A disabled Ukrainian mother says she has to make a 46-mile round trip to take her son to school after they were moved to emergency shelter.
Liza and Herman, eight, arrived in Oxfordshire in March after fleeing Dnipro following the Russian invasion.
They were living with a sponsor and Herman was starting a new school, but they were moved to a hotel three weeks ago after the relationship fell apart.
Oxfordshire County Council is trying to find a long-term solution for the couple.
Liza, who has cerebral palsy which affects her mobility, begins the daily three-hour round trip journey with her son from her Oxford hotel at 06:50.
She said they use cereal for breakfast and boiled water to make porridge for dinner, but have no facilities to do mundane chores like washing their clothes.
“It’s very uncomfortable here. It’s very difficult, it’s very expensive. I have no way of cooking fresh food for my son,” she added.
“I cannot afford to despair for my son, who is also the source of my strength. I want him to be safe, I want him to be safe, I want him to be healthy.”
Once a week, while Herman is at school, Liza spends time on a project started by a family doctor for Ukrainian refugees.
dr Angela Adams founded WISHFUL (Welfare, Inclusion, Support, Health, Friendship for Ukrainian Life) to support around 300 refugees living in South Oxfordshire. It was funded by NHS England.
“It’s just about being there to support someone who is in a real crisis and doesn’t have anyone to help them,” said Dr. adams
“If you’ve fallen through the cracks and are vulnerable, or if you just need some extra help with your health and navigating systems, hopefully this project will be very useful.”
A spokesman for the council said it was aware of Liza and Herman’s situation and had “worked quickly to provide them with immediate temporary housing”.
“We are now reviewing their housing and general needs to find longer term solutions. This includes connecting the individuals to community networks and support,” they added.
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