At the beginning of 2022, Olga was working as a marketing manager for a media agency in central Kyiv. With a Master’s degree in international business, she loved her job, and had a busy social life, while her daughter was thriving in school. 

By February 2022 Olga’s world had turned upside with the Russian invasion, and as rockets rained down on her city, she began to fear for her daughter’s life. In May of that year she took the difficult decision to leave her homeland and moved to Poland with her daughter, sister and niece. They intended to stay there for the short time the invasion was expected to last, and then return home. However, as the conflict escalated, she applied for the Homes for Ukraine scheme and moved to the UK.

So, in November 2022 Olga and her daughter moved again, this time to Chichester. This was a time of great anxiety for Olga, as she spoke little English, didn’t know anyone locally, and knew very little about the British way of life.

But a chance encounter with Ukrainian speakers in the street led her to Sanctuary in Chichester. She made her way to the Drop-In and Women’s Group, which was a turning point for her. She describes feeling “lost and overwhelmed” at this time, but she was able to meet other Ukrainians in the same situation and she soon made new friends.

Reflecting on her experience at Sanctuary’s Women’s Group, she says, “It helped me regain my footing. The kind and compassionate teachers not only assisted us in adapting to local life but also supported us, introduced us to the culture, and taught us the language from the most basic level. It was my first step to a new life.”

Olga now studies at The University of Chichester, pursuing a British Master’s in international business, and works remotely for her agency in Kyiv. Her daughter is studying A’ levels and planning to study medicine or neuroscience at university.

Olga is keen to encourage other refugees and says, “I am sharing this story to express my deep gratitude to Sanctuary, and in the hope that it may inspire
someone who needs support right now.”