Ukrainian refugee hosts needed in Torbay

More host families are needed in Torbay for Ukrainian refugees, a councillor has said.

Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, the Bay has welcomed more than 220 people from Ukraine who have been staying with 120 families.

Torbay Council member Chris Lewis said another 30 hosts were needed, "with one, or preferably two spare rooms".

Katya Piavka, 27, who left her home city of Poltava two-and-a-half years ago, said she loved her job and life in Devon, but missed her family back in Ukraine.

'Had to help'

"A lot of people I knew started being killed [in Ukraine]," she said. "It was horrible – a horrible experience.”

She has been staying in Paignton with Jodie West.

"I couldn’t believe what was going on over there. I just had to help in some way," Ms West said.

“I had the space, I didn’t want a lodger, I had no intention of ever doing anything with that space - and then it seemed like the most obvious thing to do."

Ms Piavka has her own bedroom and bathroom, and shares the kitchen and lounge with Ms West.

Ukrainian refugee Katya Piavka loves living in Paignton but misses her family

Mr Lewis, council cabinet member for Place Development and Economic Growth and deputy leader of Torbay Council, said: "We want to do our bit to increase the number of host families for those fleeing Ukraine.

“We need another 30 [host families].

"We’re looking for people with one, or preferably two spare rooms, and, for that, you get £350 a month.

"But it’s not about the money and I’m sure the people of Torbay will stand up like they did two years ago and make people from the Ukraine welcome here."

Ms Piavka, who works for an opticians in Newton Abbot, said: “My job is brilliant and I love it. I’ve got my life here, but I miss my family so much."