“I arrived as a stranger, known only to one friend. It was a humbling and disorienting shift — emotionally, professionally, and culturally.”


Olga came to the UK 3 years ago from Ukraine. Since her arrival, Olga became part of the team that helped Ealing Council to achieve the Borough of Sanctuary award in recognition of its work to welcome and support people fleeing war and persecution.

Olga’s story
She came to the UK from Kyiv in May 2022 under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Her sponsor was a close friend who had lived here for more than 10 years.


In Ukraine, Olga worked as head of production of innovative courses at a corporate university within a leading energy company. She was an established professional, widely known in her field of work. After arriving in the UK, she continued working remotely and spent long days in front of a screen, managing projects and communicating with her team in Ukraine.


“Adapting to life in the UK while continuing a demanding role in Ukraine was exhausting” she explains. “I was carrying the emotional weight of supporting relatives still in the war zone. I found myself disconnected from British society. I had to learn a new system from scratch — from housing and healthcare to finding a job and improving my English.”


“After 5 months, I realised I wasn’t integrating into life here. As volunteering had always been an important part of my life, I decided to get involved locally and connect with the community.”

She reached out to the Ealing and Hounslow Community Voluntary Service (EHCVS), and soon started discovering the borough that was now her home.


“I joined a local walk and talk activity, which offered the chance to practice my English, discover the borough – starting with Gunnersbury and Walpole Parks, and meet both fellow refugees and local residents,” Olga explains. 

“Volunteering opened new doors. I began leading the International Walk and Talk group in November 2022, starting with 6 participants from 2 countries. By September 2023, it had grown to over 80 people from 9 countries.”


In January 2023, Olga got a job with EHCVS professionally and is now a service manager of its Ukrainian Project supporting more than 350 displaced Ukrainians.


“Leaving my job in Ukraine was a difficult but necessary step to fully commit to building a new life here” she says.

“Through community work, I’ve been able to apply my skills in a meaningful way — supporting others while continuing to grow myself.”


Last year she moved to Greenford and rented her first home and has found a newfound appreciation of the borough’s history, diversity and green spaces.


“Ealing has many layers, and with time, I’ve come to feel at home here,” she added.


Feeling seen and supported
Olga explained that The Homes for Ukraine team and Ealing Council have offered continuous guidance for her personal development, and for the Ukrainian Project. 

“What stands out most is the generosity of local English-speaking volunteers who run conversation clubs for Ukrainian residents” she says. “Their patience and kindness help people feel seen, supported, and more confident. That solidarity is something I will never forget.”


“The best thing about being part of the borough’s community is the sense of belonging. In Ealing, I’m not viewed through the lens of displacement, but as someone with something to contribute. Here, integration is a mutual process — not something done to you, but with you.”


Olga has also helped to organise cultural events in the borough, including a Ukrainian Christmas celebration with Ukrainian residents, which highlighted to her how open and supportive the borough can be— a place where she said “cultural exchange truly flourishes.” She adds: “I feel proud and privileged to contribute to a programme that not only helps people feel at home — but helps them rebuild their confidence and sense of purpose.”



Ealing Council achieved the Borough of Sanctuary award in March 2025. To be considered for this award, councils must meaningfully engage, platform and amplify the voices of people who have live experience of seeking sanctuary. Find out more about the award criteria. 


With huge thanks to Ealing Council and Around Ealing for this story. Image credit: Alex Sturrock.