The United Kingdom has a long and proud history of helping others in their hour of need. Introduced in March 2022 by Secretary of State Michael Gove, The Homes for Ukraine scheme offers a lifeline to those Ukrainians who have been forced to flee following the invasion of their country. Under the scheme, Individuals, charities, and businesses can sponsor Ukrainians seeking safety in the UK, regardless of family ties. Since its introduction, over 200,000* Ukrainians have arrived in the UK
Faces of Resilience relates the stories of Ukrainian women who escaped the war and sought refuge in England. Photographic portraits, accompanied by their story will be shown in galleries across the country and published in a book.
In Sussex, Faces of Resilience has been organised in partnership with Worthing4Refugees , Adur Ukraine Support and Community Works.
* 2024 data
Prior to the war, Maryna and her teenage son lived in Kyiv. Maryna worked for a Ukrainian IT company as a Team Leader. They fled Ukraine during the initial stages of the invasion, transiting through Poland and the Czech Republic before spending a month in Spain. During the early stages of the war, Maryna’s father took his own life, and she lost members of her extended family. Eventually, they found a new home in West Sussex. Despite the challenges and the horrors they went through, they hold onto hope for a better tomorrow.
“British people have rekindled my faith in life and humanity.”
Prior to the war, Olesia and her sons lived a happy life in southern Ukraine. Her world shattered on the morning of 24th February 2022 when Russia launched a full scale invasion. Fleeing with her children to the UK via Crimea, Georgia, and Turkey, they left behind their hometown, which soon after, fell under occupation and faced devastating destruction. Adjusting to life in the UK was initially challenging, marked by feelings of guilt for being safe. Perseverance helped to learn English and finding employment. The children are now enrolled in school and fully integrated.
“My children and my new British friends keep me going. Dear British people, I’m grateful for everything you have done for us, for the fact that not only your doors, but also your hearts have opened for us.”
Nina lived in Kyiv before the war. She enjoyed painting, playing volleyball, and meeting friends. On the day of the invasion, traffic was very heavy, so she couldn’t leave in the morning. But when the bombing started, she was able to leave in the evening and drove to Chernivtsi, South West of Ukraine, where she stayed for 3 weeks with a friend-of-a-friend. Then she moved to Romania and stayed with other contacts. She found a UK host on Telegram and applied to come to the UK. She arrived in June 2022. The UK is a miracle country she says. The people are very kind and they believe in God. They are very friendly.
“All the people here smiled at me, and it was very nice because I was stressed. I feel very happy with English people.”
Before the war, Anna and her family lived in Kherson where she founded an agricultural company, helping farmers to implement sustainable biological practices. Anna and her family went through horrible times during the occupation of Kherson but eventually, Anna escaped with her daughter. After 4 cities and seven homes ,they finally settled in West Sussex where they finally found peace and serenity and are now reunited with Anna’s mother. All Anna’s plans are in limbo now and there isn’t a day she is not thinking about the war in Ukraine.
“I dream of hearing the words the war is over, come home”
Iryna was born and raised in Mariupol and is a trained metallurgy engineer. She later moved to Kiev for work but her whole family is from this city on the northern coast of the Sea of Azov. The war took people and things that can no longer be returned to her: her mother, the family home, the people from Mariupol and and Mariupol itself. Her husband remained in Ukraine. Thanks to the people of West Sussex, she can live in peace and now has the opportunity to help those in need. As she adjusts to her new life, she is actively integrating into the local community, pursuing further education, mastering the language, and nurturing connections with fellow Ukrainians.
“I believe in a peaceful Ukraine once again and I’m extremely proud of those who help bring this day closer. “
Prior to the war, Taisiia was entering what she describes as the best years of her life. As a student, she was surrounded by an incredible circle of friends and looking forward to graduate from university. She had envisioned a future of teaching English and aiding others. Soon after the war started, Taisiia moved to various parts of England before settling in West Sussex where she feels safe and supported by wonderful and friendly people. She is helping other Ukrainians with interpreting and translating. Taisiia eagerly anticipates the time where she will be able to invite her host family to a flourishing Ukraine once peace is restored
“My dream came true. I just wish the circumstances had been different.”
Before the war, Anastasiia was a student at Sumy State University. She was deeply involved in various aspects of university life and passionate about music, attending singing, drum classes, and even composing her own songs. It was a time of growth, creativity, and a strong sense of belonging to her community. The onset of war changed everything. Fleeing the conflict, Anastasiia found refuge in West Sussex. Adjusting to her new life was made easy thanks to the friendliness of the support group she has here.
“I’m very grateful to the UK for the opportunity to be in a safe place like West Sussex.”
Iryna and her son lived in Kiev before the war started. She ran her own business which was a very fulfilling experience. After a small period of adaptation and various jobs, Irina is now helping a local charity to coordinate activities for Ukrainians living in West Sussex. Her son joined the air cadets and is doing well in his studies. Her dream is for Ukraine to be free
“May we find the strength to endure all challenges and fully embrace the present.”
Yuliia grew up in Kharkiv, the second largest city in Ukraine. The city is only 40 kilometres from the Russian border and is a strategic point to defend. In the early days of the invasion, Kharkiv fought back a large armoured column and since then, it has suffered nightly airstrikes and shelling, with dozens of civilians killed and hundreds injured. Yuliia arrived in West Sussex soon after the war started and now lives near the sea. Life will never be the same again she says and she will have to start her life over, most likely in another city in Ukraine.
“The experience gained in the last 2 years made me stronger”
Before the war started, Nadiia and her little boy lived in Lviv, western Ukraine. Nadiia was hoping to go back to her full time job by the end of 2022 but this proved to be impossible. Her home is where her family is and she feels safe in Worthing thanks for the most generous and supportive people of West Sussex. She doesn’t want to go anywhere else. Her little boy is starting school in September. The future appears uncertain, and Nadiia feels as though she inhabits parallel realities: one in West Sussex as a mother, and the other with her heart in Ukraine.
“I want Ukraine to be safe and peaceful again”
Before the war, Iryna resided in the lively city of Kharkiv, where she worked as a sales manager and marketer. For the past 18 months, she has called West Sussex home. Immersed in the warmth of the community, the friendly atmosphere and the willingness of everyone to lend a helping hand have made her feel welcomed and supported. Iryna longs for peace and hopes to reunite with her family in Ukraine someday. Until then, she remains resilient, cherishing connections forged in West Sussex while eagerly awaiting the opportunity to rebuild her life in her homeland once again.
“I hope that the war will end as soon as possible and I will be able to return home to my family.”
Nataliia is the mother of two daughters and the grandma of two granddaughters. They all lived in Kherson before the war. The Kherson region is beautiful and full of colours she says and in her spare time, Nataliia went on vacation to the Black Sea. The destruction of the Kakhovskaya dam nearby took all the colours away and led to tens of thousands of people being in a flood zone. Over 40 different towns and villages were severely flooded. Grief, loss, fear, separation and despair pushed Nataliia to grab the opportunity to join a family living in West Sussex in early 2024 and rejoin her girls. After the sleepless nights, she now found peace of mind. It won’t be the same when Nataliia returns home but Ukraine is her home.
“Friendly and sincere British people help not only with clothes and products, but also provide a lot of support for learning English and the necessary adaptation.”
Originally from Kyiv, Kateryna pursued her studies at a university in Lviv, immersing herself in a diverse range of activities. With a passion for activism, volunteering, and exploration, she embraced every opportunity to contribute to her community and discover the beauty of Ukraine’s various regions. Since moving to West Sussex, Kateryna joined the Ukrainian Voices choir and continues her studies in Sussex. She is deeply appreciative of the support extended by the UK and its people during her time here. Kateryna dreams of a future where her country’s geography remains untouched, and its citizens live free and prosperous lives.
“I have no doubt my dream about a free Ukraine will come true, the question is how soon and at what cost”
Liudmyla and her family had a fulfilling life in Irpin, on the doorstep of Kiev. Steady income, home owner, a growing business and children attending nursery and various classes with their friends. In the early days of the war, the battle of Irpin displaced roughly 70% of the population. Liudmyla and her family were amongst the first Ukrainians to arrive in West Sussex, before the Ukrainian programme was implemented. Adaption was difficult but Liudmyla did her best to make her daughters feel at home. Her daughters now attend local schools, gymnastics, singing and piano lessons. She remains hopeful for Ukraine’s future as a free and sovereign nation once again.
“I dream of hugging all my close relatives and friends.”
Prior to the war, Valentina resided in the vicinity of Kyiv, dedicating herself to the role of an elementary school teacher. She also engaged in musical composition, often entering her works in various contests and celebrations. She was also the founder of a children’s festival named “For a Happy Future”. Upon her relocation to Sussex, Valentina has been focusing on mastering English, singing with the Ukrainian Voices choir, and continuing her artistic endeavours. With an eye to the future, she aspires to launch a project centered on environmental conservation.
“Nature urgently requires safeguarding to maintain its viability for the generations to come.”
Anastasiia thrived in her career as a logistics and customs clearance manager in Ukraine. She found success, married, and even bought a flat. However, the outbreak of war shattered her existence, disrupting her life and plans. Anastasia arrived in West Sussex at the end of 2023. Thanks to her sponsor she secured a place to live and she is now looking for employment in West Sussex. Anastasiia’s heart remains tied to her homeland, but she is resigned to the reality that her return may be delayed indefinitely. In response, she resolves to embrace her new circumstances and forge a path for herself here.
“I want to start building my life and career here”
Before the war, Nadiia resided in Kyiv with her family and children. Her own business, a home, a family and everything anyone could wish for. She moved to West Sussex and now lives in a picturesque location on the seafront. The peaceful and welcoming atmosphere, coupled with the friendly locals she met helps her to cope with uncertainties and relocation. She hopes to go back to Ukraine as soon as possible with her children.
“I hope to be able to come back to Ukraine with my children”
Before the war, Albina’s life revolved around her family home in the town of Chornomorsk, where she devoted herself to her house, gardening, and personal development.
Since relocating to West Sussex, Albina has been pleasantly surprised by the vibrant community of active seniors in her new environment. Inspired by her experiences, Albina envisions creating a space tailored for the elderly here, in West Sussex. She hopes to establish a place where seniors can come together for companionship and social engagement.
“I want to create a space for the elderly, for communication, social activity and interaction.”
Before the war, Afina lived in Mariupol. She was actively engaged in volunteer work, local politics, and the management of non-governmental organisations since 2014. Her life was profoundly impacted by the siege of Mariupol, from which she managed to escape on 15th March 2022. Since she moved to Sussex, She lends her voice to the Ukrainian Voices choir. She also spent a year as a bilingual assistant, aiding Ukrainian children in primary schools. She hopes for peace in her country and Mariupol.
“There will be a lot of work to rebuild Mariupol and Ukraine”
Before the war, Irene lived in Kharkiv and worked as a manager in a confectionary factory. Irene fled Ukraine at the start of the war and found peace in West Sussex. She is in the company of wonderful people. She dreams of peace in her homeland, envisioning a future where people can reunite with their families and live and work safely.
“Here I found the house I have lost in Ukraine”
If you require support regarding any of the issues raised in this exhibition or wish to know more abut how to support Ukrainians in your area please contact AUSA or Worthing4Refugees
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