How 80‑year‑old Nadiia travelled from a city in ruins to a new life in Bristol — finding her home through courage, compassion and the support of people determined to help her rebuild.
When 80‑year‑old Nadiia left her home in Ukraine, she carried almost nothing with her — no possessions, no certainty, and no idea where she would end up. What she did carry was determination. Today, thanks to the swift support of Bristol charity Brunelcare, she has a safe home, a community around her, and the beginnings of a new life.
Before the war, Nadiia lived in a busy Ukrainian city in a block of flats surrounded by neighbours she knew well, local shops, schools and parks. Life was familiar and steady. But when conflict escalated, that world disappeared almost overnight. Her building was destroyed, her community scattered, and the essentials of daily life vanished. For five weeks, she survived without food or water. Temperatures dropped to -11°C, and she used a carpet as her only source of warmth. “I realised I couldn’t stay,” she said. “There was nothing left.”
With only her documents and the clothes she was wearing, Nadiia fled with a young couple and their child, joining a convoy of more than 100 cars. A journey that should have taken an hour stretched into 16 tense hours. She had no idea where she was going — only that she had to keep moving. Along the way, strangers stepped in to help. She slept in a shelter, received hot meals, and eventually travelled through Poland before arriving in the UK. For weeks, she wore the same coat and clothes, carrying the trauma of everything she had witnessed. Night terrors and moments of distress followed her long after she reached safety.
When Nadiia arrived in Bristol, she approached the City Council for help. Despite her age and circumstances, she was placed on a waiting list with no clear timeline and no guarantee of a home. After everything she had endured, she now faced homelessness in a country she barely knew. That’s when Tracy, one of Brunelcare’s Allocations and Lettings Officers, stepped in. Working closely with Bristol City Council, Tracy moved quickly. Within weeks, she secured Nadiia a safe, warm flat in one of Brunelcare’s housing schemes. The team prepared the property with care — repainting, decorating and laying new carpets so that her new home felt welcoming from the moment she walked in.
“I couldn’t feel safer living where I do at Brunelcare,” Nadiia said. “It’s fantastic, and my home is lovely. I only have Tracy and the teams at Brunelcare to thank for getting me here so quickly.” But the support didn’t stop at housing. Tracy helped her complete the documentation she needed to remain in the UK and assisted with her pension arrangements — practical steps that made a huge difference to her sense of security.
Since moving into her flat in April 2025, Nadiia has slowly begun to rebuild her life. She attends English classes two to three times a week, both at college and through her church. Her daughter, Lana, visits regularly with her family, bringing comfort and connection. Her bright, end‑of‑block apartment has become a place of calm after months of fear and uncertainty. For the first time since the war began, she feels settled.
Tracy reflects on the journey with pride. “Nadiia’s story reflects resilience and determination. We are proud to have been able to provide her with a safe home and the support she needs.” For Nadiia, the journey from devastation to stability has been long and painful. But with the right support — and a community ready to welcome her — she has found safety, dignity and a new beginning at 80 years old.
