The fields next to his office next to his East Hampshire office may be rich in lavender, but the vibrant yellow of the sunflowers grown in Ukraine are foremost in his mind.
Dennis Vystavkin has been involved in Ukraine long before the first tanks rolled over the border. He’s the chief executive of The Helping Hand for Ukraine, which has provided tireless respite and support for youngsters and their families in the country for years.
The link was borne out of Soviet disaster as it was formerly called the Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline, a good cause that provided UK trips to Ukrainian and Belarusian youngsters living in the nuclear fallout zone.
While the war has changed their operation, the onus is still the same: helping Ukrainian children, in whatever way possible. And your help will always be needed.
“When the war started we were best placed to help,” said Dennis from his office in Hartley Business Park, off the Alton to Selborne road.
“We threw all our efforts into an initial basic support programme which we would deliver with scarce communication lines.”
With daily reports of bombing and battle lines now being largely static, the worry is that fatigue is now setting in and people’s support for Ukraine is waning. But the work of the HH4U continues with Dennis making an impassioned plea for ongoing support, especially as the effects of the conflict will be long lasting.
Dennis said: “People keep saying ‘what is happening now’ with Trump and ‘what do you think is going to happen?’
“We can’t influence what Trump, Putin or anyone is going to do, but we can continue what we’re doing and help.
“My worry is about future generations, as no country can survive without future generations.
“There’s been some stress among teenagers because of daily raids and bombing. It can be four times a day.
“Could you put up with that for a week, a year? It’s been three. People naturally build up stress and at some point that is going to be offloaded.”
So how can you help? Donations of clothing and educational equipment are always wanted with items being sorted and itemised by the small team at Hartley Park Farm. Electrical donations are often repurposed, while office and logistical help is always welcomed.
Dennis said: “If someone can drive a van to the Polish border, or just wants to drive around here to pick up medical equipment and aid, that’s fine.
“There are many ways people can help, even if it is just talking to us and writing emails. Just approach us.”
Simon Butler, farmer and owner of Hartley Park Farm, has seen first-hand the work that HH4U provides so he’s very keen for the charity to get their own helping hand.
He said: “Charities do great work but often move on, but these guys are here for the long term.”
If you would like to help call 01420 511700, look for CCLL Helping Hand for Ukraine on Facebook or email [email protected]