About Us

Sofiia came to Swindon under the Home for Ukraine scheme. Immediately upon arrival, she found Kris and other Swindon advocates to introduce her vision on forming a Ukrainian active community with knowledge and skills for personal fulfilment in the UK community. Through her community leadership experience and enthusiasm, Sofiia has been welcomed to took the position of chairperson to protect and uphold the rights and opportunities to jointly implement ideas for the benefit of the Ukrainians community.

After becoming a host through the Homes for Ukraine scheme, Kris wanted to help encourage more Ukrainians to choose Swindon and find sponsors. Kris has been active in setting up The Bikes for Ukraine scheme, the committee and the website. Kris is the Vice-Chair on the committee and runs businesses The Core in Old Town and a marketing, PR & photography business.

In addition to being a host, Dave was keen to help build the Swindon Welcomes Ukraine community. Dave is Treasurer on the Committee and as keen cyclist himself, the Bike Project Lead; responsible for sourcing, servicing and distributing bikes for Ukrainians in Swindon. Dave recently retired from a long career in Finance & Digital technology and is relishing the opportunity to give back.

Michelle is a host and was keen to volunteer to help establish the Swindon Welcomes Ukraine Committee to support Ukrainians and their hosts. Miche is an experienced Project Support and Governance administrator and is using her skills to assist the team as Committee Secretary, management of our website and Facebook group.

Liana’s wish is to unite the Ukrainians who came to Swindon as friends, so that everyone can get support and have "native and familiar" social circle in the new environment. Liana works on engagement and social events.

“I am your Ukrainian sister, so don't hesitate to ask me anything🌻”

Ieva joined "Swindon Welcome Ukraines" to invite more Ukrainians to come to Swindon, help them settle in and make sure that they feel welcome. Ieva has experience in organising events and activities so will use her skills on fundraising for the community as well as bring Swindon community together.

Tom is Curate at Pattern Church in Swindon where he is responsible for The Table, the weekly meal for Ukrainian refugees and host families held on a Tuesday night. Previously he taught in a large Wiltshire secondary school for 12 years and has a wide range of experience in the voluntary sector.

Bindoo (and partner Gavin) are very happy to be hosting for a lovely family from Ukraine through the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Bindoo retired from the NHS many years ago having worked in various capacities as a nurse. She currently loves teaching yoga and became involved in the committee to help support the Ukrainian community in any way that she can.

Viktoria came over under the Home for Ukraine scheme is 2022 and wanted to give something back to help her fellow Ukrainians growing in Swindon and Wiltshire.

Vadym is a Ukrainian who has been living in Swindon for 18 years. When the war started he felt his calling to help build an even bigger community and has been focussed on using his networks and connections to bring projects to life.

Anastasiia came over with her two children under the Homes for Ukraine scheme and with an events background wants to bring Ukrainians together and celebrate in unifying English and Ukrainian culture.