LAST week marked the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Melksham continues to support Ukrainian families who have fled the conflict one year on, and support networks are well established.
The world was shocked by news of the Russian invasion on 24th February last year and the Melksham community displayed an overwhelming show of support for those fleeing from Ukraine and rallied to donate items, raise money, offer homes as a place to stay for refugees, and the town hall was illuminated in the colours of the Ukrainian flag to show solidarity. That Meeting Space in Melksham Market Place continues to be a facility for Ukrainian refugees, hosting free conversational English sessions twice a week.
One Ukrainian resident from Odesa, who has been living with a Melksham host for nine months said, “A year ago, my friend phoned me early in the morning and said ‘the war has begun, they have launched an attack.’ I went on Instagram, Facebook and it was all over the internet. I think my home is ok at the moment. There are missiles going over. When that happens, everybody gets down into the basement.
“The people in Melksham have been amazing. Melksham is very good. The community have been really supportive and when we first arrived, we were given clothes, support with food and a place to stay. The people in Melksham have been amazing. I am having English lessons now too and I have a job where I work nights.
“When we first came to Melksham the community would meet up often and we went on trips around the country to different places. We went to Weymouth, London, Liverpool. I really like Liverpool. I also really like all the buildings in this country and I am reading about the history of Bath, Tower Bridge in London, and Big Ben.
“Now, lots of people in the Ukrainian community here are working. I work nights so we don’t get to meet up as often as we did, but we still do. Since the war started last year, my view of life has changed.”
For more information about how to support people in Melksham fleeing from the war, contact the town council via 01225 704187.
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