The Russian invasion of Ukraine has been disruptive force in the lives of many, and few have been more impacted than those who had to flee their homes towards an uncertain future.

The R&M Williams team has people from many backgrounds and walks of life. We felt deeply from our colleagues from eastern and central Europe when the conflict started, and most of all, for the Ukrainian people fleeing violence. We wanted to do something to help, but we didn’t know where to start.

With our chairman, Mark Williams, having family from Ukraine on his wife’s side, this was a very personal cause to the Williams family. After research and outreach on various social media channels, we found help from Cardiff Council and organised volunteer groups, and much inspiration from the Rt Hon Mr. Stephen Doughty.

Cardiff Council helped us identify volunteer groups, such as Cardiff for Ukraine and Voice for Ukraine Wales and Friends, who, in turn, helped us connect with organizers across the country who match refugees’ skillsets employers. R&M representatives also attended an event where Rt Hon Mr. Stephen Doughty spoke passionately about his time in Ukraine and inspired us to do more.

Over the last three months, we have hired eight refugees across our projects – working in Swansea, Carmarthen and Cardiff as tilers, carpenters, painters and electricians.

We thank the many volunteers and organisers, the Council, and the Rt Hon Mr. Stephen Doughty for their tireless work, without which it would have been a lot more difficult to reach out to our Ukrainian friends and welcome their dedication and expertise to the team.

If someone you know is in a similar situation, we want to help!