British Village Hosts More Than 30 Ukrainian Refugees

More than ten families in a small Somerset village have taken in a total of 30 Ukrainian migrants. According to the BBC, Oakhill has only 750 people, including Rob Westell, who is hosting student Ira.

"There are a lot of good compassionate folks who live here," Mr Westell remarked.

The villagers hope to encourage other towns to open their doors and consider hosting refugees who are in need of a home.

The government's Homes for Ukraine scheme, which began on March 14, allows UK residents to sponsor a designated Ukrainian citizen or family to come to live with them if they have adequate housing to offer.

Mr Westell posted about the programme on the local village's Facebook page, and numerous families expressed interest in participating.

"We have quite a few families on our road," Vicki Bridges, who has been hosting Maryna and her son Vlad since April, said.

"We're just blown away by how well it's gone and how nicely Maryna and Vlad have fit in, and he just stated the other day, 'I've got two mothers.'"

Since the Russian invasion in February, more than 14 million people have abandoned their homes in Ukraine, with about half of those fleeing to neighbouring countries, according to the United Nations.

Thousands of British families who have joined up for the Homes for Ukraine scheme have expressed dissatisfaction with the length of time it has taken to receive visas.

Before visas are awarded, the UK government says it must conduct security and background checks on all sponsors, as well as at least one council visit to a sponsor's property.