Ukrainian refugee working at Kidderminster hotel after escaping war

Oksana Bitinieva from Kyiv is being sponsored by a family in Hartlebury and has started work at Hogarths Stone Manor Hotel where she’s joined the team as a housekeeper.

The hotel in Kidderminster has offered her this role as a starting point while she develops her English and familiarises herself with the hotel. 

She then has the potential of joining the weddings team in the near future, after working most recently as a wedding planner herself. 

Oksana, aged 32, who has a master’s degree in construction in her native Ukraine, also creates her own jewellery and her commitment and drive immediately stood out to the Hogarths team who were more than happy to bring her on board.

Oksana Bitinieva. Image: ITV Central

Helena Hogarth, owner of Hogarths Stone Manor Hotel, said: “It saddens me to think about what Oksana and the rest of Ukraine has had to endure over the past few months. It’s the 21st century and no one should have to experience war in this day and age. 

“As soon as we heard about Oksana arriving in the UK and being sponsored by a lovely family in Hartlebury we couldn’t wait to offer our support. Here at Hogarths we pride ourselves on being an inclusive place of work and we know Oksana is going to be a great fit for us. It’s been a breath of fresh air to see her settling in with her new colleagues on her first day and we now look forward to seeing her grow in her new role, where we’re confident she’ll be a success and a fantastic addition to the team.”