A family have just days to find new home after escaping war-torn Ukraine. Maryna Rahulina, 40, came to the UK after fleeing the ongoing conflict with her two young children, reports Chronicle Live.
The 40-year-old arrived in Great Britain earlier this year after travelling from Kyiv with her children Margarita, nine, and Makar, six. The family moved in with a sponsor, a couple near Newcastle, whilst their father remained in Ukraine.
However, as their sponsorship agreement only last six months, the trio will be required to leave the property by December 1. Maryna is desperately looking for her own home in the area so her kids can stay at the same school.
The family escaped the ongoing war with Russia and the mother says she saw some horrific scenes in her homeland.
Maryna said: "The war in Ukraine was scary. We saw planes, they were fighting in the air.
"They were fighting behind our heads. We saw how they bombed the city next to Kyiv.
"We moved to another village in another area far from Kyiv. We were there, but nothing stopped."
"In Kyiv, and the community around Kyiv, they use a special radio station. They can switch it on and we can hear it.
"They switch it on when they know rockets or something are next to the area or can be in the area. My boy said to me 'Maybe I shouldn't take off my clothes' (for bed) because we have to hide in the shelter.'
"It was horrible. If he sees a plane in the sky here he asks 'Should we hide?'
"My boy is scared of the noise of cars or motorbikes because they have the same sound as planes. It is so scary for him.
"They both remember how the planes were so close to us. They are always with their belongings. The most important things are always with them."
The mother says a friend told her about the sponsorship scheme and despite being safe, she says she still worries about her husband, Ruslam, who remained in their hometown.
Maryna added: "I was afraid about (using) sponsors as they are people you don't know. You've never seen them before and it is another country.
"In the UK, my boy understands English so that decision was very good. He has got friends and it's very important.
"He's not crying at school and that is what I am looking for. Children have to be in a safe place.
"The school is lovely and this week my boy got star of the week. I don't want to change their school as that is stressful for them.
"He's from Ukraine but he understands what he's doing here. After his first day at school he told me 'Thank you, I understand everything.'
"They are here in the UK but they are waiting until they can go home. It is different for them here and they love their home and their family.
"They miss their dad and I miss my husband. Everyday we are phoning and speaking on WhatsApp so we can see each other."
The 40-year-old says she has been searching for a property with the help of Durham County Council, however it has not been an easy task. This is due to some companies asking for six months' worth of rent or a guarantor.
Maryna said: "I'm trying to get a job here as a teacher. I taught children English in Ukraine. I want to be a teaching assistant or a nursery teacher.
"I'm trying to do everything I can to make my children happy. I'm looking for interesting places in this area. We're trying to see beautiful places - castles and beaches, parks and gardens.
"The nature is beautiful and there's flowers. There is always green grass, that has been a surprise for us.
"Our grass in Ukraine is like the trees, it changes with the four seasons but here it is always green. In Ukraine, I had a car and here I haven't got a car which is difficult with children."
Laura Williams, housing manager with Durham County Council, said: "We are providing support to both Maryna and her children and the sponsor, and this includes trying to find new accommodation for the family.
"We have helped Maryna to register the family on the Durham Key Options accommodation listing website, and are supporting her to bid on available properties and search for housing in the private sector. Should something suitable not be found by the time the current arrangement ends, we will ensure temporary accommodation is provided."
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