Settled

ЗАСЕЛЕНИЙ

On the 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. And so began the largest European refugee crisis since World War II. In the year that followed, over 8 million Ukrainians fled the country.

During March 2022, the UK Government introduce two new visa routes to allow those affected to come to the UK. The Ukrainian Sponsorship Scheme – Homes for Ukraine and the Ukraine Family Scheme. Arrivals peaked at over 8,000 in May 2022. Communities mobilised and people stepped forward.

Last year Bostin’ Creative’s Emily Summers began to search for the stories of those who had settled in Solihull. But, even the dictionary definition of that word is muddled.

‘To Settle’ is – to come to rest, to accept, to be comfortable, to establish oneself…

To build a home, to build a life, to settle up and pay … to find peace.

How can a person settle when everything feels temporary?

How do you reflect, when war rages on?

And fundamentally, what do people actually NEED?

Beyond the paperwork and the tick boxes, who are the communicators on the ground making a difference? And what can we learn?

This verbatim inspired one-woman show features three unique stories of generosity and true community spirit. Welcome boxes and WhatsApp groups, Immigration, racism and resistance. And BINGO! A Ukrainian Ladies Cricket Team!

With thanks to the inspirational Victoria, Andy, Bashir, Rachael and Nadiya