A BUSY church hall in Bovey Tracey last week saw the first meeting of townspeople wanting to help Ukrainians fleeing the conflict in Eastern Europe.

The meeting was organised by parish priest Rev Graham Hamilton, who said: ‘This crisis is the worst most of us have seen in our lives, with scenes looking like Second World War evacuees.

‘There are currently 6.5m refugees still inside Ukraine and 3.5m outside.We’re not here to collect goods or clothing for them tonight, but to discuss what the town should do.

‘Back in 1940 when a trainload of children arrived in Bovey Tracey people would have said “What do we do now?”… That’s what we are asking ourselves tonight.’

Around 50 residents had turned up, and while not everyone was able to offer accommodation to Ukrainian families due to space limitations, everyone there wanted to contribute in some manner.

‘We’re here because we want to do something, but we don’t know what needs to be done’ was one sentiment expressed at the meeting.

However, by the end of the evening a plan was already forming and the issues needing to be addressed were identified. These included:

=Help in accessing grants and financial aid, and filling in related complex forms

=Registering at local surgeries;

=Finding places in local schools for children, some of whom may be deeply traumatised.

The chair of governors at Bovey Tracey Primary School, who was at the meeting, said places were available and they had previous experience in welcoming a non-English speaking pupil who quickly fitted in.

Answering questions about what the town council was doing, town councillor Kate Morgan-West said: ‘We need to let people know Bovey Tracey welcomes these families. The council is happy to provide assistance.’

One resident said host families would need to undertake a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to see if they are suitable.

Some residents said they had already applied and it took less than 24 hours to complete.

Those people hosting families would also need support and it was suggested that families already acting as hosts should be contacted for advice and their experience.

After the meeting an action group of eight was formed, comprising town councillors, church members and Bovey Tracey residents.

And just four days later, the new group– the Bovey Tracey Friends for Ukraine Action Group – met for the first time on Monday.

Acton group spokesperson Sue Simmons said: ‘It was a positive and energetic first meeting.

‘Initially we will identify potential host families and form a network so they can help and support each other.

‘We will also be setting up a database of people who want to be involved. That will include those who can help with transport and translating, among other skills.

‘We’re also looking to forge links with other Ukrainian groups in the county.

‘Our aim is to offer friendship and support to Ukrainian refugees and their host families.

‘Initially we aim to help local residents actively considering hosting refugees through giving advice on the process of joint applications.

‘Once the families arrive, we hope to have a range of support and community contacts to welcome the refugees to our area. We’ll be creating a Facebook page very soon.’ 

It’s expected another public meeting will be called once the group is established.

Sue added: ‘If you are hoping to offer accommodation to Ukrainian refugees and would like to link up with other potential hosts, or offer help in any way please contact the Action Group on [email protected].’