Two community meet-up and engagement events were held in Uttlesford last week for Ukrainian guests living in the district and their hosts.
More than 30 people attended the drop-in events, which were organised by Uttlesford District Council.
Attendees had the opportunity to meet and talk to others, share experiences and learn more about the community and individual support grants and services available to them.
A Ukrainian-speaking support worker from Uttlesford Community Action Network was also on hand to offer advice.
More events for the district's Ukrainian community will be planned in the New Year.
Cllr Maggie Sutton, portfolio holder for communities and local partnerships, thanked everyone who attended.
She said: "They were really positive events and I enjoyed meeting and speaking with members of Uttlesford’s Ukrainian community.
"These types of activities are important in helping to make our guests feel welcome and integrated in the district and so that they can continue to establish their lives here as independently as possible."
Anyone who has a spare room and wants to make a difference to the lives of people impacted by the war in Ukraine can register your interest at www.gov.uk/register-interest-homes-ukraine.
More information about the help and support available for Ukrainian guests in Uttlesford can be found at www.uttlesford.gov.uk/support-for-ukraine.
Grants available include the Ukraine Integration and Support Fund, to help Ukrainian guests live more independently and become connected to their local communities, and the Ukraine Community Grant Fund, which helps pay for support activities, events and projects to help guests integrate.
Thanks to the generosity of Uttlesford residents who have opened up their homes, more than 300 Ukrainians have safely arrived in the district.
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However, as the war continues there is a need for more sponsors.
To help with the living costs and reflect on hosts' ongoing generosity supporting those who have fled war, the government is giving sponsors £350 a month for guests spending their first year in the UK and £500 a month for the second, and now third, year.
Essex County Council is also giving residents £200 per month from months seven to 24 of their guests' stay.
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