Kateryna’s story
"I am so grateful for the support the charity has given me. It has been totally amazing to have my own independent flat where I felt safe at night. It was exactly what I needed. The staff have supported me in so many different ways. They have given me moral support when I’ve been feeling homesick and worried about my family in Ukraine."
Hi, I am Kateryna. I am from Odesa in Ukraine. I escaped the war earlier this year and stayed at Your Place for three months. Just last week, I moved back to Ukraine to support my family as the fighting has calmed down a bit where they live, but I am so grateful to Your Place. Here is my story:
In February, we started to fear a Russian invasion, so I left with a close group of friends. Luckily, we left just before the Russian army started to heavily bomb Odesa. It was awful having to leave behind my family. I travelled to Moldova, then Poland and then Latvia. I couldn’t stay in these countries as I couldn’t speak the local language, and was struggling to get by without a job. I desperately needed somewhere safe and my own room.
In April, my UK visa was approved. But as soon as I arrived, I was put in the most inappropriate accommodation. I was scared every night. It was the last thing I needed after having to escape a war and moving all around Europe sofa surfing. Luckily, Newham Council picked up my case and I was referred to Your Place. This place was a complete safe haven for me.
I am so grateful for the support the charity has given me. It has been totally amazing to have my own independent flat where I felt safe at night. It was exactly what I needed. The staff have supported me in so many different ways. They have given me moral support when I’ve been feeling homesick and worried about my family in Ukraine. The team here have also been fantastic in helping me with documentation and I have been able to improve my English by attending the ESOL classes which are held once a week.
At Your Place, I was given all the things that I needed for a flat; it’s the small things like having cutlery and bedding. On top of this, they helped me to improve my cooking skills and gave me free food to help me get by.
I hope that the situation will resolve soon in my country. At the moment, my family is my priority and that is why I have returned back to Ukraine, as I need to look after my grandmother who is unwell. I cannot thank Your Place enough for providing me with a safe and supportive place to stay this summer.
