Isle of Wight councillor welcomes Ukrainian refugees into his home

Isle of Wight councillor for Totland and Colwell, Chris Jarman, is among those leading the charge.

He has welcomed two Ukrainian families into his family home, and took them to Walk the Wight at the weekend. 

Chris says the Isle of Wight's response has been "wonderful", and has praised local businesses and residents for coming forward with offers of help and support.

Displaced Ukrainians with Chris Jarman during Walk the Wight.

"I think I was one of the very first on the Island to get registered," said Chris. 

"I managed to get through all the applications, and push a lot of other people to move forward on the applications and get them all verified very quickly. 

Displaced Ukrainians during Walk the Wight.

"Many Ukrainians who were applying and were available to be sponsored were very nervous about going to cities, because there was so much discussion about the possibility of biological and nuclear attacks."

Why are Ukrainians choosing the Isle of Wight?

"Rural locations became very popular," said Chris, who lives in Freshwater.

"A lot of those we have here were initially looking at West Wales, and I think the Isle of Wight was the next bet, really. 

Displaced Ukrainians enjoying a garden party at Chris Jarman's home. Picture includes Cllr Debbie Andre.

"We're such a beautiful place, who wouldn't want to come here?

"As they're settling down, they're now reaching back to their friends and families saying: look, we've arrived here on the Isle of Wight — the people here are enormously friendly and supportive."

Who is supporting Ukrainians refugees moving to the Isle of Wight?

"There is a really big package of support here, aided of course by MAD-AID, based in East Cowes," said Chris. 

"There are lots of Ukrainians arriving almost every day, and we're helping them as much as we can.

"We managed to get the first doctor registration done last week, and that then generates their NHS letter, which gives them their NHS number.

Displaced Ukrainians enjoying a garden party at Chris Jarman's home.

"That's then a gateway to dentistry, or the opticians, or anything else they might need, really.

"We also have bank accounts being opened by Nationwide, which has worked like an absolute dream, for adult and children's accounts. 

"The next phase is very much the schooling. We've been to a couple of the schools, and they're sorting out the open days and school uniforms, and then it's on to the job centre.

Displaced Ukrainians enjoying a garden party at Chris Jarman's home. (1)

"We have the first group going to the job centre tomorrow (Wednesday).

"They're remarkably industrious people — the Ukrainians — and they're very keen to work.

"I do love that. I love their focus and enthusiasm for work; that desire to be independent and get back on their feet."

Has it been difficult bringing Ukrainians refugees to the Isle of Wight?

"It's getting a lot easier — the Visa application systems seems to have at least stepped into third gear," said Chris.

"When we had the first batch arrive here, they got a very warm welcome. It's been a huge effort, with lots and lots of people involved.

"We have two families here, living in our house. Both of them are mothers with their children.

Displaced Ukrainians enjoying a garden party at Chris Jarman's home.

"They've been here just over two weeks now. 

"We've had others who have managed to get in as well, through other local families.

"Last weekend, we got all the early arrivals together, with their host families, and prospective host families, for a gathering in our garden.

"They all prepared a buffet for us — Ukrainian speciality, which was very lovely; very different foods, and a thank you cake.

"We're doing the same again this coming Sunday."

How many Ukrainian refugees are currently living on the Isle of Wight?

"More than 50 Ukrainians are already here on the Island, as of last Tuesday, and there's quite a lot more in the pipeline. 

"Those were the pioneers, and now you're seeing the numbers growing. It's really wonderful.

"We've been talking to local business. Adrian's Bike Shop, in the village, has been a real hero.

Ukrainians taking part in Walk the Wight.

"The West Wight Sports and Community Centre are also doing free membership for them for a few months.

"Lots of local businesses are coming forward with offers of help, and residents as well.
"We've had quite a lot of elderly widows come forward, who perhaps live in a three-bedroom bungalow by themselves. 

"Most of the people coming are mothers with children."

How are the children coping on the Isle of Wight?

"The Isle of Wight Computer Club are engaged, refurbishing old laptops and Ipads and things to give to the new arrivals, particularly useful for the children," said Chris.

"Our children here were up at 6am this morning, doing some online exams in the Ukraine. 

"Within a few days, they'll be starting school here. 

"We also got the adults engaged with the Isle of Wight College last week, to push forward their English. 

"The college is looking at running a very intensive course over the summer for the younger children, to get their level of English up so school is a lot easier.

"It's amazing, looking back, how quickly things have progressed. 

"It's a real combination between the council, the Riverside Centre, a group of us individuals, and all the businesses. 

"It's helped we didn't have too many in the very beginning. 

"Having a gradual build up has meant we've had more time to get the systems in place, and they're not overstretched on day one."