The organiser of a local Ukrainian support group has shared her experience of offering accommodation to those who were forced out of their homes by the Russian invasion.

Leek resident Cathy Fairley has been staying with her Ukrainian guest Victoria for the last few weeks.

She also organises a weekly group where guests and sponsors can meet up, share their experiences and help each other with all the admin that comes with living in a new country.

The groups include all kinds of support from school uniforms to English lessons, and of course a cuppa and some breakfast!

Cathy told Nub News about the group and her time with Victoria.

She said: "Victoria is one of a handful of guests who are staying in Leek, but there are more staying around the nearby villages.

"She has been staying with me for about six weeks, she's fantastic.

"We had a week to settle in and then she's been working at White's Textiles in Leekbrook.

"She's got a bike that she uses to get around and she's joined the gym, she enjoys the Zumba classes."

It has now been over four months since the Homes for Ukraine scheme launched on March 18th.

The scheme allows those fleeing the war in Ukraine to come to the UK if a British citizen has volunteered to provide them with accommodation.

Along with the Ukraine Family Scheme, which allows Ukrainians to join family members who are already living in the UK, thousands of visas have been issued nationally including dozens in the Moorlands.

Cathy also discussed her reasons for offering accommodation to a Ukrainian guest, and what the reception has been like from the local community.

She added: "For me it was a humanitarian decision. When I saw the atrocities Russia were committing it made me feel sick, but at least people coming here know they are safe.

"I think the people of Leek have been fantastic, Victoria's experience has been really positive."

And discussing the weekly support groups, she said: "We meet in Leek every week at the Salvation Army. I set it up because there wasn't anything happening and we wanted them to be able to meet like-minded people.

"The most we've had at one group is about 60 guests and sponsors. Last week we had about 20 including new families.

"We serve breakfast and help them sort out things like school uniforms, because there are lot of mums with children who are growing fast!

"We are waiting for English lessons to start in September. There are online courses they can do but it's better to have them in person and one-to-one."

The group meets every Saturday from 10am - 12pm at the Salvation Army building on Salisbury Street. Anyone is welcome to come along if you are a Ukrainian guest, sponsor, or if you would just like to find out more.