GENEROUS Mersea families are opening up their homes to provide refuge for the victims of the Ukraine war.

At least 15 households on the island are known to have signed up for the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme including that of Essex County Council leader Kevin Bentley and his wife, Karen.

The islanders have either found Ukrainians to stay with them or are waiting to be matched.

They have also set up a support group which was joined by West Mersea Mayor Carl Powling at the inaugural meeting.

Mr and Mrs Bentley have prepared their home for two refugees and have been in daily contact while they wait for their visas to be approved.

Mrs Bentley said: “It has been a terrible time for all the Ukrainians who have had to leave their homes and possessions behind because of the war, in many cases leaving other family members too.

“Some of their men are fighting the war and there is, inevitably, a great deal of distress and anxiety about what is happening.

“The host families have joined together as a group and we would like to invite others who may also be sponsoring families on the island to join us so we can prepare for their arrival.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has offered support – and also to the Mersea Locals Facebook Group for sharing our requests. We have been overwhelmed by the kindness shown, from people offering jobs to translation services, beach huts to bikes, haircuts to clothes and more.”

Among those supporting the group is Heather Jarvis, from the Trove vintage and contemporary shop on Mersea. She is appealing to traders for vouchers and has started collecting clothes for the Ukrainians so they have additional clothing when they arrive.

She said: “These people fled their home country with just a suitcase of personal belongings and I am now collecting clothes and shoes and also appealing to fellow traders and suppliers to provide vouchers and other items, so that we can create a welcome pack for when they arrive.”

Mr Powling added: “It is great to see everyone showing their support and demonstrates what an incredible island community that we have.

“It would be great to see as many people as possible flying the Ukrainian flag or putting bunting up in their shop windows as we gear up to give them the warmest welcome possible.”

“We’re also preparing for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, celebrating 70 years of service, and it would be lovely to see the Ukrainian blue and yellow flying alongside our own Union flag, showing solidarity for the Ukrainian people and their country. Our aim is to bring some light to their lives, during what is, for them, an extremely dark chapter in their home country’s history.”

Any other sponsors on the island can email karen@mosaicpublicity.co.uk.

A new support group has been set up on Mersea Island for those hosting families who are fleeing the war in Ukraine.