THE city council has held an event celebrating Winchester residents who have hosted Ukrainian refugees.

Held at Winchester College on July 17, the event was attended by more than 100 people across 60 host families.

Live entertainment was provided by the Ukrainian choir, accordion player Volodymyr Vasylenko and choreographer Anna Panniotova.

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Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, more than 250 families have made their way to the district, living with hosts as part of the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme. The council has worked with Hampshire County Council and other organisations to provide support during their stay.

City council leader Martin Tod said: “We can all remember when the horrifying news came through from Ukraine at the end of February 2022. And – here locally- many of us gathered in Abbey Gardens the following day to say ‘Winchester stands with Ukraine’.

“And I know those words still stand true. Winchester stands with Ukraine.

Hampshire Chronicle: The event was held at Winchester CollegeThe event was held at Winchester College (Image: Winchester City Council)“But I also know that, while many of us have said it, there are some of us who have lived it – who have done more than any of us can imagine to make that commitment real.

“We want to thank the hosts here today, on behalf of Winchester City Council for your continued kindness, generosity, support and sympathy, providing homes and security for those who have been displaced by the war in Ukraine.

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“We are intensely grateful for the example you have set for our city and our community and the support you have provided to our city’s and district’s Ukrainian guests.

“It’s a matter of pride for the city to stand alongside you and work closely with our Ukrainian families.”

The city council has worked closely with hosts to support Ukrainians since the start of the crisis, supporting their transition to life in the UK, from providing valuable housing advice, supporting guests to find work, or receiving relevant training and language courses, all aimed at helping them to living independently in the UK.