Communities in West Cumbria are rallying together to support people fleeing war in Ukraine.
Shocked by the scenes in Eastern Europe, Gilcrux resident Michael Fitzgerald decided he wanted to do something to help.
He organised a public meeting at Gilcrux Village Hall on March 26, which was attended by 35 residents.
“They were all very supportive. It gave them an impression of what we are trying to do – which is to get some Ukrainian people into the village.
“We want to support them – the sponsors – not just the refugees.
“We have a number of people who are prepared to be sponsors and I have gone ahead and registered as a sponsor. I have been in contact with a family in Ukraine who are filling in their visas.
“Hopefully they will be able to leave Ukraine when they get their visas. Things are made more complicated because they are on the Russian-occupied side of Ukraine. But we believe if they get their visas they should be able to get out.”
Inspired by the work of the Gilcrux community, a meeting was held in Lorton organised by local resident Vince Mercer.
A further meeting is due to take place in Dearham on April 23 led by local sponsor Rachel Tate.
“We can’t do anything else (to help),” said Michael.
“What can we do? One thing is giving money and support, the other is to offer our homes to anyone fleeing from a warzone.”
How to become a sponsor for Ukrainian refugees
If you want to offer a home to people fleeing Ukraine, you can become a sponsor as part of the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme.
Anyone in the UK with a spare room or home can use this service, as long as:
- you can offer accommodation for at least six months
- if you’re not a British citizen, you have leave to remain in the UK for at least six months
Read more here – Homes for Ukraine: record your interest
Slow visa system
One thing many sponsors and refugees are struggling with is the visa system, with many claiming that it is “too slow”.
Last month the refugees minister blamed “Home Office red tape” for the “unacceptable” delays to applications for refuge in UK homes.
Lord Harrington, who masterminded Michael Gove’s Homes for Ukraine scheme, said the visa process had been “too slow” and bureaucratic.
“One of the things people are struggling with is the visa system,” said Michael.
“The government is now speeding up the process. I have not had experience of it personally but I am aware of anecdotes.
“A mother and two of her children were able to get a visa but the other child has been struggling and they are struggling to get them through.”
The group will offer support in a number of areas, such as help securing school places, finding jobs for refugees and registering with a doctor’s surgery.
It is hoped that four sponsors in Gilcrux will take in 8-10 refugees initially.
Is the community behind Michael’s efforts?
“I am definite on that bit, I have no doubts about that,” he said.
“This is a group of people (Ukrainians) who have not asked for this, it is not a country which is making war with Russia, it is a war with them.
“It is completely unjustified and we need to show our support by providing shelter until at some point they can go home.”
Anyone interested in setting up their own group to support refugees and their sponsors can contact Michael Fitzgerald on 07821565793.
