A FAMILY who offered a Ukrainian family the chance to live with them is now looking for a sponsor for the refugees' friend. 

Sarah Dowdeswell and her family welcomed a Ukrainian mum and her two sons in April.

The refugees have settled in at their new home, with the children now attending school.

Sarah said: "It took a lot of getting used to. There was a lot of paperwork involved once they arrived.

"We’ve got quite a large community of Ukranian people, so it’s been a huge help that they see each other every week and mix a lot with sharing stories.

"Obviously they want to go home, but whilst they’re here, they’re finding it comfortable. It's going good."

The mum and her children have been attending a community hub in Warrington, where other Ukrainian refugees around Newton-le-Willows and St Helens areas also meet every week. 

The service provides a safe space for refugees to speak with others who fled their homes in Ukraine following Russia's invasion.

The hub offers free school uniforms, toiletries, and information, along with an outdoor play area and ice cream for the children to enjoy. 

Sarah explained how deeply affected she was by the war in Ukraine and knew she wanted to help vulnerable families. 

She added: "We were watching the news and I was just crying every day because it was so horrific. We had the space so we said let’s offer our house and straight away I got on to Facebook and found somebody.

"It was quite a lengthy process, but we found someone in need and got them over and that was that.

"We’re like one big family now. Our children are like brothers and we sit and eat together so it’s like having a friend here at the moment; it’s a good environment."

The Ukrainian mum fled the country with her sons to find safety, with the children's dad staying behind. 

The mum's friend had also remained in Ukraine whilst hoping that things would improve, however, due to the situation worsening, she no longer feels safe and hopes to move here.

Sarah said: "She wants to live somewhere close to my family because she knows them, but we’re just trying to find somebody in the Newton area who can help out and find somewhere for her to stay.

"We need someone who’s caring and understanding because it’s going to be difficult for them."

For further details about being a potential sponsor, contact Sarah Dowdeswell on Facebook or visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/ukrainianhubwarrington/