TWO years on from the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a man who hosts a refugee has discussed what life is like for those who have settled in Cumbria

Since February 24 2022, more than 200,000 refugees have arrived in the UK through the family and sponsorship schemes. Through the sponsorship scheme 'Home for Ukraine' 436 refugees had arrived in Westmorland and Furness by this time last year.  

The government closed applications to the Ukraine Family Scheme on February 19, which prompted some criticism from charities such as the Refugee Council. 

However, according to Neil Pannett, a trustee for Arnside Homes for Ukraine, this does not impact their sponsorship scheme. 

"I think we have 27 Ukrainian nationals in Arnside and in other areas," he said. At the beginning of the scheme, 60 Ukrainians came to Arnside.

"A number have returned but others have moved to Kendal or Lancaster," he added. 

"The person we are hosting is in her 60s. She lost her husband [who was in Ukraine] last year to cancer." Mr Pannett said that she has a son fighting in Ukraine and she checks her phone regularly to see if he is safe. 

"All of those who are remaining here now do have jobs," he said, many of whom are in the care sector or B&Bs. "We're very appreciative of the work they have been doing here. Many of those Ukrainians are very well qualified." 

Mr Pannett said the settled Ukrainians and the community have been surprised by how long the scheme has gone on.

"Two years in they've become a part of the community. Nobody expected the visas to be extended beyond March 2022," he said. One of the refugees he spoke to shortly after settling did not expect Ukraine to repel Russian forces for so long.  

An issue in the local area that makes it difficult for Ukrainians to leave their host homes is the cost of the rental market, which Mr Pannett said is usually over £800 a month around Arnside. 

"They just can't afford to move out," he said. "They feel guilty about still staying with their hosts, but they need some financial help with that."

Another trustee for Arnside Homes for Ukraine is Anna Gorst, who received Cumbria's Woman of the Year award last year. Her work opening Arnside as a place for refugees received attention from BBC's The One Show and national newspapers in 2022.