Stirling community rallied to her side

As a Ukrainian guest in Stirling, Olga received support from the local authority and a number of local groups and charities during her time here.

The knowledge that she was being helped by the local community was of comfort to those who loved her.

A Stirling Council spokesperson said: “Her son was particularly touched by the number of people from the community who attended the funeral service alongside council staff and Ukrainian guests who knew Olga and will remember her fondly.

“Rev Barry and the funeral director Anderson Funerals worked closely with the Ukrainian community to plan the funeral which was livestreamed to family back in Ukraine. Unfortunately her son couldn’t be with Olga in her last weeks, so it was particularly comforting knowing that so many people rallied to ensure that she would be remembered and properly commemorated.”

The spokesperson said Olga had received support from across the council, with day-to-day support provided by the Refugee Resettlement Team who provide the initial welcome and ongoing integration support.

She also attended English classes arranged through the Learning and Employability Team and, as with all Ukrainian arrivals, she received help with material needs such as clothing and books from Forth Valley Welcome, who run a weekly clothing bank in Dunblane Cathedral.

The spokesperson added:“the council’s role is to ensure that everyone has the support they need to establish themselves in their new community, move out of temporary accommodation to host families and to adapt to life in a new country.

“Support is provided by council staff based in the hotels where guests are living, and through regular drop-in sessions where guests in the community and their hosts can come for advice on everything from housing, to budgeting, employability and accessing services.

“Stirling has been very fortunate as the community has come together to support not just those arriving from Ukraine but also previously Afghan, Syrian and Sudanese arrivals on their respective resettlement programmes.

“The council works closely with NHS colleagues, police and organisations including Forth Valley Welcome and faith groups to ensure there is a wide range of support to help people integrate into the community and to build independent lives.”

The spokesperson added:“stirling Council would like to extend its condolences to Olga and her family at this sad time.

“Olga will be remembered fondly by everyone who spent time with her during her stay in the Stirling area.”