"I feel Russia destroyed my life," he says. "We arrived literally shell-shocked - they were bombing our city as we left. I didn't speak any English and it was incredibly hard to make sense of our new home."

Inspired by their faith and true to Birmingham's welcoming spirit, volunteers from a local church came together to launch CUF-supported North Birmingham 4 Ukraine. They offer friendship, practical support and a safe place where people can begin rebuilding their lives and feel part of a community again.

The men's group now meets every month to walk in the park, share meals, watch films, explore the neighbourhood and simply spend time together. Dmytro says, "I chat to English people and start talking in sentences. Yes, I miss my parents and old friends, so now I share Ukrainian music with my new local friends."

Healing takes time. This Harvest, will you help equip churches and volunteers to keep offering the welcome, friendship and hope that help families like Dmytro's put down new roots?

Matthew 25:35 “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”