Having to flee from a war raging through your home and country is something most of us only envisage through reading stories or watching the television. But, for Olena Horkovenko and her family it was a reality they had to endure – twice.
In April, Ealing Council was awarded ‘Borough of Sanctuary’ status by the City of Sanctuary organisation in recognition of its work to welcome and support people like Olena. By becoming a Borough of Sanctuary, the council has set out its commitment to create a place for people who are fleeing violence and persecution.
Olena’s story
Olena arrived as a refugee to the United Kingdom 3 years ago and is now the chairwoman of BRIDGE for Ukrainians, a charity supported by Ealing Council and Ealing and Hounslow Community Voluntary Service (EHCVS), providing vital assistance to those displaced by the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
“I’m originally from the Donetsk region east part of Ukraine, where I was born and raised. Life there used to feel quite ordinary – I went to school, university, had friends, made plans for the future. But in 2014, when the war started in Donbas, everything changed,” she said.
“My mum, sister and I had to leave everything behind and move to Kyiv to rebuild our lives from scratch. I built a new life again – I finished university, found friends and worked on building a career I was proud of.”
In 2022 the full-scale invasion forced her to flee once more. She had to leave not only her home, father and grandparents, but also the country she loved.
Olena, her mother and sister were initially welcomed to the UK by a host family in Camden. She arrived with strong qualifications and experience in advertising media planning, so was hopeful about finding work quickly. But reality hit hard. She faced rejection after rejection.
She said: “When I first arrived, everything felt uncertain. I didn’t know how long we’d stay, how we’d manage, or whether I could find meaningful work again. There was a sense of loss – not just of home, but of identity, stability, and belonging.”
‘Proud to contribute’
It was during this time that a charity introduced Olena to the Ukrainian community in the borough and helped her to get involved in volunteering.
She said: “When I got involved in the Ukrainian community here, I felt something very special. Everyone was so open, warm, and ready to help. I felt like people truly cared. And over time, this feeling of support has only grown stronger.
“Now, Ealing feels like a place where I can make a difference. A place where our Ukrainian community is thriving, and where I feel proud to contribute. At the same time, we’re learning so much about life in the UK, and connecting with people from all over.”
Through volunteering, Olena has given lectures about Ukrainian culture, held masterclasses, helped with translation at job support sessions and much more.
“I feel like I’ve found my voice again. I’ve gone from being someone who needed help to someone who now helps others. And that has been the biggest transformation of all.”
In addition to volunteering, Olena is now employed a media planner with an advertising agency. Her sister is studying for her A-levels.
Watch a video and read more in the summer digital edition of Around Ealing magazine.
Could you help?
If you could offer some time to help with the conversation clubs or activities for young people run by BRIDGE for Ukrainians, then get in touch.
Email Olga Dudnik, Ukraine volunteering and engagement co-ordinator: olga@ehcvs.org.uk or Ealing Ukrainian Network: UkrainianEaling@ehcvs.org.uk
