Sefton's Civic Buildings to Illuminate in Solidarity with Ukraine

Civic buildings in Sefton will be lit up this Saturday to mark the second anniversary of Russia’s criminal invasion of Ukraine.

Bootle and Southport’s town halls and The Atkinson will be illuminated at the weekend to show the Borough’s support for Ukrainians, Russians and everyone else who is opposed to Vladimir Putin’s war.

Since the start of the war in February 2022, more than 180 Sefton households have provided safe places for Ukrainians fleeing the conflict to live. Around 460 Ukrainian adults and children and adults have come to the  Borough through the national Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Sefton Council Leader, Cllr Marion Atkinson said:
“I am saddened that two years on from the start of Russia’s illegal invasion, many Ukrainians are having to live in Sefton and across the UK for their safety.

“They are most welcome in Sefton, and I want to thank again the many people who opened up their homes to demonstrate that welcome. I also want to thank all the individuals and volunteers who have given their time to help our reluctant visitors.

“And I must mention the organisations including our outstanding voluntary sector partners that have worked with us and the Council’s officers who have done all they can to ensure these people have places to live safely, have access to medical services, education, training and jobs.”

In recognition of the expenses involved in hosting Ukrainian guests during the ongoing national cost of living crisis Sefton Council has paid host households. Payments range from £75 per month for households with one guest rising to £200 per month for those with six.

This is on top of the Government ‘thank you’ payments of £350 per host household  for the first year, rising to £500 for the second and third.

Cllr Atkinson continued:
“With no end of the conflict in sight, I’m pleased that the Council will be continuing payments to households hosting Ukrainian guests. And I would encourage anyone still interested in becoming a host to visit visiting www.gov.uk/register-interest-homes-ukraine  to find out more.

A significant number of those Ukrainians who initially came to live with Sefton households have since moved on to find rented properties and new jobs, their children settling in to local schools and colleges.

Cllr Atkinson added:
“It’s great that these people who have suffered such unimaginable upheaval have settled here and are forging new lives. But I am sure that if they were able to pack their bags and return to their home country and loved ones in safety tomorrow, nearly all of them would.

“Like everyone else with a sense of justice, I look forward to the day when that can happen.”

As well as lighting up blue and yellow for the second anniversary, on Saturday The Atkinson will be holding Ukrainian folk art and beading workshops as well as a lunch that provides the chance  to sample a traditional Ukrainian luncheon. These events mark the last day of the powerful and moving Echoes of Ages exhibition, which explores Ukraine’s rich culture and history, from its legendary past to its present-day struggle for freedom.

Details are available at www.theatkinson.co.uk

People can find out more about the Homes for Ukraine scheme in Sefton and the support available locally, at www.sefton.gov.uk/homes-for-ukraine.