With almost 50 Ukrainians hosted with local families in Rye District, we have seen several changes during the Christmas and New Year holiday: one family decided to move to Poland having been back to Ukraine for a break; another has relocated from the countryside to Rye; one guest has been relocated within Rye. All moves have been coordinated with the hosts by the Rye hub of the local Homes for Ukraine organisation.
Many of the Ukrainians have been in the area since last spring, but with the conflict having intensified because of attacks on vital infrastructure, the risks for civilians in Ukraine are high and the future very uncertain. In some cases our guests have nowhere to return to because their homes have been destroyed or fall in combat areas. However, most wish to return at some stage.
Meanwhile, those involved with support for the Ukrainians – the Rye hub, Rother Voluntary Action, Rother District and East Sussex Council – are keeping all the options open and continuing to work to aid settlement.
In Rye, we are looking forward to our next social event, kindly hosted by the Rye Baptist Church on the morning of January 21.