Press Release

31 July 2024

A very British day out for Fareham’s Ukrainian guests

As part of its commitment to make its Ukrainian guests feel more integrated into British culture, Fareham Borough Council arranged for 25 of its Ukrainian guests and their host families to visit some of London’s top free attractions. 

Fareham currently has 38 families from Ukraine, who fled their country due to the ongoing war with Russia, now living with host families around the Borough. 

The Council arranges a number of social activities for Ukrainian guests throughout the year such as coffee mornings and organised bike rides. 

This special day out to London took place on the Monday 22 July and started with a trip to 10 Downing Street, which was flying the Ukrainian flag to mark the visit. It also took in the Houses of Parliament with ‘Big Ben’, and then onto the magnificent Natural History Museum. 

Anna Antonova, one of Fareham’s Ukrainian guests said: “I am grateful to the Council for organising this trip. It was amazing to visit Parliament and 10 Downing Street; it felt like a dream come true. The children from our host family were very happy to have had such an opportunity and, for the family, it was another pleasant bonus to have hosted a Ukrainian. Thank you!” 
                                                                
Executive Member for Housing at Fareham Borough Council, Cllr Fred Birkett added: “I am delighted that the Council was able to arrange this very British day out for our Ukrainian guests and their host families. We are committed to making Ukrainians feel welcome, during what is an incredibly difficult time for them and their country. I hope that this day out, as well as the other events which are organised within Fareham, goes some way to making them feel more part of the UK and British culture.”

The next social event for Ukrainian guests is the Ukrainian Independence Day Art Competition’ taking place on 15 to 30 August. Residents and guests are encouraged to find out more information about this, and other social information, at: www.fareham.gov.uk/refugeesupport. 

ENDS

For further information contact:

Customer Enquiries

Tel: 01329 236100
Email: customerservicecentre@fareham.gov.uk

Media Enquiries

The Communications Team
Tel: 01329 824310
Email: publicity@fareham.gov.uk
Fax: 01329 550576

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