It has been one year since Russia invaded Ukraine. It was February 24 2022 when president Putin launched the invasion of the neighbouring country from the north, east and south, sending in around 20,000 armed soldiers.
The UK also launched the 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme. To date, it has helped more than 100,000 refugees settle in hosts' homes, with the Government offering homeowners £350 a month for the first 12 months. It was hoped the scheme would give Ukrainian refugees the chance to find work, earn a wage and become self-sufficient, before moving on and settling permanently in the UK.
Reflecting back on the experience on the one-year anniversary of the war, which is still raging on, Lisa said she has no regrets - but that there were some significant challenges and things that she wishes she would have known would arise. "It was a challenge for us. We had a mum and dad and two teenagers. It came to a head when they were trying to find somewhere else to live, and had to prove their financial stability. It was almost impossible to do that when their records were everywhere, they hadn't been in jobs long or had a guarantor or the paperwork. But also, trying to explain that to a family who didn't speak much English and had a different culture was extremely challenging.
At the time, Lisa said the £350 a month her family was given to help host the refugees was quickly spent - with the shower regularly running, rising bills and an increase in the amount of food being bought. "We really felt like we helped an entire family get set up, escape the horrific situation in Ukraine and have really played our part. It took up a lot of headspace supporting them so much, which detracted from my focus of running a business for around six months. I think everyone is so pleased that we did this. all the children gave up their spaces to move bedrooms and my son Alfie enjoyed having friends and learning Russian.
'It isn't always that easy living with someone in your house - but they have a lifelong friend in me if they ever need a hand' "They're still living with me, and I've told them I would probably like to help find them accommodation by June time," Richard says. "There have been a few issues - nobody expected it to go on this long, and the money the government gives to the hosts feels pointless.