THE Forest Council will fly the Ukrainian flag at its Coleford offices today (Wednesday, August 24) to mark the country’s Independence Day.

All six councils in the county are taking part in a campaign to show that Gloucestershire “continues to stand with Ukraine”, exactly six months on from Russia’s invasion.

The councils are also taking part in social media campaigns led by Gloucestershire County Council.

Today marks 31 years since the country declared its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Since March, Gloucestershire has welcomed more than 1,000 Ukrainian refugees as part of the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme.

The county council has also supported more than 200 Ukrainian children to find school places, and English courses run by Adult Education in Gloucestershire have been “extremely popular”.

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said, “Gloucestershire continues to stand with Ukraine, and we will mark Ukraine Independence Day to show solidarity.

“Our thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones because of the conflict and the millions of other people who have had their lives turn upside down through no fault of their own.

“I hope everyone around the county will join in and stand with Ukraine. I’m humbled by the generosity of Gloucestershire’s residents; many are going above and beyond to help their guests settle into living in our county.

“Our partnership with Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (GARAS) has been fundamental to understanding what the Ukrainian community is experiencing and how we can help people to become independent and settled in our county longer term.”

Adele Owen, director of GARAS, said, “My team have been working hard to make sure everyone who comes through our doors is supported, no matter where they are from.

“We see first hand the impact war can have, and although many Ukrainians want to get straight into work, all clients we see have experienced significant trauma as well as needing practical support like housing.

“So, we extend our sincere gratitude to hosts and the public sector who are supporting people during this humanitarian crisis.”