First anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine marked by Newark and Sherwood District Council

One year on from the from the day Russian forces invaded Ukraine, a Ukrainian flag is flying high above Newark as a sign of friendship and respect.

To mark the first anniversary of invasion, the Ukrainian flag is being flown outside of Newark and Sherwood District Council's offices at castle house in Newark where a minute’s silence will also be held at 11am.

Deputy leader of the council, Keith Girling said: “We are proud to have supported Ukrainian families through our homes for Ukraine scheme which has seen 140 groups helped so far.

"We are still seeing refugees arriving in the district with 2 new groups arriving in the near future.

“We are so grateful for the generosity and welcome shown by our sponsors in the district. But it is really important that we don’t forget that for as long as the war continues, we stand by the people of Ukraine.”

Since the homes for Ukraine scheme started, the council has worked closely with Ukrainian families to help them to settle, find work and their own accommodation as the initial sponsorship period ends.

“Over the last year we’ve helped families to settle in the district, we’ve held sponsor evenings and recruitment fairs to help find work for our new residents," said Mr. Girling.

"As we don’t know how long the war will last, we need to be there to help for the long term. We have families who have now found themselves places to live and work across the district and we are looking forward to welcoming more families going forward.”

“We urge all of our residents to join with us in showing their support either through the minute’s silence or by reaching out to the families in the district on this very poignant anniversary.”