Ukrainian helping refugees adjust to life in UK

Inna Prykhodko said she enjoys giving back to help support other refugees

A woman who fled Ukraine three years ago said she is helping to support other displaced people feel welcome in the UK.

Inna Prykhodko moved to Wells in Somerset in 2022 as part of the homes for Ukraine programme and now teaches English to other refugees.

She has been speaking at a new exhibition for World Refugee Day at Wells Cathedral, describing what it is like to be as a displaced person.

Ms Prykhodko told BBC Radio Somerset: "I was trying to start my life from scratch but I also wanted to help others to navigate a new country as I knew the English language. It's been very rewarding."

She said: "When I came here to Wells, my life has changed considerably and trying to help others has helped ease that pain of fleeing my home country.

"The UK and Ukraine life is really similar but the cuisine is quite different.

"Sunday Roast is something we don't have in Ukraine and that's such a wonderful tradition with spending time with family and eating amazing food."

Ms Prykhodko (second from the right) told her story alongside other refugees at an event at Wells Cathedral

She now works with the Wells Welcome Hub which aims to create a safe space for anyone who is displaced.

Ms Prykhodko said: "We try to promote British values through volunteering and participating in events. It's about getting them into the community.

"I want to show people that are displaced that learning a new language and integrating with the local community can be so beneficial."