Published on Wednesday 23 August 2023
Image shows Nadia with her husband and children.
Two Ukrainians have shared their stories of survival on Ukraine Independence Day today (24 August).
Nadia Maibogina, 45, arrived in Poole through the Homes for Ukraine scheme after fleeing Kyiv days before Russia launched its invasion of her country on 24 February 2022.
Along with her husband, their two children, her sister and her sister’s three teenagers, Nadia – an elected official in her Ukrainian hometown – found sanctuary through sponsor Gabby Covill in Sandbanks and BCP Council’s resettlement team.
Since then, Nadia has had two jobs and is now renting. Through her volunteer work at St Mary’s Longfleet in Poole, she has gone on to meet the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.
Viktor Matveyev, 49, his wife Ruslana, 43, and their two children fled their hometown of Kyiv, when outright war broke out.
After some time in Poland, the family finally found their way to Bournemouth through the Homes for Ukraine scheme and were supported by BCP Council’s resettlement team.
Nadia’s story:
Nadia said: "We heard rumours that war was going to start, and we left three days before it did.
"When we moved here through the Homes for Ukraine scheme, it was a miracle. Our host Gabby gave us a house in Sandbanks and has been incredibly kind.
"Many Ukrainians have lost their homes and relatives and found themselves removed from their jobs and livelihoods - this has been so difficult.
"But we are still grateful. We had a lady from the BCP Council housing team, and she has been amazing; so kind and very lovely. She helped us with school admissions for our children when we missed the deadline to apply. She has been like a good friend.
"I have no answers for what the future holds. Ukraine needs us and I want to realise my potential and what I can give to the world."
Nadia’s sponsor Gabby Covill, a mother of three, said: "Sponsorship was something we really wanted to do. We tried to help as much as we could with schools and bank accounts and put them on their feet.
"BCP Council in all of this have been wonderful. I’ve been blown away by their support.
"Nadia and her family arrived on the Thursday and the resettlement team came on the Saturday morning to help. They were just helpful, any time we hit a small hurdle they were there. They have been fantastic.
"It’s been such a positive experience; I’ve found it very rewarding."
Viktor’s story
Viktor Matveyev, 49, his wife Ruslana, 43, and their two children fled their hometown of Kyiv, when outright war broke out.
"When the war started my family and I woke up at 5am to our house shaking", he said.
"We opened the curtains, and we could see aircraft flying over nearby, with bombs falling out.
"First you see a red explosion, then you have the sound, then you have the shockwave. Our brick house was 4km away and was shaking.
"We packed up our belongings and within one hour we were on the road."
Viktor and his family initially stayed with their hosts Alan and Agnus Mason, who he knew from previous employment.
Now the couple, together with their 18-year-old son Elijah and two-year-old daughter Sofia, are renting.
Viktor said: "As Charles Dickens said, we have had ‘the best of times and the worst of times’.
"In one way we are disconnected. We don’t know the ropes or the system here. My wife is an eye doctor but cannot practice in the UK. We have lost friends too.
"But we are safe and extremely happy to be here. The BCP Council housing team have helped us to settle and have been so helpful. We are so grateful to them."
Homes for Ukraine
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have had 627 Ukrainian guests arrive in the area as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme (True as of 23 August 23).
BCP Council’s team of resettlement officers have supported 217 people into their own accommodation.
Councillor Kieron Wilson, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services, said: "Thank you to all sponsors who have taken part in the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
"You are making a real difference to the lives of refugees fleeing conflict by opening up your home.
"Any Ukrainians that need any help from our resettlement team can email resettlement@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or call 01202 123987.
"We also have an information booklet for guests and their sponsors on our website."
Editor’s notes
A welcome pack for Ukrainian guests can be found on the council website here.
BCP Council have also been able to rematch 27 families to new sponsors when their sponsorships have come to an end, and we have worked closely with colleagues in Dorset to rematch across the border on a couple of occasions.
On Ukraine Independence Day, Nadia will be handing out thank you cards to the public of behalf of Ukrainian people to thank everyone for their encouragement and support.
A Ukraine Independence Day Celebration will be held at Redhill Park from 11am-4pm on Saturday 26 supported by the Parks Foundation. All are welcome for a picnic, family friendly games, sunflower planting and sports competitions. There will also be advice and guidance for Ukrainians including from Citizens Advice and BCP Council’s resettlement team.