As many of you know I have been working closely with many families hosting, supporting with visa applications and building a Ukrainian community in my area. As a result of the clear need for support for both hosts and guests, I have along with a group of volunteers set up the Ukrainian Family Hub Warrington.

The hub is a much needed provision that supports hosts and our Ukrainian guests. We welcome hosts and guests from across the area and beyond, the support we provide starts at the beginning of a host’s journey and continues when their guests arrive: We have supported many with visa applications, getting accommodation ready for your guests, , organising flights, settling in as well as providing a place for meeting other hosts and for guests to meet other Ukrainian families.

The support when guests arrive without the hub would leave many lonely, confused and unable to settle into our communities, it is very confusing and the hub provides a safe place to ask questions and get support.

The hub is run by volunteers and fellow hosts and we provide support and advice on many matters, how to get an NI number, how to catch the bus, where to get a job and how, support with buying uniform or smart clothes for a job interview. Sometimes the transition and language barriers can have challenges and we have found having others to talk to that understand has been very helpful to many.

The hub desperately needs funding to pay for rent, essential equipment for our english language provision, basic essentials for when guests arrive including clothing, coats, shoes, toiletries, school uniforms, we also need funds to provide refreshments, and to support with making memories for the children, for example birthday presents and ensuring that they have their own toy when they arrive. Many arrive with hardly anything to call their own. Our families are traumatised and many have left their fathers/husbands behind and have now found themselves single parents.

Anything you can donate would be much appreciated, many of our guests have commented that without the hub they would feel lost and have struggled with the transition, many need a hug, a listening ear, some need paperwork filling out for them, they are scared and need friendly support. Please help us be able to continue this work and welcome more and more families.

The hub is open every Wednesday between 5-7pm and provides Learning English support with qualified teachers for beginners and intermediate support, we also provide learning through play for the children to ensure that parents can have a dedicated 2 hours of learning.

On a Sunday the hub is open between 11-2pm and this is a time to socialise meet new people we have built a lovely support network and community with over 60 families already in the hub.