Published Thursday, 15th January 2026
Reigate & Banstead Borough Council has thanked residents and recognised them for their generosity towards Ukrainians following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
At a thank you evening held at the Town Hall, and hosted by the Resettlement Team, the council thanked hosts - both current and past - for their courage and generosity in helping Ukrainian guests in need.
It was a truly special evening, filled with moving stories of people arriving as strangers, but managing to find safety, friendship, and belonging in many homes around the borough.
Guests and hosts came together to enjoy wonderful food, including delicious Ukrainian dishes, whilst listening to music and some heartfelt messages from those who have been directly involved with the Homes for Ukraine and Ukraine Family Schemes.
Some of the hosts who came to the thank you event at the Town Hall
A reminder of what can be achieved
Cllr Rich Michalowski, the Mayor of the Borough of Reigate and Banstead said: “Today’s event is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when kindness leads the way. I would like to thank you all for your generosity and kindness in hosting the Ukrainians who have sought sanctuary in our borough. Thank you for opening your homes to guests, and for providing them a safe place to stay.”
Richard Robinson Head of Service for the Housing and Intervention Teams thanked the Council’s resettlement team for their work in developing and running such a successful scheme.
On testimonies and comments made by Ukrainian guests to their hosts, which were displayed in the room, the mayor added: “Reading all these messages, I have no doubt that these are memories and experiences that will last forever. It is one thing inviting someone in your home for a visit but having them live with you for one, two, six months, and in some cases years - is a wonderful act of generosity. We thank you.”
Since the launch of the Homes for Ukraine and Family Schemes in Reigate & Banstead, more than 700 host families in the borough opened their doors to offer support and sanctuary to those fleeing conflict.
Cllr Rich Michalowski, the Mayor of Reigate & Banstead and Richard Robinson Head of Service for the Housing and Intervention Teams talking to one of the hosts
Touching messages
Below are some of the messages from guests to their hosts.
“Thank you sincerely for your compassion, your dedication, and your real actions that supported us and gave us the chance to begin our life in this country with confidence in tomorrow”
“Opened the doors of their home and their hearts to me and my daughter during an incredibly difficult time in our lives”
“Their actions are a powerful reminder that kindness knows no borders — it unites people, heals, and helps us survive through the most challenging times”
“You showed us that we were not alone, that there is always support and kindness when you need it most”
“Shared important family moments and celebrations with us, which made us feel safe, comfortable, and truly at home in their house”
“Brought so much beauty into our lives”
“From the very beginning, they supported us far beyond what we could have expected”
“Makes you believe that you will cope, that you will find your way forward”
“Helped me go through this difficult journey and adapt to life here”
“He taught him English and had an incredibly positive influence on my son”
“What meant the most to us was that they truly welcomed us as part of their family”
“We were truly happy in their home”
“I will be grateful to them for the rest of my life for their support, kindness, and generosity”
The Homes for Ukraine scheme is designed to allow individual residents in the UK to sponsor named Ukrainian guests. Guests can live and work in the UK for up to 18 months (reduced from 36 months in February 2024) and access benefits, healthcare, employment, and other support.