Monday 24 August is Ukraine Independence Day and we’ll be flying the Ukrainian flag at our offices to mark the day and recognise the generosity of East Hampshire residents who have given Ukrainian guests a home and supported them in becoming a valuable part of our community.
Find out more about our support for Ukraine
This Ukraine Independence Day marks 35 years since Ukraine’s parliament approved independence from the Soviet Union after a national vote.
Following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022, millions of Ukrainians were forced to uproot their families and relocate.
To date, 235 East Hampshire residents have opened their homes to Ukrainian guests through the Homes for Ukraine scheme and many of them have hosted multiple families. Many Ukrainians have now settled in East Hampshire, finding work and moving into their own homes.
Councillor Penny Flux, Chairwoman of East Hampshire District Council (EHDC), said:
“When East Hampshire residents were asked to open their homes to Ukrainian refugees, many of them did so wholeheartedly - welcoming people who had been through terrible ordeals to get to our country.
“I am immensely proud of the district’s residents and all the people who have pulled together to help support our Ukrainian guests.
“EHDC has also been supporting guests and their hosts so that Ukrainians can establish themselves in the area and integrate into the community.
“I hope that one day, Ukraine will be free, but until then, we’ll continue to support our guests in every way we can.”