Chiltern Welcomes

John and Michèle's Story

Hosting refugees

Following the debacle over Afghanistan after the fall of Kabul and the invasion of Ukraine, John and Michèle decided to volunteer to welcome refugees in their home. John felt strongly about the situation because of his family roots; his mother’s family were refugees. They were from a prominent family in the Weimar Republic but were able to leave Germany in the 1930s thanks to connections that they had had in the UK.

Refugees At Home

Michèle read an article about Refugees At Home and registered immediately in March 2022. Within 10 days, they welcomed 4 refugees from Kyiv. In December 2022. Bucks Council contacted them and asked if they could host 2 more Ukrainians, which they did with open arms. It has been a wonderful experience for them. They share the house with their guests; a family of four with two children and a mother and her teenage daughter. They sample each other’s food, go out walking, bowling and to cinema venues. They often discuss the situation back home and help with admin tasks, exams revision, as well as try to support them and boost their morale.

Feel safe

It has not been without challenges, particularly as they have all experienced the trauma of leaving their country and loved ones. Making them feel safe and welcome was their key target when they first arrived. Living under the same roof provided that protection and enabled them to process this experience in a safe and positive environment. Meals together have been a wonderful occasion to have long chats, share their history and traditions, learn a bit more each other’s language, reminisce about good memories and anecdotes. There is an undeniable chemistry and trust between them and real friendships have emerged as a result.

Resilience

They are always impressed by their guests’ resilience, unassailable desire to resist and fight, their sense of community, self-reliance and the children’s outstanding approach to schooling, hard work and life. They would not hesitate to repeat the experience and open their home again.