A Winchester language school has launched a support scheme for Ukraine in a bid to help host families.

English Naturally, which is based in The Square, has provided thousands of language courses since it was established some 23 years ago.

It also helps place foreign students with host families across Winchester, Petersfield and Salisbury.

Since the Government announced phase one of its sponsorship scheme late last month, company director Chris Polatch said several of those families have said they are planning to take in Ukrainian refugees.

However, wanting to provide a way for those who can’t to still be able to provide support for the thousands fleeing the war-torn country daily, he has since launched a new initiative which is instead aiming to raise funds for the Disaster Emergency Committee’s (DEC) Ukraine appeal.

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Explaining the scheme, Mr Polatch said: “We are recovering from the pandemic in a small way this year, with some bookings from abroad. Nothing like the ‘good old days’, but things are looking up!

“We have stayed in touch with our host families throughout the pandemic. Recently, as we have approached them to host again, some have said they are taking Ukrainian refugees, while others have said they would like to but, for various reasons, it’s not logistically possible for them to.

“In some cases, this is due to the length of stay, which is a minimum of six months. Our new scheme is that when new hosts register with us, we will contribute £10 to the DEC fund for Ukraine. So, they will know they are helping Ukraine even if they can’t themselves have refugees to stay.

“As an international business, acutely aware of world events at all times, we strongly support those hosts who are taking Ukrainians fleeing from the war and we will offer discounted English classes via our sister business, the Language Academy.”

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