Ukraine: Portsmouth and Hampshire residents have rallied to support of embattled Ukrainians

On February 24, 2022, thousands of innocent civilians on the Ukraine - Russian border woke up to explosions, which sparked a fear that has not left them since their world was destroyed.

The catastrophic events played out on televisions and in news reports shocked the world, and almost instantly people were urged to help either with aid or by taking refugees into their homes - and Portsmouth stepped up.

Less than a month after the war broke out, Portsmouth residents began taking Ukrainian families in with the hope of helping them rebuild their lives.

From the establishment of Bridge to Unity to the creation of the Snug Boutique and Hayling Helps Ukraine, the community has found ways to make the best out of the situation.

Bridge to Unity was formed by Matt Simmons after the success of Ems4Afghans which was established in response to the 2021 refugee crisis in Afghanistan.

When the war started, the team knew that they had to do something to help, and have been tirelessly collecting donations and transporting them to the Ukrainian border.

Matt has been on multiple trips to Ukraine to deliver items that residents need.

He said: ‘It is the small organisations and the general public that have really supported people, and that is the biggest thing that I have noticed since war began.

‘The Fareham and Gosport Ukrainian Community support group is another amazing group, and that was a group of people that got together and started a Facebook page. This is the kind of support that we have seen this past year. ‘

He has been working closely with the Zintegrowana Sluzba Ratownicza, which is a Polish voluntary group that provides medical care. They have been informing Matt about the type of supplies that are needed the most.

Matt added: ‘In Eastern Ukraine, there is constant bombardment and in the west there are power outages and they don’t know how long it is going to be off for. It is quite eye-opening really.

‘It is truly amazing to see local people come together to support Ukrainians. There are people within groups that are constantly putting together donations and taking them out.’

SEE ALSO: Ukrainians in Hampshire speak of their experiences as war against Russia approaches a year

Hayling Helps Ukraine and Portsmouth Helps Ukraine have both played a significant role in helping refugees settle into the community.

Paul Gray, 45, who set up the Hayling group, has been taking donations out to Ukrainian civilians and the military since the war started.

Paul said: ‘The group came about because the people who were setting up Portsmouth Helps Ukraine asked if anything was set up in Hayling so a sister organisation was born.’

The group has been rallying around to take medicine, clothes, appliances and more across the border to make a difference to those living in war zones.

He added: ‘We donated a car which I personally took out to the Ukrainian border. I didn’t go into Ukraine, but I went near the border and then the guys came over to collect the car.’

Hayling Island has held community mixer events as well as offering free bikes and ferry travel to refugees to help them find their feet in their home away from home.

Paul added: ‘If there is a positive side to everything, it has been generally quite heartwarming seeing everyone from all backgrounds come together.

‘This is the positive side because I have seen so many people come to Hayling and it is like day and night from when they arrived.’

Not only did the city see community groups establish themselves, but people have continued to show support by raising Ukrainian flags outside of their homes to show solidarity.

The Portsmouth Helps Ukraine community group has organised a multitude of events for Ukrainians to get involved in. From collecting and distributing donations, to organising fundraising events, to signposting where people can receive help the group has been a constant.

Last year, they sent out Christmas presents to the men on the front line, and will do the same for Easter.

Viola Langley, who formed the group, said: ‘It is hard to believe that it is still happening, I am devastated really and I just really wish that it is going to be coming to an end.

‘We are in it for the long haul and even when the war stops, there is so much devastation in Ukraine, so they will need help rebuilding their country and we will be here.’

Snug Boutique in the Meon Valley was set up in response to the number of refugees who need clothes, toys, household items and more.

People donated so many items that Sam Dunlop and a group of volunteers set up a boutique.

Everything on offer is free of charge and the team created a safe space for every refugee in the area.

Sam, who is in charge of the boutique, said: ‘It has evolved so much from when it started and the whole idea of the boutique is that it doesn’t feel like a charity shop.

‘The difference from when they first came in here to now is incredible because they do come back and they feel more comfortable, and it is really nice.’

Generosity has been abundant in Portsmouth, and across the last year, the people of the city and the surrounding areas have rallied together to make refugees feel safe.

Portsmouth residents will all come together today to mark a year since the invasion, and there are a number of events taking place across the city for Ukrainians to pray for loved ones.

Hampshire and Portsmouth stood united with Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and it will continue to do so until the war is over.