DOZENS of Ukrainian refugees have been granted visas to live with Southampton families who signed up to a Government scheme.

Data shows that 79 people fleeing the war-torn country will be rehomed in the city.

It forms part of the Homes for Ukraine programme, which will see participating households receive £350 a month for their support.

A further 99 refugees will be homed in Eastleigh, and 142 in the New Forest.

Jon Budgell, CEO of the Southampton charity Hope Now, has praised the efforts of local families.

“It's with great pleasure and an answer to prayer that the news of 79 refugees have been offered accommodation here in Southampton,” he told the Echo.

“Many Ukrainians I have spoken to over the last few days are clearly traumatised and will need professional care and support.

“A big thank you to the residents of Southampton, not only for this offer, but also for the tons of aid donated and already in Ukraine.

"It is so heartwarming to see the care shown.”

READ MORE: Southampton charity Hope Now offers support at Cherkasy HQ in Ukraine

As reported, Hope Now has been working in Ukraine since 1992 with its services vital to hundreds of families, particularly in the city of Cherkasy which has a population of 300,000.

This is where its headquarters are based, and where refugees have been using it to shelter from bombs amongst other things.

Mr Budgell continued: “Meanwhile, Hope Now continue to collect funding, spring clothing, over the counter medicines and dried foods for delivery direct to the centre of Ukraine.

“Contact info@hopenow.org.uk to help.”

Further afield, 195 refugees have been granted visas to live in the Test Valley; 186 in Winchester; 44 in Fareham; and 27 in Gosport.

 

READ MORE: Ukrainian refugees begin their new life in Southampton

After spending several nights in freezing conditions in the basement of their rehearsal room on the outskirts of the besieged Ukrainian capital, listening to bombs falling nearby, the family decided to join the stampede and make for the Polish border.

They are now living in the town, just north of Southampton, and young Sasha was even photographed wearing a Saints hoodie.

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