Ukrainian refugees were welcomed to the Welwyn Hatfield Council chamber to discuss next steps, including an employment fair and the formation of a Ukrainian Association.
On Monday, November 14 - during Parliament Week - Cllr Michal Siewniak invited refugees settled in the borough to discuss ways the council can provide better care and services to the Ukrainian community.
More than 20 Ukrainian residents came along to the meeting.
Cllr Siewniak said "it was the perfect opportunity to enhance their vocabulary, particularly in relation to democracy".
Several issues were discussed, including housing, the private rented sector, and employment.
Michal added: “It is not easy, however we all - collectively - will do our best to support their complex, short and long-term needs.”
Next steps Michal is hoping to implement are an employment fair, forming a Ukrainian Association and discussing ways to improve the housing situation of some individuals and families, especially in the private rented sector.
One of the attendees, Elena Protic, said: "At my lessons I always speak about British democracy and British values. I emphasise how important it is to be a useful member of society and contribute to a community. 
“On Monday, we had a fantastic opportunity to see how democracy works in real life. Some important questions were raised, and future projects were discussed. I am very grateful for the invitation and look forward to further meetings and cooperation."
Cllr Michal concluded: “It was quite possibly one of the best ways to mark Parliament Week in Welwyn Garden City. The initiative, which promotes the Parliament as a democratic institution, has given members of the Ukrainian community an opportunity to visit the council chamber, meet the Mayor Cllr Barbara Fitzsimon, and some of the other councillors; Tony Kingsbury, Lynn Chesterman, and Russ Platt.
“It felt like a political unity at last! It was fantastic to bring democracy closer to our friends, colleagues, and neighbours from Ukraine. There are a number of plans and ideas to continue supporting newly arrived residents.”
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