Ukrainians everywhere mark their Independence Day on Monday 24 August.

People in our local community have shown characteristic kindness to people fleeing Russia's war on their country. Over the last four and a half years, 235 East Hampshire families have opened their homes to refugees.

Journalist Iva Lomas was taken-in by a local family at the start of the conflict and has now made a home here. Last month she got married at Petersfield Library.

Iva told Shine Radio's Stephen Martin what today means for her, the importance of music and flags to Ukrainians living here, and the role her Shine Radio podcast plays in connecting members of her community.

Iva also has a plea for help with visas which she says can be too short to enable refugees to plan, work and build a business here.

Ukrainians everywhere mark their Independence Day on Monday 24 August.
People in our local community have shown characteristic kindness to people fleeing Russia's war on their country. Over the last four and a half years, 235 East Hampshire families have opened their homes to refugees.
Journalist Iva Lomas was taken-in by a local family at the start of the conflict and has now made a home here. Last month she got married at Petersfield Library.
Iva told Shine Radio's Stephen Martin what today means for her, the importance of music and flags to Ukrainians living here, and the role her Shine Radio podcast plays in connecting members of her community.
Iva also has a plea for help with visas which she says can be too short to enable refugees to plan, work and build a business here.

Local stories, local voices and local information from Petersfield.

We cover community news, culture, nature, history, events and entertainment in the South Downs market town of Petersfield in Hampshire, UK.

This feed includes all our on-demand audio. Find our more specific feeds by searching "Petersfield" on your  favourite podcast app.

Shine Radio is the radio station made by you. Share your stories or join our volunteer team. Find out more at https://shineradio.uk, email team@shineradio.uk or call Petersfield 01730 555 500.

You make it shine.

Local stories, local voices and local information from Petersfield.
We cover community news, culture, nature, history, events and entertainment in the South Downs market town of Petersfield in Hampshire, UK.
This feed includes all our on-demand audio. Find our more specific feeds by searching "Petersfield" on your  favourite podcast app.
Shine Radio is the radio station made by you. Share your stories or join our volunteer team. Find out more at <a href="https://shineradio.uk">https://shineradio.uk</a>, email <a href="mailto:team@shineradio.uk">team@shineradio.uk</a> or call Petersfield 01730 555 500.
You make it shine.

Voices and stories from Petersfield in Hampshire, UK