West Mersea couple hail Ukrainian refugee rehoming scheme

Peter and Sandra Speak said the experience had been a “rewarding” one after feeling implored to help having seen news reports of families fleeing their homes.

It comes as Colchester Council has paid tribute to those who have stepped up to help those in dire need.

Mr and Mrs Speak explained they first received a request from Anton, whose surname has been withheld, who was staying in a hostel in Poland with his wife and their five-year-old child.

The couple said: “We agreed to chat on FaceTime to get to know them and to our surprise Anton spoke good English, which was a big plus.”

Welcoming - Peter and Sandra Speak (Image: Colchester City Council)

The families met soon after and, after completing several forms, the move was made permanent.

“Our local community were so very supportive with donations of toys, money and kindness, along with a WhatsApp support group to exchange information,” the couple continued.

“We are still happily connected and we continue to support them, especially as they have moved into a flat only 100 yards or so from our house.

“With hindsight, would we have volunteered to sponsor a family? Most definitely, yes.

“Anton, Marta and Nick have given us so much in understanding Ukrainian culture and the trauma they experienced in Kyiv before fleeing to Poland.”

Support which has been offered by Colchester Council includes working with key partners to provide wrap around support for Ukraine hosts and guests.

Family - Marta, Anton and Nick in West Mersea (Image: Colchester City Council)

Council leaders are working towards Colchester being recognised as a City of Sanctuary while it is currently a City of Sanctuary Local Authority Network member.

A council-funded case support officer and translator in Colchester is also on hand to help.

Refugee Action boss Maria Wilby said: “It has been a privilege to continue our work of supporting people fleeing war and conflict.

“They have also taught us a great deal about resilience, courage and kindness.

“The council's communities team have also been a great pleasure to work with and together I am sure we can continue to help this community to welcome all those seeking sanctuary.”

David King, leader of the council, added: “We can be proud of Colchester’s long history of supporting those fleeing from persecution.

"A tradition we continue to honour by helping those Ukrainian and Afghan families that have recently sought refuge in our city. We have proven time and again that in times of crisis, Colchester will help and support those in their greatest moment of need. 

"We have taken more than any other area in Essex, a testament to our voluntary sector and to the many residents who have taken on the challenge of opening their homes and hearts to those in need."

Since refugees have come to Colchester a number of heartwarming stories have emerged. 

Peter Dutch, from the Anti Loo Roll Brigade, donated an electric guitar and amp to a young Ukrainian refugee called IIIia, who had to leave his much-loved instrument in Ukraine when he escaped the war.

A Colchester team of refugees and asylum seekers were able to take on a rival football team at Crystal Palace’s training ground.

Volunteer work was organised for one Ukrainian guest who was a dentist in Ukraine. Instead of a volunteer positions the Colchester dentist employed her.