**Thousands of Refugees Find Home in Buckinghamshire**
More than 2,100 refugees have settled in Buckinghamshire since the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme began. This is the highest number of any local authority area in the UK.
The scheme allowed UK and Irish citizens to sponsor visas for people from Ukraine and host them for at least six months. Buckinghamshire Council said it had over 1,100 sponsors since the conflict started in 2022.
Many refugees have been helped by community groups like Hilltops Ukrainian Support Community. Sarah Graham, who runs this group, says they’ve assisted almost 600 people settle in the area around the Chiltern Hills. Three-quarters of them now live in their own homes.
The group held a commemoration event last Friday to mark three years since the conflict started. They also provided support and advice to refugees on issues like healthcare and finding work.
**Refugees Share Their Experiences**
Anna Putiata, 38, says she’s had problems finding a doctor as a GP in her area doesn’t speak Ukrainian. Tetiana Pantielieieva, 35, works for Buckinghamshire Council but has also struggled with the language. She worries about using words that might not exist in English.
Loneliness is another issue for some refugees. Alysoun Owen, who teaches English to Ukrainians at a church in Aylesbury, says there are problems after the six-month programme ends and people need to find new accommodation.
**Council Commits to Supporting Refugees**
Buckinghamshire Council’s Conservative leader, Martin Tett, is proud of the county‘s record on supporting Ukrainian refugees. He credits the high number of sponsors who came forward as a reason why many refugees have settled in the area.
The council has also helped convert qualifications from Ukraine to UK equivalents and provided dedicated support officers to help them integrate into their new communities.
However, Tett acknowledges that finding employment remains a challenge for many refugees. Some take jobs that are not commensurate with their qualifications and previous experience.
**Key Facts About Buckinghamshire**
* Population: around 553,300
* Average house price: £453,000
* Average rent for a three-bedroom property: £1,400 a month
* The county has 171 parish and town councils
* Some 32% of the county is designated green belt
The council continues to provide support and resources to help refugees settle in Buckinghamshire.