Ihor: the journey of a young Ukrainian who left his country at war and arrived in the UK with a sponsor visa

Voices of Lancashire

In this episode, Ihor, a young migrant from Kozyatyn (Ukraine) who arrived in the UK in 2022, explores the challenges and the opportunities his decision to leave his country at war entailed. Entered in the UK with a sponsor visa, now Ihor lives in Chorley where he quickly got used to life in the little market town, also thanks to the precious support of his British sponsors. Busy between study, sport, and work, Ihor has been working hard to set the basis for a better future. He dreams, one day, to be able to go back to Ukraine and be reunited with his family, but he also would like to continue what he started in the UK.

Interview content:

[00:03]: Why and how Ihor left Ukraine

[00:05]: Leaving behind family and friends in a country at war

[00:07]: Emigrating as a 17 year old

[00:09]: Coming to the UK with a sponsor visa

[00:11]: What Ihor has left behind

[00:13]: The impact of war on a teen-ager life

[00:16]: Responsibilities towards Ukraine and dreams about his future

[00:17]: Chorley from the perspective of a young migrant

[00:19]: The importance of the sponsors’ support

[00:21]: The importance of family’s and friends’ support

[00:24]: Learning about British society: generosity, friendliness, and the weather

[00:28]: British people's support of Ukraine

[00:30]: Every day is a school day

[00:31]: On being or not being able to imagine what the future will be

[00:33]: The many meanings of Kozyatyn

[00:34]: The meaning of family

[00:36]: The meaning of Chorley

[00:36]: Returning to Ukraine

[00:37]: Suggestions for other migrants