CUSP (CG) came together as a result of the roll out of the UK government “Homes for Ukraine” scheme, set up to support those escaping the conflict in Ukraine.

The aim of CUSP (CG) is to help both those in need arriving in this country from Ukraine and their UK hosts . It works mostly within the Ribble Valley Borough Council area.

CUSP as we call ourselves, is overseen by a committee and run by a team of volunteers with a wide range of skills, knowledge and experience. We offer practical and emotional support for both Ukrainian guests and their hosts.

We provide regular scheduled meetings at Trinity Hub in Clitheroe where our Ukrainian families can come together with their hosts and our volunteers.

As well as providing food and drink at the meetings we offer a range of support inside and outside the meetings: English lessons, help with job applications, opening bank accounts, navigating the benefits agency, health issues, regular well-being activities, assistance with all aspects of education from getting school placements to uniforms and equipment, school trips and anything else CUSP becomes aware is needed.

Early on we established a “Pop Up Shop” in Clitheroe Library where our Ukrainian guests could visit and choose clothes, shoes, and other essential items as required . We now operate this at at our regular hub sessions.

More recently as the conflict in Ukraine has continued into 2023 CUSP has supported families to move from living with their hosts into their own homes.

It is only due to the continuous generosity of people in the Ribble Valley that we at CUSP are able to provide the level of support we do. We are all volunteers and rely on donations and fundraising to keep our CUSP community group operating. CUSP is committed to spending every penny raised or donated to the project for the benefit of our Ukrainian visitors