Case study - Dan

Dan’s story

At 17, I left my hometown of Poltava, Ukraine, to study Finance and Accounting at the University of Gloucestershire in Cheltenham, UK. It was my first time living away from home, and everything felt exciting - exploring the cobblestone streets, diving into university life, and embracing a new culture. After four years of hard work, I graduated with a 2:1 degree.

When I returned to Ukraine, I was eager to start building my career, but in February 2022, the Russian invasion turned my world upside down. My family and I were forced to flee, and I returned to the UK under very different circumstances. Starting over wasn’t easy, even in a place I had lived before. All I had was a small bag of clothes and some savings, barely enough to get by. Those early days taught me how difficult it is to rebuild your life from scratch, and that experience fuelled my willingness to help others in similar situations.

At first, I took any job I could find. From gardening to long shifts at Amazon, until I eventually joined Gloucestershire County Council’s Homes for Ukraine team. This role gave me a way to contribute to a cause very personal to me. For the past two years, I’ve helped fellow Ukrainians find stability and start new chapters of their lives.

Alongside my work, I began a Level 4 Data Analytics apprenticeship, which has been a perfect fit for my role. Learning to analyse and interpret data has improved our team’s efficiency and decision-making, helping us provide better support.

I’ve had to remain resilient on my journey. From student to refugee and now to someone who helps others rebuild their lives in a new environment, I’m proud to be able to use my skills to champion inclusive communities and make a real difference.