Orkney continues to support Ukrainians as the nation marks two years of war

February 24, 2022, is a day etched on the minds of all Ukrainians – as it dawned with a barrage of Russian missiles raining down on their country. 

Now, more than two years on, Ukrainians in Orkney continue to receive what they describe as “much appreciated” support from the Council and local communities. 

Leading that support network is fellow Ukrainian, Nataliia Kuzmina - not a refugee herself, but a resident of Orkney for the past five years, and the Council’s Resettlement Scheme Project Manager. 

Nataliia is the first point of contact for Ukrainians who have fled their homes and found themselves heading to a new life in Orkney. The war is not over, and refugees are still arriving in the county – most recently a family came at the end of January this year. 

There are currently 27 Ukrainian refugees living in Orkney. From South Ronaldsay to Papa Westray, host families throughout Orkney have opened their homes and hearts to others in their time of need. 

Nataliia said: “Many of our Ukrainian refugees have been here for almost two years and have made Orkney their new home. They are very appreciative of the support they continue to receive from the Council and our communities.” 

Nataliia started work with OIC as a Housing Support Officer in November 2022, and became Project Manager at the beginning of March 2023. 

She has been supported in her work by numerous teams across the Council, including the Education Service, Community Learning, Development & Employability (CLDE) Team, Housing Team, and The Learning Link. 

Together, they have come up with new initiatives to support the refugees, in addition to the basics, such as health services, employability support and schooling to name a few. 

A very well attended Language Café – social meetings for Ukrainian refugees of all ages focusing on improving their English language skills in a relaxed environment - has been the most successful so far. The meetings are run by a group of volunteers and take place every Saturday at the Youth Café premises. 

In addition, a new therapeutic art class is beginning this month (March). 

Nataliia said: “One of the Ukrainian refugees is an artist and has offered to run free therapeutic art classes for other Ukrainians and that is due to start on 16 March in the Youth Cafe.” 

The UK Government issues a tariff payment to local Councils for each refugee who is homed within their local authority area. The Council is then able to use this money to provide support to families to rebuild their lives and fully integrate into communities. 

The Learning Link has been instrumental from the outset providing various language classes to help Ukrainians settle into life in the county. 

Loganair have been generous in providing a free flight from Scottish airports to Kirkwall to all refugees coming into Orkney. 

Nataliia feels one of the most important parts of her role is to speak with the refugees before they embark on a journey to Orkney. 

“It is vital that they have some sort of insight into the community that they will be living in, especially if they are coming from a large city. Adapting to life in a small, rural community can be challenging for anyone making that move, let alone for those fleeing a war and for most of them leaving behind loved ones. 

“We are all from Europe but there are many cultural differences, not just our language, but how we have lived our lives, the ways we behave. I find it rewarding showing them a different culture and a community they become comfortable living in. Undoubtedly, some of them will return to Ukraine and I want them to take a positive experience of living in Orkney with them to share with the people back home. Some of them will stay in the UK and perhaps even here in Orkney, which we also hope will be of benefit to the people here, perhaps learning from the people of Ukraine also.” 

Of those 27 refugees currently living in Orkney, eight are children who have settled into nursery and school life and the Education Service continues to provide support as required. 

“They are all becoming part of the community; children make friends within school and are invited to someone else’s house – parents get to know other parents,” Nataliia said. 

Most, if not all, have managed to gain employment in Orkney. Unfortunately, not all of them can pursue the same career that they had in Ukraine due to language barriers or differing qualifications, but they are keen to work. 

Nataliia explained: “We have an amazing set of professionals who have come to Orkney, from a dentist to a teacher, choreographer/artist, to an architect and manual labourers. 

“Many of the Ukrainians are also volunteering in the Orkney community – they want to give back to the communities who are helping them. We have ones helping in charity shops, another is looking to volunteer in Hamnavoe House, and we have one at the Glaitness Day Centre.” 

Not all Ukrainians have been able to settle in the county – for some, the differences have been too extreme, others struggled to find accommodation after the end of their hosting arrangements 

“Of course there have been challenges, it is not possible to have people coming from harrowing and horrific situations to an unknown country where they often don't know the language or culture without some issues. 

“With the absolute best of intentions, sometimes the reality of sharing a living space with someone who is, in effect, a stranger, has been harder than both hosts and refugees may have realised. Sometimes it is about finding the right fit – people who just click with one another. 

“But for the most part those coming here have shown remarkable resilience and those welcoming them into their homes, incredible compassion and empathy. 

“Many Ukrainians have adapted well to life in Orkney - those are the ones who tend to live for today and embrace the moment, rather than looking to the future. That is the best way to live – enjoy the moment for none of us know what is around the corner – only by living that way will any of us be content.  

“The reality for many is that they will have no home to go back to – areas, including cities, lie in ruins, but it's important for us to never give up hope. We must believe we can win this war for the alternative is unthinkable. If we lose, there will be no Ukraine.”