Borough of Sanctuary gives vital support

When Wandsworth was accredited as a Borough of Sanctuary last year, it marked our commitment to helping those in need of safety and support.

Pavlo is one of many, whose harrowing experiences on the frontline of the war in Ukraine left him in urgent need.

“When I first settled in Wandsworth, I was experiencing a mental health crisis related to PTSD, severe depression, and suicidal ideation,” explains Pavlo, whose son was just 11 months old when the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.

“After many years of serving in the Ukrainian army, I was demobilised with this diagnosis.”

Pavlo's story

For Pavlo, coming to Wandsworth meant he was “met with love, unexpectedly, which made me feel truly welcomed”.

From the council-funded Citizens Advice Wandsworth to local NHS health services, and help with moving costs as a Ukrainian refugee, Pavlo says he received “crucial assistance”.

Yoga and swimming at Latchmere Leisure Centre in Battersea and Putney Leisure Centre, available through the Council’s Access for All scheme “helped me manage stress and depression effectively”, adds the 33-year-old.

Borough of Sanctuary accreditation

The Borough of Sanctuary accreditation recognises the work Wandsworth has done to date to welcome, support, and empower sanctuary seekers living in the borough. 

Kemi Akinola, Cabinet Member for Business, Voluntary Sector and Culture, says: “I’m incredibly proud that our compassionate and collaborative approach is making a difference.  

“Wandsworth is a welcoming place for everyone, and we are proud that the residents of the borough, alongside Wandsworth Council, have welcomed those seeking sanctuary with such kindness and warmth.”

Wandsworth has welcomed more than 1,200 Ukrainian refugees, the fourth most of any London borough, and seventh most of any local authority in England, Wales or Scotland.

We launched a £200,000 Sanctuary Community Fund to provide grants of up to £10,000 to voluntary and community sector organisations to expand their capacity and support community integration.

The Council also expanded the resources it directs towards refugees, by creating a new Refugee Services Team.

With the support Pavlo received, the trained priest was determined to be an active member of the community.

After training as a behaviour technician, Pavlo now works in a secondary school supporting children with autism.

“I feel deeply obligated and grateful for the invaluable support provided to Ukraine, especially in helping Ukrainian refugees — women and children who came here seeking safety,” explains Pavlo. 

“That’s why I’ve chosen to support vulnerable children with autism, as well as local people in need, as my way of giving back to the UK and helping as much as I can.”

Keeping busy is a way Pavlo copes with the “memories and feelings from my past war experiences”.

Working as a volunteer at Roehampton non-profit organisation Estate Art on a Saturday allows Pavlo to share his skills, while he also helps out at church and co-manages a charity helping children in southern Ukraine.

For Pavlo, sharing his experiences with Wandsworth residents is crucial to helping others to find sanctuary in the borough.

“Residents have the opportunity to become sponsors for Ukrainian refugees through the Homes for Ukraine scheme,” points out Pavlo.

“From my experience, many people in the borough are not aware that they could host a Ukrainian refugee and receive a 'thank-you' payment as a reward.

“This initiative could strengthen community ties and provide meaningful support to both hosts and guests.”

Find out more at Wandsworth.gov.uk/borough-of-sanctuary