Leaders and families gather to mark national minute’s silence following war in Ukraine one year on

Today Ukrainian families and residents came together at the Old Town Hall for a service to commemorate the war in Ukraine one year on.

The Mayor, Blackburn MP Kate Hollern, Council Leader Phil Riley and Chief Executive Denise Park gathered with the Dean of Blackburn Cathedral to mark the one year anniversary of the War in Ukraine.

Over 30 guests came together for one minute’s silence to commemorate this difficult day and candles were lit around a Sunflower display observing the national minute’s silence.

Leaders spoke to guests, one of our Ukrainian residents Olena Lysenko read a prayer as did the Dean of Blackburn Cathedral, helping to keep hope alive as we reflected on the shocking invasion one year on.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council Leader, Phil Riley, said:

It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since the invasion. We still can’t control what’s happening though we can reflect on the solidarity and the kindness that residents in the borough have brought to those families who are staying with us. We can also recognise and praise the impressive community response of people fighting.

I was proud that as a Council that we responded to the humanitarian crisis. Under the Homes for Ukraine scheme we worked with the families to make them feel welcome and supported. I would like to thank colleagues and residents who have shown support during this turbulent time.

I’ve been to other gatherings and spoken to some of you here today about how you watched bombs explode through your windows, and had to leave your homes with nothing and leave family members behind which was devastating.”

Blackburn MP Kate Hollern, said:

We haven’t had evacuees in Blackburn since World War Two – but today we host those who have fled from war. I pay tribute to the kindness of our residents, and join with our Ukrainian guests in condemning war and invasion.

It is truly saddening that we are still seeing aggressive action from hostile governments. I hope and pray for a peaceful end to the current conflict, and that Ukraine will be able to rebuild in the peace enjoyed before the 24th February 2022.

The services at Blackburn Cathedral today included prayers as a dedication to our residents and later on this evening King George’s Hall will be lit up in yellow and blue to mark the occasion.

With support from residents and staff we have been able to make sure that Ukrainian families get the best possible support that they need as part of our Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

Sasha Johnson, Housing Needs Officer at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said:

It has been a year of hard work and it has been very emotional as families fled their homes and came to the area.

Our first guest came at the beginning of March last year and we have 60 other people with us, one year on. We have been able to support families with integration into UK life helping with work and education as well as supporting them emotionally with the devastating effects of the war.

Olena Lysenko, works at The Council to break down language barriers between residents, helping them apply for work and education. She fled Ukraine with her two children and has since settled in the borough. Olena left her home in the middle of the night as bombs were dropped in her hometown.

Olena said:

It has been a very difficult time and we will never forget that day when the war started one year ago.

I just want to say thank you to the kind and generous people who have supported us and have been supportive by standing with Ukraine.