Support for Ukrainians in the Community
For Ukrainian refugees, here we give details of some community based organisations that may be of interest.
Churches
Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral near Bond Street: CATHEDRAL | ukrainianchurch (ucc-gb.com) – Duke Street (off Oxford Street), London W1K 5BQ
Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Acton: Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Acton (Greater London) – Find a Church – 1a Newton Ave, London W3 8AJ
Organisations
Ukrainian Institute (charity): Russia’s war against Ukraine. What can you do to support Ukraine & Ukrainians? – Ukrainian Institute London – based at 79 Holland Park, London, W11 3SW.
Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain has branches across the UK: AUGB
Social clubs and refugee support groups
Look for local refugee support groups that may be run by local churches and community associations. Some of these will be run by hosts and volunteers in the area who want to welcome and help Ukrainians with meeting others and settling in. Even if you don’t feel like socialising, think of this as a good opportunity to create a network and make some local connections. When you might later need help, people who know you are more likely to keep you in their minds and tell you if they hear of jobs or places to rent or someone who might be able to sponsor your friends and relatives in Ukraine.
Ukrainian Cultural Centre and Social Club in Holland Park, has a pub and kitchen, as well as classes on Saturday mornings: London Ukrainian Club Karpaty | Facebook – 154 Holland Park Avenue, W11 4UH
The White Eagle Club in Balham (211 Balham High Road, London SW17 7BQ) has a weekly programme on Wednesdays from 6 pm to 8 pm, open to all. Based on need, they will organize English lessons, activities for children and give practical advice on working and living in the UK. For more info: https://www.instagram.com/ukrainiansinwandsworth/
LondonPlus has compiled a list of community organisations by London borough: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_pymlofaPytZt_SlIn6hQD9VDiz-4UwR24JJ2rwXxmU/
Social media groups
Most areas will have a local Facebook group for Ukrainian refugees to join. There are also larger groups that are UK-wide, but you may not get the same ‘community feel’ with these.
For hosts, forming a Nextdoor group can be a useful way to share information and advice.