Refugees escaping war-torn nations have expressed gratitude to welcoming Cumbrians.

Assistance has come from local residents and from grants offered by Cumbria Community Foundation’s Welcome Fund.

These grants, in many cases, have covered necessities such as clothing for children.

Families from countries such as Syria, Ukraine, and Afghanistan have been granted funds to aid in their settlement.

According to Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of Cumbria Community Foundation, the generosity of Cumbrians has made a significant difference.

Mr Beeforth said: “It has been wonderful to see the generosity of Cumbrians in helping refugees and asylum seekers who have come to the county after being forced from their homes.

“We established the Welcome Fund at the request of the local councils, charities and churches when the UK Government agreed to welcome refugees fleeing war in Syria.

"Further events, including the war in Ukraine have created a growing need and, as a result of generous donations, we have been able to help many desperate families as they attempt to adapt to their new circumstances and homes in Cumbria.

“I would very much encourage any Cumbrians who are able, to make a donation to the Welcome Fund, large or small. As the testimony we have received from these families shows, it can make a real difference.”

Youssef Abadi* was shot in his right arm, stomach, and foot while sat outside of his home in Syria.

The bullets are still in his body, an 'unwanted legacy' of the Syrian civil war, which began in 2011.

Youssef, his wife Aisha and their three young sons, escaped their country, spending several years at a refugee camp in Lebanon before coming to Penrith four years ago.

“The people are very friendly,” says Aisha. “They are very helpful in helping me to learn English.”

“People are very nice here,” said Youssef. “Our neighbours called an ambulance to take me to hospital when I was ill.”

The Welcome Fund provided them with a £750 grant, equating to £150 per person, that was used to purchase clothing, primarily for the children, food, and for Youssef's hospital transportation.

Another grant recipient, Roqia Hashimi, fled Afghanistan after the Taliban's takeover in 2021.

Her husband had been a member of the Afghan army.

The couple, along with their two sons and daughter, arrived in Penrith in 2022.

Speaking about the community, Roqia said: “They ask if they can help us. There are no other Afghans in Penrith. It can feel lonely. Our neighbours are very important to us.”

Her family employed the £750 from the Welcome Fund mostly on winter clothes.

Roqia also bought spectacles and is hopeful about learning to drive, a manoeuvre impossible for women under the Taliban.

Svitlana Semiamista, or Lana to her friends in Cumbria, escaped Kyiv in Ukraine after the Russian invasion in February 2022 with her son Vov.

Originally staying with a local woman under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, she is now renting in Lazonby.

Lana, a lawyer who worked in Kyiv's high court as an assistant to a judge, utilised her Welcome Fund grant to purchase clothes, while her neighbours generously contributed to larger expenses like a fridge and a washing machine.

She plans to stay until Vov finishes his primary education.

She said: “It’s difficult to work as a cleaner after 20 years as a lawyer. I have more chance of a good job in Ukraine. But I don’t know when the war will stop. I must build my new life, step by step.”

Those wishing to apply for help from the Welcome Fund must be overseen by a recognised professional, such as a support worker, faith leader, or a host family.

To contribute to the Welcome Fund, the community is encouraged to visit the fund's website or call their office.

*The names of the Abadi family have been changed