The stage is set for the Ukrainian Social Club at a church hall in London's Twickenham. The event is billed as an evening of invincibility - a show of defiance exactly one year on from the start of the conflict in Ukraine. 

Center stage is Kseniia Kurainna, a former professional ballerina from Kyiv, carefully rehearsing a moving performance accompanied by poignant music entitled  'A Cry for Ukraine,' every elegant move tweaked to perfection by a choreographer.

That bloodshed seems a world away from this riverside suburb to the south-west of London, but support for the country is evident here, the hall decked with blue and yellow Ukrainian flags and dancers ironing traditional Ukrainian blouses on the sidelines. 

The anniversary of the beginning of the war is a timely reminder of the life Kseniia left behind. Her family is still living apart a year after the military conflict in Ukraine began. 

She told CGTN: "My family was separated. My youngest daughter is with me here, but my oldest daughter stayed in Ukraine with her father," she says. "And, of course, I really miss her. At first it was difficult, but I really appreciated my host family. They really helped me and my daughter to accommodate here and now I have a job, I'm a member of the Ukrainian Social Club and I try to everything to help my country."

Over the past year the Ukrainian community has come together with local residents to offer solidarity to refugees, as well as practical help and advice. 

Over the past year the Ukrainian community has come together with local residents to offer solidarity to refugees, as well as practical help and advice. Sofia Smirnova leads the group which is organising the event, along with her mother, Alina Luts, the Director of Ukrainian Social Club and the choreographer of Stefania dance ensemble."It's definitely been a really, really tough year for a lot of people," she says. "But I think this evening will really unite the two communities. There's been an incredible support from the British community here in Twickenham, in London in general."

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Despite the public solidarity, many aspects of life for Ukrainian refugees in the UK remain very challenging. Many struggle to find jobs, or to access government support or childcare. 

Above all, finding a proper home to settle into in the long term is proving most difficult. The UK government initially helped Ukrainian refugees with a six-month private hosting scheme, and while some British families have offered an extended stay others have broken off the arrangement, leaving many Ukrainian refugees without secure shelter. 

"The main issues have really been with housing," says Sofia. "I think a lot of people's six-month period is coming to an end with their sponsors. And so that means they're no longer able to use their accommodation. And they're having to find alternative ways of housing."

There is no doubting the warm welcome Ukrainian refugees have received in this community, but despite that their future remains uncertain. While an imminent return to their home country is clearly doubtful, the life change from temporary guests to settling in the UK in the long-term could create even more challenges.

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