Ealing Council are looking for more residents to house Ukrainian families who have been displaced by the Russian invasion. 

Around 15 Ukrainian refugee families arrive in Ealing every week and more accommodation is needed to house the refugees of the war which began on 13th February 2022. 

There is financial support available for those who choose to take in the refugees, with the government providing £350 per month for everyone who takes in guests, no matter how many, and this rises to £500 once the family have been there for a year and the council increases the amount based on the number of people, with a maximum of £700 for a family of four. 

Rachel has hosted a 73-year-old woman from Chernivtsi in western Ukraine, near the Romanian border, she said: "I just wanted to help. If I was facing the same situation, I'd want someone to help me. I heard about [the scheme] on the news or social media, and my wider family has also volunteered. In total we've hosted eight people over the months. 

"The language has been a bit of an issue as she doesn't speak English, but she's learning – and I don't speak the three languages she speaks, but we get on well and use Google Translate and things like that. We can understand each other, and it's been a pleasure to have her in my home." 

Ealing have the second highest number of refugees of any borough in the capital. 

Ealing Council leader Peter Mason said: "Last year, more than three hundred Ealing residents showed their compassion for refugees from the war in Ukraine, and graciously stepped forward to help with offers of accommodation. 

"We've heard fantastic stories such as two families being housed in one vacant home, which enables them to support one another and enjoy their own culture during what is a particularly stressful time as their husbands are still in Ukraine. 

"The conflict shows no sign of abating, and I'd like to ask any other Ealing residents who feel they have room in their homes and their lives, to step up and help."