“I arrived as a stranger, known only to one friend. It was a humbling and disorienting shift — emotionally, professionally, and culturally.”

These are the words of Olga Dudnik, who came to the United Kingdom 3 years ago from Ukraine, at a time when she was fighting to avoid missiles and flying debris every day during Russia’s invasion of her home country.

Since her arrival to the UK, Olga became part of a team that helped Ealing Council to achieve ‘Borough of Sanctuary’ status by the City of Sanctuary organisation in recognition of its work to welcome and support people fleeing war and persecution.

Olga’s story

She came to the UK from Kyiv in May 2022 under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Her sponsor was a close friend who had lived here for more than 10 years.

In Ukraine, Olga worked as head of production of innovative courses at a corporate university within a leading energy company. She was an established professional, widely known in her field of work. After arriving in the UK, she continued working remotely and spent long days in front of a screen, managing projects and communicating with her team in Ukraine.

Olga said: “Adapting to life in the UK while continuing a demanding role in Ukraine was exhausting. I was carrying the emotional weight of supporting relatives still in the war zone. I found myself disconnected from British society. I had to learn a new system from scratch — from housing and healthcare to finding a job and improving my English.

“After 5 months, I realised I wasn’t integrating into life here. As volunteering had always been an important part of my life, I decided to get involved locally and connect with the community.”

A journey of discovery

She reached out to the Ealing and Hounslow Community Voluntary Service (EHCVS), and that’s how her journey in the borough began.

“I joined a local walk and talk activity, which offered the chance to practice my English, discover the borough – starting with Gunnersbury and Walpole Parks, and meet both fellow refugees and local residents,” Olga explained. “Volunteering opened new doors. I began leading the International Walk and Talk group in November 2022, starting with 6 participants from 2 countries. By September 2023, it had grown to over 80 people from 9 countries.”

In January 2023, Olga gained employment with EHCVS professionally and is now a service manager of its Ukrainian Project supporting more than 350 displaced Ukrainians.

She said: “Leaving my job in Ukraine was a difficult but necessary step to fully commit to building a new life here. Through community work, I’ve been able to apply my skills in a meaningful way — supporting others while continuing to grow myself.”

Last year she moved to Greenford and rented her first home and says she has grown to appreciate the size and richness of the borough — its history, green spaces, and extraordinary diversity.

“Ealing has many layers, and with time, I’ve come to feel at home here,” she added.

Feeling seen and supported

Olga explained that The Homes for Ukraine team and Ealing Council have offered continuous guidance for her personal development, and for the Ukrainian Project. She said: “What stands out most is the generosity of local English-speaking volunteers who run conversation clubs for Ukrainian residents. Their patience and kindness help people feel seen, supported, and more confident. That solidarity is something I will never forget.

“The best thing about being part of the borough’s community is the sense of belonging. In Ealing, I’m not viewed through the lens of displacement, but as someone with something to contribute. Here, integration is a mutual process — not something done to you, but with you.”

Olga has also helped to organise cultural events in the borough, including a Ukrainian Christmas celebration with Ukrainian residents, which highlighted to her how open and supportive the borough can be— a place where she said “cultural exchange truly flourishes.” She added: “I feel proud and privileged to contribute to a programme that not only helps people feel at home — but helps them rebuild their confidence and sense of purpose.”

Watch a video and read more in the summer digital edition of Around Ealing magazine.