Ealing Council is holding a ceremony to mark the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and residents are invited to attend.
The event is planned for Ealing Town Hall on Friday, 24 February and will be hosted by the leader of the council, Councillor Peter Mason, and the Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Mohinder Midha.
They will be joined by Dean of Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church, Protopresbyter Bohdan Matwijczuk, and King Charles’s local representative, Deputy Lieutenant Richard Kornicki.
Prayers and a minute’s silence will be held to commemorate the Russian invasion of the country, which has resulted in the displacement of millions.
The ceremony will start at 2.30pm in the Nelson Room in the town hall and you are asked to arrive by 2.15pm if you would like to attend. Seating is limited and will be prioritised for those who need it. The ceremony is expected to last for approximately one hour.
Councillor Mason said: “I have been so proud of the commitment of Ealing residents to supporting those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine and seeking refuge in our borough. As we approach the anniversary of the invasion, with the conflict showing no sign of abating, this is another opportunity for us to come together to demonstrate solidarity with the people of Ukraine.”
Could you help a Ukrainian family?
Meanwhile, the council is looking for more local people to come forward to act as hosts for Ukrainian refugees, with families still arriving weekly from the war-torn country and in need of emergency accommodation.
More money is now available for hosts, reflecting the rising cost of living. The government provides a flat fee of £350 per month to hosts regardless of how many guests there are, and the council now tops it up per person, up to a total of £700 a month for a family of four guests.
Ukrainian refugees have the same rights as British citizens and have a three-year visa allowing them to live, work and study. Those unable to find suitable host accommodation would have to be housed in temporary accommodation like hotels if the council is unable to find enough hosts.
To register to become a host, or to ask for more details, email HomeforUkraine@ealing.gov.uk
