Herefordshire Council is joining with organisations across the county to mark Ukrainian Independence Day on Saturday 24 August.
Herefordshire Council is joining with organisations across the county to mark Ukrainian Independence Day on Saturday 24 August.
This year’s celebrations are especially meaningful as they reflect not only the pride of a nation but also the global support for Ukraine’s right to self-governance. Across the world, Ukrainians and supporters of Ukraine are coming together to commemorate this day with cultural events, parades, and moments of reflection.
Our partners have planned several events, including a walk from Hereford Cathedral to St Peter’s Church on Saturday 24 August, 12pm, and St. Peter's Church will be offering prayers, reflections and a gathering with refreshments to promote togetherness.
There will also be a Ukrainian-themed carnival lorry at the Ledbury Carnival on Monday 26 August including traditional decorations, costumes and music. If you’re interested in helping to decorate the carnival lorry, there is a workshop on Saturday 17 August, 12.30 – 4pm, St Michael’s Church. For more details see Home (ledbury-carnival.co.uk)
Our home in Herefordshire
Herefordshire has a proud history of welcoming people from across the world looking for refuge, and enjoys a vibrant mix of cultures in our communities.
There continues to be a need for households that are willing to sponsor or host a Ukrainian refugee. Through our Homes for Ukraine scheme, you can:
- Sponsor someone applying to come to the UK
- Host someone already living in the UK
For more details, visit: Our Home in Herefordshire – Herefordshire Council
Sponsor Ian Broom, shares his experience:
"When the Homes for Ukraine Scheme was first announced, I knew it was something I could contribute to, offering aid to people in distress during an emergency.
“The application process was straightforward and there was great support to help me prepare for hosting. Finding a suitable match through the online support group was simple, and once we began communicating via video link, it was easy for both me and my guests to assess our compatibility, which made the process much smoother.
“My first two Ukrainian guests have been with me for just over two years now. Since their arrival, we've developed a mutually beneficial relationship, greatly supported by the Support for Ukraine team at Herefordshire Council and the ongoing church group."
Sandra Zhukova, a guest from Ukraine, shared her experience:
“My teenage daughter and I fled the war in Ukraine and arrived in the quiet village of Stapleton in the spring of 2022. My daughter was accepted into a college in Hereford and has done well. We did face housing challenges and had to relocate to temporary accommodation, so were incredibly thankful to the compassionate practical and emotional support provided by staff at Herefordshire Council.”