From Sumy to safety: Valeria’s journey to a new life in the UK
Valeria’s journey to the UK: finding safety and a new start
Leaving her home in Sumy amid challenging times, Valeria found hope, safety, and a new way of life in the UK, thanks to the incredible support of her host family and the assistance of USPUK.
“Ukraine and the UK are two different realities. It's terrible to live in fear all the time, to wake up and fall asleep under shelling. And not knowing if tomorrow will come.
I want to say a huge thank you to the people who dared to take in strangers. And you have no idea how you can change someone's life for the better, or just give them the opportunity to continue living. In a world full of darkness, you can be that light for someone who needs it.”’
In Valeria’s Own Words
"Hello, my name is Valeria, and I’m from Sumy. I left Ukraine in March 2024, seeking safety and a chance to start anew. I am incredibly grateful to the USPUK team for their help. They took full responsibility for my journey, from handling all the documents and finding a sponsor to organising the visa process. I felt fully supported by Nadiia and Valeriia, who ensured I had all the information and guidance needed, especially since I was travelling alone.
I chose to come to the UK because I knew from the experiences of my friends that people here are very supportive of Ukrainians, and I could feel safe in this country.
I have now been living with my sponsor, Catherine, for about a month and a half in a small town called Garstang. As soon as I arrived, we took care of all the paperwork, and a week later, we embraced a routine of active living. Catherine leads a very energetic lifestyle, and we clicked 100% in this regard. We’ve been running in the mornings, cycling, playing cricket, and spending time with her family. This active lifestyle really helped me adapt.
My experience with Catherine and her family has been incredibly positive. I am endlessly grateful for their support in all aspects, from simple conversations to helping me with paperwork and even job searching.
It’s important for me to share why finding new host families for other displaced Ukrainians remains crucial. There are two completely different realities. My parents are still in Sumy, living in constant fear, waking up and falling asleep to the sound of shelling, never knowing if tomorrow will come.
To the people who are considering becoming sponsors, I want to say thank you. You might not realise how much you can change someone’s life for the better or simply give them the opportunity to continue living. In a world filled with darkness, you can be the light for someone who needs it. Thank you. ❤️"
You can make a difference
Valeria’s story is just one example of how hosting can change lives. If you’re considering becoming a sponsor, know that your support can offer a safe space, a sense of belonging, and a chance for someone to start anew.
If you’d like to help someone like Lyudmila on their journey to a new beginning, consider becoming a host today. Visit our Become a Host page to learn more.