers in my home.

If that makes me cold then so be it.

@Strawberryjellyicecream if I had room I still wouldn’t do it.

I have a tight budget. I can’t afford it. I look ok but I’m terrified of rising prices as it is and I need to keep my money to support my children.

I’m also autistic and I wouldn’t want to share my home with people I don’t know. It would wreck my mental health.

If that’s cold so be it.

We’re talking about toddlers fleeing war zones and you’re worried about somebody being in the shower when you want to use it

Literally no fucker said that

If that’s cold so be it

Snap.

@Strawberryjellyicecream that is a very ableist statement you just made to me.

Have you any clue what it’s like to be autistic?

I’m sorry, we can bang the ‘personal limits, you don’t know my reasons’ drum however much we want, it doesn’t make it fine and dandy

I think my mental health does make it fine actually.

[quote AchillesPoirot]@Strawberryjellyicecream that is a very ableist statement you just made to me.

Have you any clue what it’s like to be autistic?[/quote]
Absolutely.

@Strawberryjellyicecream

You don't know who you're welcoming into your home.

Mums and toddlers?! Teenage girls?! Little boys?

Who don't speak your language, who you have no idea of, who could have health problems, people who are terrified, children who have seen their home being bombed.

These women and children aren't going to just move in and it'll all be lovely. They're going to be scared of you. They're going to have almost nothing. They're going to be missing their family and friends. They're going to be traumatised.