BBC’s Martin Roberts has shared details of a new project he is working on in order to help refugees coming to the UK to find longer-term places to stay, amid the Russian invasion of .
Martin travelled out to the Polish border with Ukraine earlier this month, to take supplies direct to those who’d fled from their homes as the war rages on.
The TV star originally and explained how he felt helpless amid the devastating crisis, which has since President Vladimir Putin began his onslaught on the country.
He was trying to buy Calpol for children, to donate to along with other supplies and just days later, ended up travelling to a Polish village himself to give direct aid.
Now back in the UK, Martin has now spoken to after his visit to the country, where he saw first-hand how donations and aid from across the world is being used.
He called the situation ‘heartbreaking’ and told us: ‘I’m trying to get on with life, which it all seems a bit strange, just to have been through a bit of an emotional roller coaster.’
Martin explained he would now be putting his efforts and focus into support projects for refugees coming to the UK.
He continued: ‘I’m actually trying to source and care homes and hotels that are not being used, I get offered them all the time as redevelopment projects.
‘There needs to be a fast track way to provide accommodation for some of the refugees, taking it to the next level.’
The presenter has set up a crowdfunding page that members of the public can donate to help raise the money for the project off the ground, as he often gets offered large properties for development purposes.
He shared: ‘My personal efforts and time can be used now to start this crowdfunding project which is what I’m trying to do.
‘The crowdfunding is an important part of it, but it’s not the be-all and end-all.
‘We’re just looking at ways of finding accommodation for these people who I saw and will need somewhere to stay, for the short to medium term.’
Hundreds of thousands of Brits to Ukrainians fleeing the nation, but Martin detailed why he felt it important to help find further solutions for those who need accommodation.
The Homes Under The Hammer property expert said: ’It’s wonderful that people are going to put them up in their homes, but I think there’s going to be a huge need and I don’t think we’ll have enough for people from this war from other wars as well.
‘I get approached all the time care homes for sale and I just think well, they’re an instant fix here aren’t they because they were set up they got catering facilities, more often than not, they’ve got nice rooms a bed.
‘I’m trying to focus on that. My chiropractor would love me to go back and do another road trip, but I don’t think my back could take it,’ he added.
You can donate to Martin’s .
