In Solomiya and Sofia’s Own Words

"We are 32-year-old twins from Lviv but have lived in Kyiv our entire lives. With master's degrees in international relations, we started volunteering in military hospitals and warehouses right after graduating in 2014. Since 2018, we’ve been working as medics on the front lines.

The last ten years of war have deeply affected us, and the last five years on the front lines have drained us both psychologically and physically. So, we decided it was time for a break. We had always dreamed of a trip to the UK but felt discouraged after a long search for a sponsor.

Thanks to USPUK, we finally found a wonderful sponsor. They guided us through every step of the process, from applying for our visa to planning our travel route.

Now, everything is going wonderfully. Our sponsor is a truly amazing person who constantly checks in to make sure we're comfortable and have everything we need. It really helps to know that someone cares. Even though we try to handle things on our own so we don’t disturb him, we also help him with small tasks around the house and in the garden. During dinners, we chat about everything, and he listens carefully, asking questions whenever something is unclear. So far, we haven’t encountered any problems or language barriers.

The process of organising all the necessary documents, especially with the bank, takes a bit longer. However, we are starting to find our footing. We’ve met some fellow Ukrainians, and we’re also looking for British friends to practise our English. The locals are incredibly friendly and always willing to help, taking extra time to explain things we don’t understand.

In any case, this is a fantastic mental reset. All the routine forces us to focus on different aspects of life—on ordinary, civilian life.

Thank you for everything!"

Would Like to Become a Host?

At USPUK, we assist not only Ukrainian families on their journey but also the hosts who decide to join our sponsorship programme. From the moment they register with us, throughout the hosting experience, and until the Ukrainian family is ready to leave the sponsor's home, we are there to support both parties.

Thanks to the kindness of our sponsors and the dedication of the USPUK Ukrainian Sponsorship Project team, families like Solomiya and Sofia's can find safety and a fresh start.

If you’re interested in getting involved or would like more information about our Ukrainian Sponsorship Project, please visit our website's Become a Host section.