Ukrainian's who have found safety on the Yorkshire Coast will be holding a series of events as the nation holds a minutes silence to pay tribute to the courage of the Ukrainian people.
Today marks a year since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the war has seen attacks on civilian areas and a large exodus of families, mainly women and children from the war zone.
Among them is Iryna who found a host family in Scarborough for her and her daughter a month into the war.
Iryna says that with attacks on Ukrainian towns and cities continuing there are still people looking for hosts in the UK.
Iryna says the local Ukrainian community is immensely thankful to the host families who have helped them escape the conflict, and she hopes local people will join them in marking the anniversary of the war today in a series of events.
Speaking on Paddy @ Breakfast Iryna says that while adjusting to the massive changes in their lives has been tough, the welcome and the support the Ukrainians have experienced from local people has been amazing, she says the transition has been especially tough for some of the teenagers, but the younger children have settled well.
Today's events marking the first anniversary of the war will include an open invite to the opening of the new Ukrainian Café at the Salvation Army Citadel on Alma parade in Scarborough. The Citadel already plays host to a weekly "Ukrainian Hub" which offers support with learning English as well as accessing schools, healthcare and benefits. The initiative has been set up in partnership with Scarborough Sunflower Appeal, a group that supports Ukrainian refugees.
The Cafe will be open every Friday between between 10am and 1pm, for today's opening the cafe team say:
"You can eat Borscht and other Ukrainian delights. Ukrainian crafts and traditional clothing will be on sale. Pay a little donation to be photographed in front of an amazing hand-painted mural of a traditional Ukrainian house."
Iryna says the hub and now the cafe provide a place for the Ukrainian community to meet up and will also help strengthen links with local people.
The Government has announced a minutes silence at 11am today to mark one year since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
It says
'this national moment of reflection will offer the UK public the chance to pay tribute to the courage of the Ukrainian people and demonstrate the UK’s unwavering solidarity with the country.'
Scarborough Borough Council has said it will be marking the anniversary by flying the Ukrainian flag above the town hall in Scarborough "to show solidarity with everyone affected by the invasion"
The Borough Council said:
"There is a growing community of Ukrainian people in our borough who are being supported and looked after thanks to the generosity of many local people, charities and businesses.
Last year, our councillors – from across the political spectrum – signed a statement of solidarity with the people of Ukraine after the issue was raised at a meeting of full council.
One year on from Russia’s invasion we continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Ukraine."
Later in the day members of the Ukrainian community along with their hosts and members of the Sunflower group will gather at 4:30 outside of the Brunswick Centre for an event including Ukrainian singing and dancing.
There will be a service of remembrance at 18:00 at the Salvation Army Church.
More information is available at https://www.facebook.com/groups/699911357671085
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