Help for your guests living in London
Finding work, English language courses, health and wellbeing
Links to the Ukrainian Community in London
The association of Ukrainians in Great Britain is the main representative organisation of the Ukrainian Community in the UK: https://www.augb.co.uk/
There is a Ukrainian cultural centre called the Ukrainian Institute in Holland Park, which is home to the London branch of the AUGB: About us – Ukrainian Institute London
Here is some info about a Ukrainian Saturday School: Home (stmarysukrschool.co.uk)
Finding work
Breaking Barriers supports refugees to acquire the knowledge, confidence and experience they need to secure stable and fulfilling jobs. They offer bespoke, intensive and flexible employment support to assist individuals to integrate in the UK and create fulfilling lives.
A Pret A Manger programme offering work to refugees is recommended by a member of this group. "Our two ladies are already working. Even without speaking English!"
Opora is launching its first partnership to facilitate employment opportunities – for beauty professionals arriving in UK. It has said it will be launching future opportunities.
Helping guests get around London
Please remember that buses are significantly cheaper than Tube trains.
Citymapper is a great app that English-speaking guests should be able to use to help them get around.
The TFL website can help you plan journeys. The Citymapper app is also very helpful.
Churches
There are at least two Greek Orthodox churches in Kentish Town or the Ukrainian Cathedral
in Mayfair (more information here.
For visitors specifically seeking a Ukrainian Orthodox service that can be found only at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Acton. https://www.facebook.com/159940977350746/posts/ukrainian-orthodox-church-address-1a-newton-avenue-acton-ealing-london-w3-8aj/207380392606804/
Health and wellbeing
An organisation which is now called Amna, but was previously called the Refugee Trauma Initiative, provides free online training for people supporting refugees with trauma both on creating safe spaces to support refugees and 'help the helper' well-being support.
There is also this resource:
Guidance for supporting the mental health and wellbeing of displaced Ukrainians - Thrive LDN : Thrive LDN which includes guidance for sponsors on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of displaced Ukrainians arriving in the UK and access to training on trauma-informed practice in humanitarian crisis. The online training is aimed for professionals and volunteers in community and grassroots organisations who are supporting the response. Places are free and unlimited. The training programme offers workshops at three levels: foundation, intermediate and advanced.
Learning English
One of this group's members is a highly qualified and experienced teacher of English as a Second Language who is volunteering her time to support us. She has already met two of our guests. At the moment she is willing to teach others either individually or in a small group while we figure out longer term plans for English language support. If you or the people you are sponsoring would like that, please let us know.