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Nataliia's story
In June 2022, Nataliia was forced to flee her home in Ukraine, leaving behind the life she knew amidst the devastation of war. With her 12-year-old son Sasha by her side, she arrived in London, seeking safety and the chance to rebuild. Her husband remained in Ukraine to fight, while her eldest daughter, a primary school teacher, settled in Poland.
For Nataliia, arriving in the UK marked the beginning of an uphill journey through fear, uncertainty, and displacement.
“Moving to London was unexpected and everything was so new,” Nataliia remembers. “It was such a big stress. I found myself crying in the mornings, struggling to calm myself. Those first few months were horrible, knowing my husband was fighting on the front line of the war. We had no idea what tomorrow would look like, but the war wasn’t going to stop, so I needed to be strong.”
With almost nothing but a small computer containing family photos, Nataliia and Sasha leaned on the generosity of strangers. For two months, they lived with an Italian family before moving into temporary emergency accommodation. The early days were hard: no money, minimal clothing, and a young child grieving the life he’d left behind.
“All he asked for was his daddy,” Nataliia recalls.
That long-awaited reunion finally came on December 2023 — just in time for Sasha’s 12th birthday. It was a moment of joy in the midst of a long, difficult road.
Over time, Nataliia began to find her feet. Volunteering at a Ukrainian school kitchen on Saturdays eventually led her to a job as a teaching assistant at St. James Prep School, where Sasha is now a student.
“I’m doing a teaching assistant course, and while studying, I was offered a job,” she explains.
“A lot of Ukrainian people came to this area during the war, so my son was able to make friends with both Ukrainian and English children, which has been great for him.”
And then, another turning point: the arrival of her baby boy, James.
But preparing to welcome a newborn in a new country, with limited support and resources, was overwhelming — until Little Village and its baby bank staff and volunteers stepped in. Introduced by a midwife during her pregnancy, Nataliia experienced first-hand the power of community and kindness.
“Little Village sent me a sling, cot sheets, baby bottles, a small bath, and clothes. I couldn’t believe it — in 2–3 days, I had everything I desperately needed.”
What Nataliia received went far beyond practical help.
“It was like a gift from Santa Claus watching my son open the books and toys we received. What Little Village baby bank did for me was more than just things. It made me know someone was thinking about me during such a tough time.”
This is why Little Village’s Great Big Baby Shower is so important — yes, providing essential newborn items to families, but also to remind new mums like Nataliia that they are not alone.
There are thousands of parents who, like Nataliia, are preparing to welcome babies in extremely difficult circumstances. Whether they’ve fled conflict, experienced homelessness, or are simply trying to make ends meet, the need for baby banks is great — and growing.
“There are probably lots of families who don’t know about Little Village. I want to help spread the word about how amazing they are and help more families like mine. The more people donate, the more families they can help.”
Great Big Baby Shower
This is why we’re inviting as many people as possible to join our Great Big Baby Shower so that we can collect and deliver the best baby things and make sure more families have everything they need for their little baby, just like baby James.
Nataliia’s story is one of resilience, solidarity and the life-changing impact of a caring community. Join us in making sure no new mum has to face those early days alone.
