James Cleverly recently attended a drop in centre, run by Braintree District Council and Braintree Community centre, where he met some Braintree hosts and their Ukrainian guests.

James heard how the war has affected the lives of Ukrainians who have found support in the Braintree district after being forced to flee their homes.

He said:

“I spoke to a number of Ukrainian women who shared their experiences, concerns and fears about the situation and loved ones back home.

“It was useful to gain insight from the host sponsors who have opened up their homes to Ukrainian guests as to the issues they have experienced and problems which they have encountered.”