Couple speak of refugee hosting experience as council urges more families to step forward

A Torbay couple who opened up their home to two sisters fleeing the war in Ukraine has spoken of their experience of the sponsorship.

It comes as Torbay Council  urge eligible residents across the Bay to consider registering an expression of interest to house a Ukrainian individual or family.

Torbay has been receiving and welcoming Ukrainian refugees since April 2022. More than 220 people have been hosted, staying with more than 120 families.

Kind-hearted Bay residents who opened their homes and hearts to the refugees were asked to commit to housing them for a minimum of six months.

Steve and Kasia Hutchins, of Torquay, were one couple who stepped forward, providing refuge to sisters Yuliia and Veronika, from the port town of Odessa.

More than two years later, the sisters remain with the Hutchins and are now firmly considered part of the family.

They found each other in April 2022 through Opora, a charity that supports Ukrainians in the UK. The sisters have been living in Torquay since May 2022 and say they love it.

Yuliia said: “Odessa is a beautiful city – there is great architecture, history and people – but we felt paralysed there. It was too stressful and we thought we could help our family by being somewhere else. We had been to the UK before so we knew what it was like and knew it was safe.”

The pair left behind their parents, younger brother and extended family but speak to them every day on WhatsApp.

Yuliia, 27, had completed her Masters degree and was on a gap year when Ukraine was invaded. Veronika, 22, was studying tourism and has since completed her studies online.

Yuliia said: “Steve and Kasia are very easy going. There is lots of space here. They also helped us find work. We did not want to use Universal Credit. There is no sense staying at home all day.”

The sisters got work in a nearby hotel, which also employs other Ukrainians, and they soon made friends. Both women had spoken English since they were very young but say there’s no substitute for living somewhere and learning the language from locals.

Veronika added: “It’s good because we can improve our English. We hear all sorts of accents in our jobs at the hotel.”

Kasia is Polish and understands Ukrainian and the sisters can speak her native language.

Steve is retired while Kasia works from home selling wool products online. Their daughter Emma was 16 when the sisters arrived and the three bonded quickly, although Emma has now left home to study performing arts.

The household quickly fell into a routine, sometimes eating together and sometimes doing their own thing. Steve and Kasia would spend a lot of time taking Emma to dance competitions and events away from home so their guests would often fend for themselves.

Steve said: “We could help and we had the space. We like meeting people and learning about different cultures and perspectives on life. It’s been a joy to have them here and they’re now part of the family.”

Kasia added: “When the war began, it was nice to feel we could help. It’s good to know there’s someone at home. If you go out and forget to do something, like unload the dishwasher, you can ring up and ask one of them to do it. It’s like having another member of the family you can trust.

“Maybe we have been lucky because of the way we have all fit together. We are easy-going and not fussed about set mealtimes for example.”

Steve and Kasia originally signed up to host the sisters for 12 months but are happy to let them stay long-term.

Yullia said: “Steve is like a teacher for us. He explains a lot of the different English expressions we don’t understand. He has taught us Cockney rhyming slang and even taught us how to play bowls!

“And we have had some lovely evenings sitting out on the terrace talking to Kasia. We really feel at home here in Torquay.”

Hayley Tranter, Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities for Torbay Council, said: “It’s heartwarming to hear this story and we thank Steve and Kasia – and others like them across Torbay – for taking Ukrainians into their homes. Their generosity has made a huge difference to refugees’ lives.

“While it’s been nearly three years since Russia invaded Ukraine, the situation hasn’t really changed for Ukrainians. They continue to come here to seek sanctuary.

“We were so grateful to the hundreds of people who offered to house refugees since 2022 but we understand circumstances change and not all residents can be long-term hosts.

“That’s why we’re now looking for more households to come forward. If you think you meet the criteria and can offer a home to someone in need, please contact us.”

Steve and Yuliia talk more about hosting in this video

Being a host – what you need to know

• You must be over 18. You don’t need to own your home but if you are a tenant, you need the landlord’s permission.
• Hosts receive a (non-taxable) monthly thank you payment of £350 (£500 if the Ukrainian has been in the country 12 months or more).
• The council asks that people commit to housing a refugee for a minimum of six months (but they can stay for longer).
• The council is available for any ongoing queries between hosts and guests.
• You don’t have to provide food or money, just a private room with a bed and a safe environment.
• Hosting Ukrainian refugees will not affect your council tax banding or any discounts that may be in place.
• You will need to undergo successful housing and DBS checks to qualify.