Mother who fled war graduates and finds “belonging” in Wales

Vira Shcherbakova fled Ukraine after the 2022 Russian invasion Credit: Matthew Horwood

Vira Shcherbakova was a practising psychologist with a family until war changed everything.

Vira, who is originally from from Kharkiv, Ukraine, fled the country after the Russian invasion in 2022.

She said: “When the full-scale invasion began, my family spent six days hiding in a basement without electricity, water or any certainty about what would happen next.

“Eventually, we made the heartbreaking decision to leave our home and seek safety.”

Vira was one of many Ukrainians who left for the United Kingdom. As of the end of March 2026, 237,300 individuals have arrived in the UK under the Ukraine schemes, according to UK Parliament data.

In Wales, the number of visas issued through the Homes for Ukraine scheme at the end of September last year was over 10,300.

The early years were “difficult” for Vira as she and her family lost not only their “home, but professional identity, social stats and the confidence that comes from knowing where you belong.”

This was the case for her children too, who had to adapt to a new language, education system and culture.

Despite the difficulties, Vira worked to rebuild her career, working from her first week in the UK as a yoga instructor, then as a Pupil Engagement Officer supporting vulnerable young people, and later as a RISE Advisor working with women affected by domestic abuse and trauma.

“Today, I graduate with resilience, belonging and a new beginning”

Wales ultimately became “a place of safety”, “opportunity, support and belonging” for Vira.

Now, she is graduating from Cardiff Metropolitan Univiersity with an MSc in Health Psychology and pursuing a new chapter as a Youth Mental Health Practitioner in CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services).

She said: “This role represents rebuilding my professional identity and transforming lived experience into meaningful support for others.”

But Ukraine was still a part of her journey - her Masters dissertation explored the barriers and facilitators to mental health and psycho-social support for war-affected Ukrainian women living in the UK.

The research highlighted how language barriers, financial pressures, stigma and uncertainty can prevent access to support, while kindness, strong community connections and services in a person’s own language can make a profound difference.

Vira added: “Four years ago, I arrived in Wales searching for safety. Today, I graduate with resilience, belonging and a new beginning.”