“They helped change the direction of my life”

For Dmytro, the UK was once a childhood dream inspired by an English textbook and a picture of Big Ben. Years later, as the war made the future in Ukraine increasingly uncertain, that dream became something much more urgent: a chance to find safety, stability and a new beginning.

With support from USPUK, his sponsor, and Nadiia from the USPUK team, Dmytro was able to take the first steps towards rebuilding his life in the UK.

This is his story, in his own words.

Dmytro’s story, in his own words:

My name is Dmytro, and I would like to share the story of how my life changed.

This story could have many titles: a light at the end of the tunnel, a hand reaching out to someone drowning, or a ship appearing on the horizon. But at its heart, it is a story of gratitude. Gratitude to USPUK and to Nadiia (USPUK case worker), whose support helped me move towards safety when the war was casting a shadow over my future, who helped to escape horrific jaws of war looming over another life that could be abruptly cut and demolished. No words can describe the nobility of such deed.

My connection with the UK began long before I ever imagined I would come here. It goes back to my childhood, when I first opened an English textbook and saw Big Ben printed on the page. That was when I learned my first words in English, met my first English teacher, and had a small thought that stayed somewhere deep inside me: “What if I could live there one day?”

As I grew older, that dream slowly faded. Moving to another country felt too difficult, too expensive and too unrealistic.

The war in Ukraine was becoming heavier and more frightening. My only option was to continue studying at university. It was a very difficult way to live — constantly feeling pressure, uncertainty and fear for the future.

One month after graduation from university, after thinking carefully, I decided to try to find a sponsor to reach safety in the UK. I began searching online, filling in forms, creating accounts and looking for sponsors. This process lasted for about a month. Then, one day, a message from USPUK arrived:

“We found you a match.”

At that time, I was in a difficult situation, and there was uncertainty around my case. But thankfully, USPUK did not turn me away. Nadiia got in touch, and soon after that, I met my sponsor on a video call.

It was my first experience of this kind. Everything felt unfamiliar and frightening. I did not fully know what to expect, and I was worried about making a mistake or facing something I could not manage alone. But Nadiia was there at every step. She guided me, reassured me and helped me through the process when it could otherwise have felt impossible.

The next moment that stays clearly in my memory is waking up as the plane was landing. I felt the seat shake, and then I realised what was happening.

The plane had landed.

In a British airport.

I was here.

Shortly after, I met my sponsor in person, and my understanding of everything changed. Before arriving, communication through messages had been difficult. Older generations can sometimes be less comfortable with digital technologies, and because of that, getting to know my sponsor online had caused me some concern.

But in reality, my host turned out to be an incredibly caring, understanding and generous person. I was welcomed with a level of support that felt almost like family. Only then did I fully realise how fortunate I was to have arrived in such a place and to have been matched with such a kind person.

For that, I want to thank the kindest people I have met during this journey. I want to thank USPUK, Nadiia and my sponsor for making something possible.

With a few steps, a few conversations and a great deal of care, they helped change the direction of my life.

This is a kind of kindness many people can only dream of.

From the very bottom of my heart: thank you.

You can make a difference

At USPUK, we support not only Ukrainian families on their journey to the UK but also the generous hosts who open their homes to them. From the moment they register on our website throughout their hosting experience, we are here to help.

If you’d like to help someone on their journey to a new beginning, consider becoming a host today. Visit our Become a Host page to learn more.