Hello, if you’re seeing this link, you probably know me or someone close to me. I’m Tara Yip-Bannicq Ward. After many years, I finally became a permanent UK resident (the relief!) and my first act as a permanent resident was to sponsor Yuliia & Illia (aged 7) to come to Twickenham (via the Homes for Ukraine (refugee) scheme) to be together with Yuliia’s older sister, Viktoriia, whom I have known since 2022.

Setting up a new life is expensive, especially in the UK and this is a big transition for Yuliia and Illia since they arrived in the UK on July 17th, 2025.

Since their arrival, we’ve begun navigating all the necessary admin and bureaucracy to get them set up: ie bank account, national insurance number, universal credit, finding an English as a Second Language course for Yuliia, getting Illia registered for school in September, GP surgery, etc.

Yuliia is an avid sports and exercise person and Illia is full of joy and is enjoying discovering his new environment. He’s already made fast friends with Baloo!

We are fundraising to help Yuliia and Illia get set up for the their first 6 months as Yuliia learns English, completes a web development course and actively looks for employment and they get settled here.

Contributions to this fundraiser will help immediately cover and go directly to Yuliia’s UK bank account:

Rent & bills so Yuliia & Illia can live independently as they would like

Intensive English course for Yuliia

After school, sport and summer activities for Illia

Potentially childcare when Yuliia starts working

A gym membership for Yuliia

I know cost of living is very dear at the moment for all of us and we live in one of the most expensive cities in the world, so any little bit can help!

If you can’t contribute, please consider sharing this private link to your friends and family.

I appreciate you all.

Warm wishes,

Tara