City’s Ukraine families ‘traumatised’ as Russia bombs their homeland
Host families reveal stress of witnessing new aerial assault
THE hosts of Ukrainian families in Birmingham have spoken of their concerns for their guests as they witness their own neighbourhoods and familiar landmarks under attack on TV screens and social media.
“We are doubling up as social workers and trauma counsellors, it is very hard for many of our families,” said Simone Schetman, a volunteer who has paired hundreds of Ukrainian refugees with hosts across Birmingham and the West Midlands.
A new Russian offensive, including bomb attacks on the city of Kyiv, have triggered a fresh wave of anxiety for families who fled here under the Homes For Ukraine scheme.
Ms Schetman said: “They are worried for friends and husbands and brothers who are on the frontline; there is also anger at what is happening and a concern that not enough is being done still by NATO and other countries to stop Russia.
“They see images and know that is where their husband is based, or see a market flattened they know their son or dad uses. One saw their neighbour’s house flattened. It is very difficult. All we can really do is put our arms around them and cry with them.”
Ms Schetman is one of the network of volunteers who opened up their homes and encouraged others to do the same in response to the war in Ukraine.
She has used her business nous and experience running a leisure company to support a network of hosts and to match up families.
There are currently 588 Ukrainians in Birmingham through the Homes for Ukraine scheme and another 50 to 100 people here under the family visa reunion scheme, said Simone.
The majority are living in Edgbaston, Moseley and Harborne areas.
Ms Schetman said: “It has been a swift learning experience. Before the visitors arrived many of the hosts had not visited a job centre, applied for an in-year school place, filled in benefits forms, helped with access to disability support. They have had to do all of this and much more and the level of support given has been underestimated.”
Describing the experience as ‘incredibly uplifting’ for her and some families, she said for others it has been ‘extremely difficult’ and
One saw their neighbour’s house flattened. It is very difficult. All we can really do is put our arms around them and cry with them. Simon Schetman
way beyond their expectations.
“At the start we were told our role was to provide a warm, safe home for families. The rest would be picked up by other agencies,” she said.
“But the reality is that for some hosts it has been incredibly intense, both emotionally and practically.”
The demand for homes keeps going up as the Russian forces encroach on more areas of Ukraine.
Families who opted to stay, believing the war would soon be over, are
now realising the danger and seeking to get out.
“I have had enquiries from or about 50 new families, as a result of my name being known as someone who will do their best to fix the situation.”
Ms Schetman has been working with the city council and its partner agencies to reach out to willing families.
Birmingham City Council has overseen the Ukraine project, awarding Refugee Action a contract to work with community groups and hosts to help ensure new arrivals get the help they needed.