A mother from Ukraine has spoken of how Weymouth has become her 'safe haven'. 

Maryna Dovbysh, 36, now lives with her two young children in the town and works as a refugee project officer for charity Help and Kindness.

As part of International Refugee Week, Maryna, spoke of her journey from war-torn Ukraine and finding a new home in Dorset.

She said: “Before the war, we had a very good life in Ukraine, we lived in Zaporizhzhya region, which is now 80 per cent occupied by Russia.  I was working as a journalist. 

READ: Workshops for Ukrainian refugees

"We liked to spend time with our family and friends, kids enjoyed their childhood.  We travelled a lot in Ukraine, it is a very beautiful country with good infrastructure and places to visit.

“It’s not been easy to leave everything behind, including my family, my job and home.

“I have family and friends including my mother in Ukraine. My grandmother passed away recently, which was also difficult as I was unable to go to her funeral."

She added: "What the Russians are doing to our people and our land is terrible, but we hope that with the help of international community we will win this war soon.

READ: Ukrainian refugee gives back to community

“Of course, I miss my homeland, and once the war is over and it is safe for us to return, we will do so.

“I want to be part of rebuilding Ukraine and have a future there, but whilst the war continues, I am grateful for our safe haven in Weymouth.”

International Refugee Week celebrates the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary and this year marks the event’s 26th anniversary with the theme of ‘Our Home’.

Through art, sport and cultural activities, it hopes to promote shared understanding and compassion.

Several activities will be taking place throughout Dorset over the week, including several in Weymouth.

READ: Ukraine shown support as war enters third year

A 'Global Café' will be held at St Mary's Church today (Monday) where refugees are welcome to a cultural event sharing food from different nations from 1pm until 2.30pm.

Dry Dock will also be hosting a variety of events throughout the week including music workshops, theatre performances and exhibitions. 

A football tournament and family event is also being held at Redlands Community Sports Centre on Saturday June 22, between 10am and 2pm.

Also on the Saturday, The Red Brick Café in Bridport from 6pm will be serving Ukrainian cuisine.

READ: Controversial plans for 'refugee village' in Dorset are refused

There are about 1,500 refugees living in Dorset, the majority of which are from Ukraine, but there are also refugees from Afghanistan, including those who served alongside our armed forces, Syria and other war-torn countries.

The Dorset Welcome Fund, supported by Dorset Council, has awarded more than £70,000 to local community projects and charities help refugees build a new life.

The next round of funding will be open to applications from 9 September.

Aidan Dunn, executive director corporate development at Dorset Council, said: “Dorset communities and residents have generously offered their support to provide sanctuary, assistance and friendship, including opening their homes to Ukrainian refugees over the last few years.

"Many of the refugees are now in employment and making a valuable contribution to their local communities.

“By working with local partners and the voluntary sector, we will continue to support refugees to rebuild their lives in Dorset."