Luton airport opens humanitarian hub for Ukrainian refugees
Will PayneA humanitarian hub has been set up at Luton airport to provide support for passengers arriving from war-torn Ukraine.
Organised by Bedfordshire’s Local Resilience Forum, the hub’s volunteers greet arrivals from the destination, provide refreshments and offer guidance for onward travel within the UK.
Paramedics from the Hearts First Ambulance Service are also on hand to provide mental and physical health support. Advice, information and contact numbers from local and national agencies are also available.
Deputy leader of Luton Council Aslam Khan said the authority’s "thoughts and prayers are with all those suffering in Ukraine".
"Once again Luton and the wider region has stepped up to the plate at a moment of great crisis and deep tragedy," he added.
"In a short space of time many different organisations have come together and been working around the clock to provide a warm welcome and practical support to those whose lives have been violently disrupted by the Russian invasion of their country."
Alberto Martin, chief executive at Luton airport, said it has been "heartbreaking" to witness events unfold in Ukraine.
"We are proud of the support we provide to our communities and are glad we can play a small part in ensuring a warm welcome to Ukrainian families as they arrive in the UK," he added.
According to the BBC, there have been 2,700 visas issued for refugees coming to the UK as part of Homes for Ukraine – less than 10% of the 28,300 applications made in the scheme’s first 15 days.
Classic Collection’s director of agency sales and marketing, Si Morris-Green, has housed a Ukrainian mother and daughter who were forced to flee the country following Russia’s invasion.
"You can’t sit back and watch this unfold and not do anything. We have warm houses with water and food, and it’s just a safe environment. It’s the least we can do," Morris-Green said.
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