Homes for Ukraine, Refugee Action Forum and Moray Council Resettlement team focused on helping displaced families

A total of 18 Ukrainian refugees have fled their country for a local, seaside village since Russia invaded their country in 2022.

Under the UK Government’s ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme, homeowners with available accommodation serve as sponsors for anyone leaving Ukraine, supporting visa applications as well as offering friendship and guidance.

Chairman of volunteer group, Refugee Action Forum (RAF), Robin Alfred, believes it is “a joy and privilege” to welcome them into the Findhorn Ecovillage community.

He said: “We can only imagine how hard their life has been in Ukraine: their houses being bombed; seeing friends die; and living in fear, danger and under immense stress every day.”

RAF sponsors help arrivals register at Forres Health Centre, open a bank account, get a National Insurance number, look for work, learn English, and support children into schooling.

“We also act as warm and loving friends,” added Robin, “offering both psychological and practical support.”

Many refugees have been housed in formerly dilapidated bungalows that the Findhorn Foundation, then Ecovillage Findhorn, make available to RAF. The group renovates them to the standard set by Moray Council’s Resettlement team.

Support has also been given by local electricians, plumbers, and joiners who sometimes offer free or subsidised rates. Elgin’s Pinefield Glass have fitted new windows at cost price and Design Floors also fitted carpets at significant discount.

Moray Steiner School has provided places for Ukrainian children and Moray Waste Busters have provided initial home building supplies and equipment for free.

“The list of supporters is long and deep,” said Robin. “The people who come here are enormously grateful, but so are we as they contribute hugely to the area: some offer support as therapists and psychologists to people still in Ukraine; some are working locally as builders; while others support with accountancy skills, massage therapy, permaculture and gardening work.”

Robin’s grandparents were Jewish refugees from Russia and Poland, fleeing persecution in the early 1900s.

He said: “I am now in a privileged position to offer support to those in need.

“For the Ukrainians, it is a mixed feeling: happy to be in a safe and welcoming community; but also missing home. It’s also unclear for many whether they will now need to build a longer-term life here or will go back at some point in the future.”

Latest arrival, Antonina has been in Findhorn since April 16.

She said: “I am happy to be here and I meet kindness everywhere I go. I am planting seeds to grow food and flowers, and throwing myself into community life.

“I am so grateful to be safe.”