A CHARITY founder from Ellesmere Port has reflected on how communities have come together to help Ukrainian refugees as today marks one year since the invasion.

Christopher Young originally set up ‘Refugee Assist’ during the Taliban takeover of 2021 but now along with his team help many refugees in crisis.

The group work with individuals hosting refugees to understand what their needs are.

Money raised for the group goes towards clothing, food, bills and anything else the refugees may need to feel settled and at home in the community.

When Ukraine was invaded on February 24, 2022, a year ago today, Chris and his team worked very closely with many refugees to pair them with hosts and settle in a new country.

He said: “We set a hub when Ukraine was invaded, so Ukrainian refugees to come and just grab anything they needed.

“It is still open now every Friday morning.”

Chris explained that once Ukraine was invaded it was very soon after that refugees were coming to him for help.

“We set up a couple of WhatsApp groups, one for the hosts and one for guests so they could all communicate and share their experiences,” he said.

Chester and District Standard: Olga Rusakova, 67, her daughter Olga Rybina, 42 and Olga's son, Danni, 4 have settled in the UKOlga Rusakova, 67, her daughter Olga Rybina, 42 and Olga's son, Danni, 4 have settled in the UK (Image: Anne Hill)

“There was an outcry for help from the public to help these Ukrainians. There was a difficultly for them to fill in visa applications. A lot had fled without any documentation so it was very tough for them, but we helped as much as we could.”

Speaking about one of his highlights from over the past year, Chris spoke about how a young boy who fled Ukraine with his mum, Julia had to leave his skateboard behind.

Chris put a request out on Twitter for a skateboard and within 10 minutes, Eunice Huthart, a scouser, commonly known as ‘Blaze’ from the TV  show Gladiators said she would give him one. She not only sent him two skateboards, but she also sent a big box of chocolates, and a huge hamper for Julia.

'They were so grateful'

Speaking about the Ukrainian people he said: “They were so grateful for the help we gave them, to get here and find safety. I was disgusted with the Government about the lack of help and support.

“It has died down a bit now because of the lack of hosts.

“When it all started, people were up for it and wanted to be a host. There have been some situations where guests have moved on because they’ve found their own accommodation and now people are re-hosting.

“I’m sure there will be a mix, but a lot will want to go back home when they can but appreciate the time they’ve had here. We appreciate it as well, the fact they’ve had to up-stick and leave their homes.

“It puts a different perspective on things.”

Chester and District Standard: Hosts have met with other hosts and guests for lunches over the yearHosts have met with other hosts and guests for lunches over the year (Image: Refugee Assist)

Chris explained that many people in the community have pulled together to help refugees over the past year.

He said: “Some of the stories you hear are just horrendous.

“It’s horrible to see and horrible to hear about it. It makes you sad but also a bit of hope because so many people have been involved in helping them over here."