Meet Tatyana: Resident, Wandsworth Migration Board member and entrepreneur

Tatyana is a Wandsworth resident, Wandsworth Migration Board member and entrepreneur. 

Questions and answers

We asked questions about the vital work Tatyana does to support sanctuary seekers.

Can you tell us about yourself, where you are from, what you do and how you ended up settling in Wandsworth?

I am originally from Kyiv, Ukraine. I first saw London on 30 April 2022, when I came here with my three young children to keep them safe from the war. We were hosted for six months by an amazing British woman, Emma, who helped us begin to feel normal again in a new country. I had a successful legal career in Ukraine, good English language skills, and very positive mindset. But even with all support from my friend, Wandsworth Council and the UK Government, it was not easy. It is still not easy, as I am continuing to build my new career and feel the uncertainty and dependency of refugee life every day.

Experience of war and migration changed how I see life and people, as well as my values and priorities. I invested in education in the UK and started working as an executive coach, supporting people in their career and business journey, sharing my knowledge and experience.

My children are doing very well at local Catholic schools, and my youngest, who is 7 now, prefers speaking English. We cannot beat her very British accent. We all love Battersea, where we live, Battersea Park and the places around it, and we enjoy local events.

What motivated you to join the Wandsworth Migration Board, and what does having lived experience bring to your role?

I wanted to contribute not only as someone who received support, but as someone who understands the journey from the inside. When you move to another country in such circumstances, you are not only dealing with practical issues. You are rebuilding identity, confidence, work, family routines, and a sense of future. Lived experience helps me look at decisions from the perspective of people who are affected by them. It helps me notice details that may otherwise be missed, and bring a more human voice into the conversation.

From your perspective, what are the most important issues facing Ukrainian refugees in Wandsworth today?

Housing remains one of the biggest challenges, especially as sponsorship arrangements change or end. Many Ukrainians who came here were well established in Ukraine, with jobs, homes and good lives before the war broke everything apart. It is very difficult to remain unemployed for a long time while trying to enter the competitive London job market, especially with limited English or UK experience.

From my experience, schools give children strong support and a positive atmosphere, so with time they adapt, improve and begin to feel confident.

What would you like local residents to better understand about the experiences, strengths, or contributions of people who have migrated here?

I would like people to understand that refugees and migrants do not arrive empty-handed. They bring education, skills, culture, humour, resilience, professional experience, and a strong desire to contribute. Most are not coming to live on benefits; they are ready to work hard and can offer very good quality of work.

Starting again takes enormous energy. Sometimes people may look quiet or uncertain, but behind that there is often great strength. A welcoming community makes a real difference through simple conversation, kindness, and seeing people as individuals.