**Refugee Hosts Sought in North Worcestershire**
A search is on to find more people in north Worcestershire who can host refugees from Ukraine. Redditch currently has 66 adult and child hosts, while Bromsgrove has 85. However, the number of hosts is falling.
Kateryna Kriachko, a 22-year-old refugee who fled Kyiv and now lives with Joan Forrest in Bromsgrove, says hosting provides a safe space for Ukrainians fleeing war. “We’re not scary people,” she said. “We just need some peace.”
Kriachko has been living with Ms. Forrest since July last year. The pair have become close friends, despite an initial age gap concern. Kriachko even participated in their local pantomime last month.
Tetiana Ponomar, a mother of two who arrived from Ukraine in 2022, now helps out as a support worker for the host scheme. She praises Britain‘s approach to hosting refugees, saying it allows Ukrainians to share culture and cuisine with hosts.
The “What it means to me” campaign aims to encourage more people to sign up to host Ukrainian refugees. The campaign shares personal stories of current hosts and guests, highlighting the positive impact of hosting on both parties.
Since the war broke out in 2022, 114 homes in Bromsgrove and Redditch have been opened to Ukrainians. However, numbers have dwindled, and councils are seeking between 10 and 20 more hosts in each area.
**Key Facts:**
* Hosting provides a safe space for Ukrainian refugees fleeing war.
* The number of hosts in north Worcestershire is falling.
* Current hosts receive £350-£600 per month for hosting Ukrainian refugees.
* The “What it means to me” campaign aims to encourage more people to host Ukrainian refugees.