[Name]'s Story
I traveled to England (Claygate) from Ukraine just before Christmas 2022, where I met Grace and Graham, their daughter Emma and their dog Pickle. Back then I didn`t know yet how wonderful this experience would be and how dear these people are. I was given a room and a bathroom on the second floor but most importantly I was given a safe place, a lot of support and love. I truly felt like I was part of this family.
Grace and Graham took me everywhere I needed to go to sort out things all Ukrainians need to do, they helped me to understand how everything works, showed me around, and helped to find a job and to socialize, let alone British history lessons, boardgame evenings, tea talks and English lessons. They also told me about Elmbridge CAN.
Elmbridge CAN is doing an enormous job helping not only Ukrainians but everyone, every refugee in need. Here I found friends, improved my English and fulfilled some of my ideas. I want to thank to all members of this team, all volunteers as I believe without you people like me would feel lost and hopeless. I was lucky to have a family supporting me but I know that many are in much worse situations and the fact that they can ask for information, education, food, financial and emotional support means a lot!
Elmbridge CAN is doing an enormous job helping not only Ukrainians but everyone, every refugee in need. Here I found friends, improved my English and fulfilled some of my ideas. I want to thank to all members of this team, all volunteers as I believe without you people like me would feel lost and hopeless. I was lucky to have a family supporting me but I know that many are in much worse situations and the fact that they can ask for information, education, food, financial and emotional support means a lot!
If you are interested in hearing more about the possibility of hosting a Ukrainian guest already in Elmbridge, please get in touch with us on [email protected] and we will arrange a time to have a chat. Hosts and guests can get to know each other before committing to an arrangement and people already here usually require less support. Hosts receive a payment of £600 per month from Elmbridge Borough Council and both hosts and guests can contact us here at ElmbridgeCAN for support at any time.