Prime Minister hails ‘brilliant’ new Express project to help Ukrainian refugees settle in UK | United Kingdom | News UK News

The online resource is designed as a “one stop shop” offering essential advice and information to both Ukrainian refugees arriving in the UK and the British families hosting them. Help finding school places, employment, healthcare and a host of related charities offering a full range of support are all available at a glance. Boris Johnson recorded an exclusive video to help launch the site which went live today on www.express.co.uk/ukraine. The Prime Minister thanked the Daily Express and addressed his words to Ukrainians who had recently arrived in the UK.

He said: “I just wanted to extend the most sincere and warm welcome to our Ukrainian friends and say it’s fantastic to have you here in the UK.

“I hope this website helps you with vital information on housing, education, employment and much more, including the mysteries of British culture.

“We are doing everything we can to help Ukraine in its struggle for freedom and we are delighted to offer our Ukrainian friends a safe place here in our country.

“I am grateful to the Daily Express, a major historic British newspaper, for hosting this website and hope you find it useful as you settle in and make the most of your life in the UK.

Thank you and Slava Ukraini. (Glory to Ukraine)”

The site also offers a Facebook group where Ukrainians in the UK can meet safely online and exchange stories and information to feel more at home.

A weekly email newsletter is available and the hub will be in English with a Ukrainian translation service.

The Prime Minister was immediately joined in his support by some of the major charities working to support Ukrainian refugees in the UK.

Save the Children UK is now preparing to support the arrival of Ukrainian families and children with dedicated specialist advice and activities as they begin to arrive in greater numbers.

Executive Director Kirsty McNeil said: “In one month, the conflict in Ukraine has caused the fastest and largest displacement of people in Europe since World War II.

“Many people arriving in the UK feel exhausted, isolated and deprived. In times of vulnerability, it is vital that those in need have access to legitimate information. »

She added: “The new Express website is a helpful guide that offers answers to some of the most burning questions families may have upon arrival. These include how to access health care, enroll children in school, find housing and seek employment. We want families and children to feel welcome and supported when they need it most. »

UK Impact’s Save the Children Director Dan Paskins added: “So many Brits have come forward and been so generous in supporting and welcoming Ukrainian refugee families.

“The more quality information there is, the more successful it will be for everyone.

“This is where the work that the Express is doing to make sure this information is available to host families and refugee families in a truly accessible place that allows people to find out at a glance what they need is exactly what they need and it’s great to see the Express taking the lead in making that happen.

Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, said: “In the weeks to come, Ukrainian refugees and their British hosts will need help and will have many questions to answer.

“This website aims to be a useful source of advice and information and should be a useful resource for both groups.”

The website was also well received by two female Ukrainian MPs fighting to free their country from the grip of Putin’s invasion last night and hailed the Express website as a “brilliant idea” to help refugees fleeing the war.

Inna Sovsun served as the country’s Deputy Minister of Education and Science from 2014 to 2016.

The 38-year-old, who lives in Kyiv, studied education policy at the University of California, Berkeley as a Fulbright scholar between 2018 and 2019.

Giving her full support, she said: “The UK’s help is really being felt in Ukraine. And we are extremely grateful for that. The UK helps those who remained in Ukraine, as well as those who had to leave our country.

“The Daily Express has set up a website that collates information on helping Ukrainians arriving in the UK.

“It contains information on education, housing, benefits, employment and health care. And that is very helpful because we all understand how difficult it can be in a new country for people who, because of war, have been forced to leave their whole lives behind and leave without any preparation.

“In the most difficult times for the Ukrainian people, your help is incredibly valuable. So, on behalf of all the Ukrainian people: thank you!”

Mother-of-three Lesia Vasylenko, 34, who has vowed to fight Russian soldiers with her AK47 if necessary, offered instant and enthusiastic support.

The former corporate and human rights lawyer said: ‘I think it’s a brilliant idea. On the Ukrainian side, the number one question is what should I do with the children, who will help me settle them in school?

“If there was a resource that would help them do that, that would be great. It would also be great for people to have a proven resource of potential sponsors in the UK.

“People have problems knowing where to find genuine sponsors and whether they are verified or not.

“The third question people ask is about healthcare once you get to the UK. The human body pulls itself together in times of stress, but when there is a calm period and the stress wears off, problems of health reappear.

“It’s something that isn’t talked about so much because it comes up afterwards. How to find help on the NHS and find doctors will be a very big question.

“Many of the Ukrainians who move are qualified doctors and psychologists who can help with psychological trauma.

“It would be great to somehow find Ukrainians who are medical professionals certified to speak to Ukrainians and treat them in their own language.”

“The British people have responded beautifully by offering their homes and it is so badly needed.

“I have just left Ukraine to go to Poland and we were driving at night. Every area has been lit up with artillery fire and explosions, it’s very intense.

“The humanitarian needs are very pressing, but we also need helmets, body armor and night vision goggles to help us deal with the Russians.”

Former Cabinet Minister Sir Iain Duncan Smith, Conservative MP for Chingford and Woodford, said: “The British public has responded generously to calls to welcome Ukrainian refugees into their homes.

“I would like to thank everyone who supported those who fled the war in Ukraine through donations, hospitality, volunteering and friendships.

“This website is a reliable and trustworthy resource for anyone who wants to open their home or help refugees in some way, but have questions about logistics and practicalities. I fully support this excellent initiative.

Tom Tugendhat, Conservative MP for Tonbridge and Malling, and chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said: “People who arrive in a foreign country with nothing need help.

“The British have shown their generosity by opening their homes, but we all know they will need more.

“From healthcare to education, Ukrainians will need help getting the support we want to provide, so I’m grateful that the Express has created this website. They are the guide to our nation whose friends need.”

Former Brexit Secretary David Davis said: “This hub is a great Express initiative that will no doubt help newly arrived Ukrainian refugees find their bearings when they need it most.”

Former Secretary of State for Wales and MP for Clwyd West, David Jones, said: ‘This is a great initiative from the Express, and it is greatly appreciated. Refugees arriving in the UK will naturally need all the support they can get, and this one-stop-shop will be of great value in helping them find their place in our country. Hosts will also find this resource extremely useful. Kudos to the Express.

Former cabinet minister Damian Green added: “I am delighted to see this humanitarian initiative by the Express. Simple and easily accessible information will be very important for newly arrived Ukrainian refugees in this country.

Former Welsh secretary and Conservative MP for Vale of Glamorgan, Alun Cairns, said: “It demonstrates the best of British hospitality and shows the most amazing generosity and support from individuals and families to important businesses like the Express. It will make a significant difference to people in need and contrast with Putin’s brutality.”

Former Conservative cabinet minister Ann Widdecombe offered the website her wholehearted endorsement.

Ms Widdecombe, most recently a Brexit Party MEP, said: “Obviously anyone who comes here from Ukraine has suddenly been shot in a foreign country.

“They will have no experience with our systems and they will suffer the loss of loved ones or whatever.

“And so anything that makes their life easier should be welcome.”