Scout group helps Ukrainian refugees to thrive

Artem and Yehor, both six, came to England in 2022 after their families fled Ukraine

Two young Ukrainian refugees who were "scared to talk" when starting school as they could not speak English have been helped by a local Scout group.

Artem and Yehor, both six, arrived in Gosport, Hampshire, in 2022 after their families fled Ukraine when Russia launched its full-scale invasion.

Lisa Young, lead volunteer at 6th Gosport Scout Group, said the pair had since grown into "confident, kind, brave and bold" children.

Mila, Yehor's mother, said she was delighted her son was able to grow up in a safe place and to have a "normal childhood".

"Life is horrible for children living in Ukraine now," she said.

She said Squirrels was really important for Yehor and Artem, and that it also benefitted her own mental health.

"We parents also have the opportunity to communicate with other adults. It's our social life," she said.

Mila said the group was also good for parents as it provided an opportunity to socialise

Artem, who came to Gosport from Ivano-Frankivsk in western Ukraine, met Yehor, from Kyiv, at 6th Gosport Squirrels after their families were both referred by their Ukrainian family support worker.

"When I started school I was scared to talk as I didn't know how to talk English," said Artem.

Yehor said England was "quiet" and "safe" compared to Ukraine.

"We don't have rockets or shooting here," he said.

"I can sleep more here."

'The sky is the limit'

Ms Young said she was "thrilled" at how far the pair had come.

"Their friendship group has expanded at Squirrels, their ability to converse in English is amazing," she said.

"And when it comes to activities, they thrive outdoors and enjoy everything Scouts brings them.

"The sky is the limit for them both and we're lucky enough to be supporting them to reach it."