Please read this to the end; it is close to my heart as I am sure it is to many of you.

Over the last couple of weeks have you imagined being a Ukrainian and having to flee your home, your job, your loved ones, your life? Have you tried to imagine how it must feel to suddenly have nothing? Have you thought about how scared you would be for your loved ones and how there is nobody that can make things ok? Can you even imagine having no choice but to leave your country to start a new life whilst not even being able to communicate in a different language?

I am guessing the answer for many of you is yes. There are so many generous people sending essential items and money to help these poor people, and this needs to continue until the people in Ukraine are safe again.

Have you thought about what happens to these people who are then fortunate enough to reach a new country alive and where they can be safe? In Burnley and surrounding districts alone, there are now around 300 people who have fled from persecution, many have endured trauma and suffering, all have lost everything they had, including their extended families and friends, to find a place of sanctuary where they can put down roots and raise their families in peace and safety. You could say they are the lucky ones. Yes, they are - but is it that simple?

The answer is no. Many people and families arrive in Burnley with just a couple of carrier bags of donated clothing. They need a helping and welcoming hand. They have little or no English and do not understand how things work in our society. They have no knowledge of things like where doctors, schools are etc. or where they can get help locally. Asylum seekers live on an allowance of just less than £40 per week each and are housed in areas of existing high deprivation in poor quality basic accommodation. There is no local statutory face to face provision to help them. They may have many problems including poor physical and mental health issues, and they need to find and register with a doctor, learn English quickly, find schools for children, find someone who will welcome them and give them access to good quality second hand clothes and household goods, and help them understand official letters and forms which arrive in English which they cannot read and someone to sign post them through the maze of officialdom that is the asylum journey.

With this helping hand they can be helped to settle, find work and permanent housing and in turn contribute to their local community, by helping people in similar situations and contributing their hard work, skills, and knowledge to build up Burnley and its surroundings as a richer more diverse cohesive community, where all are welcome, where all can live safe lives and prosper.

I visited a Burnley charity 'New Neighbours Together' who are the only group of volunteers in Burnley and Padiham whose whole purpose is to welcome and provide a total package of help for all asylum seekers and refugees who arrive here in search of safety. I came away inspired and in awe of the people I met there. Beautiful families who just need to feel that there is still some love in the world. Talented people who just want to work again. I have met children that have reached us all alone by jumping off moving trains and risking their lives to escape.

I am arranging a party night to celebrate the safe arrival of our new neighbours and help raise money for these brave families who come to our area.

The event will be at The Landmark, Burnley on Saturday 9th July, 7:30pm start. Tickets are £18 and include an arrival drink, a pie & pea supper and an evening of entertainment and dancing.

If you can support what will be a fun filled evening, please purchase your tickets by contacting me at vikki@vikkiboydeventplanning.co.uk

If you are unable to attend the event, but will still like to support this amazing charity, please visit our JustGiving page