Due to the constant nightly shelling of Ukraine, sleepless nights of hiding in the corridor while praying that nothing would happen and stress, her health began to deteriorate significantly, so she urgently began to look for different options for leaving Ukraine.

After a period of silence from other organisations, USPUK was the first to reach out to Galyna. We provided comprehensive support to Galyna, assisting her with everything from finding a sponsor and setting up technology to booking travel and translating during meetings. Our team guided her through every step, including visa applications and installing necessary apps for ID check, ensuring she felt confident despite not speaking English. Even after her arrival in the UK in August 2023, we continued to offer translation and some assistance whenever needed.

In Galyna’s Own Words

“Before the full-scale invasion to Ukraine, I lived in Kyiv. I have a disability due to diabetes and complications after it. In May 2023, Russia bombed us for a whole month. We hid in the corridor and prayed that nothing would happen. It got to the point that I was afraid to fall asleep, because I knew that there would be another shelling at night.

I understood that it was necessary to seek shelter in other countries, I wrote to various organisations and did not receive an answer anywhere. Later, I received a call from a USPUK team where I filled out the form. They helped me in everything, consultants helped me to fill out a visa application, gave simple and step-by-step instructions on what and how to do. Without them, I could not have done it by myself.

I don't know English at all, I studied German at school. The fear was crazy. I had a lot of questions, and I received answers to all these questions from the USPUK consultants. I flew to the UK via Poland. The sponsor met me at the airport and brought my new home. “

For three days after arrival Galyna practically did not leave the room, only slept and ate because she was exhausted after arrival from Ukraine.

“We made friends with my sponsors. We go for walks together and visit other cities. Their dog loves me as well. Now England has become my second home, where I have another family", - sharing Galyna after arrival to the UK.

Would Like to Become a Host?

At USPUK, we help and assist not only Ukrainian families on their journey, but also hosts who decide to Become a Host from the moment they register with us on our website, throughout their hosting experience until the moment the Ukrainian family is ready to leave the sponsor's home.

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors in offering to host and the dedication of USPUK’s Ukrainian Sponsorship Project team, we have been able to offer Ukrainian families a chance to find safety in the UK and rebuild lives disrupted and scarred by the war.

If you would like to get involved or if you would like more information about our Ukrainian Sponsorship Project, you can find out more on our website in the Become a Host section.