Ukraine's Hidden Voices with Amanda Holden

If the Cat stays, so do I

Rita lives in Poland. Her mum, dad and 15 year old sister live in Odessa but it’s becoming far too dangerous to stay there. Her sister had a window of opportunity to leave but would only leave to join Rita if she was allowed to take her cat with her. Thankfully Rita’s sister AND her cat have just made it out of Ukraine. But Rita’s mum and dad are still there with the conflict getting closer each day.

Can you imagine going from your comfortable home to hiding in an underground car park for days on end? 

How long do you think it would take you to work out which missiles were being fired towards the enemy, or towards you and your kids just by the sound? 

These are situations many families are now having to face in Ukraine as the conflict continues to impact millions of people. 

Amanda Holden started this podcast after Ukrainian-born mother Kateryna - who was seeking refuge in an underground car park in Kyiv - connected with her via a social media post. Moved by her situation, Amanda wants to help tell the stories of people like Kateryna, who's lives have been drastically impacted by this conflict.

Amanda said “I wanted to use this podcast to speak with mums, dads, sons and daughters about what is happening on the ground in Ukraine. At this time it’s vital that we don’t turn away, but we turn towards them and hear their stories and try to help in any way we can. Their stories are so important.”

Ukraine's Hidden Voices will bring you interviews and conversations with many people from many different walks of life, all trying to survive and make the best life possible for themselves, their family and friends as the War in Ukraine continues.

For more information on how you can help the people of Ukraine, visit the Disasters Emergency Committee at dec.org.uk