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A deputy and several Ukrainians who live in Guernsey have formed a new group to support refugees who are fleeing war in their country and coming to live in the island.
The group wants to make refugees from Ukraine feel welcome in Guernsey and provide advice when working though the practical steps of settling in the island.
The support group was started by Deputy Chris Blin. He is the President of the States' Overseas Aid & Development Commission, but this initiative has nothing to do with the Commission.
Deputy Blin said he wanted to help refugees displaced from their homeland by Russia's invasion.
Pictured: Deputy Chris Blin is leading the support group for Ukrainian refugees arriving in Guernsey.
"I already knew a number of Ukrainians living in Guernsey and I made contact with them and suggested that we meet and pool our efforts to do whatever we can collectively for refugees," said Deputy Blin.
"The aim of the group is to provide a venue where newly-arrived Ukrainians can meet local Ukrainians over a coffee, make contacts and get help settling in and navigating things like employment opportunities, needing items, setting up mobile phone contracts, etc."
Six Ukrainian nationals took part in the inaugural meeting of the group. They included Olena Pylypenko, the mother of Ava Inder, a Ukrainian national who has lived in Guernsey for a number of years. Ms Pylypenko recently escaped from Odessa into Moldova and then onto London and Guernsey, where she is living with her daughter’s family.
Nataliya Zalyesova is also a member of the group. She said that she and her colleagues are "ready to offer support and give our time to greet, help and support Ukrainians who come to Guernsey".
Pictured (l to r): Members of the support group: Natalie Fielding, Olga Turkoglu, Nataliya Zalyesova, Olena Pylypenko, Deputy Chris Blin, Ava Inder and Masha Pustovalova.
Another member of the group, Natalie Fielding, recently helped deliver aid from Guernsey to Poland which was destined for Ukraine.
"I appeal to the governments of Britain and Guernsey to please open your doors to Ukrainians fleeing the conflict," she said.
"It is important to speed up the visa process so that people can get to safety here quickly. We are ready and willing to offer compassion and help."
Deputy Blin thanked Fiona Naftel, Manager at Les Cotils, who is making her café available for the group to host meetings free of charge.
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