CITY residents of various nationalities have come together to launch the Southampton Ukrainian Community Support Group.

English, Ukrainian, Russian, Romanian, Polish and Czech volunteers want to support the families arriving in Southampton from war-torn Ukraine.

A Saturday club set to launch on Easer Saturday April 16 at The Cricketers Arms in Woolston will offer connections, youth activities, a tea and coffee morning, emotional support, translation, help with paperwork and signposting to essential services including Citizens Advice Bureau and city council services. 

READ MORE: Southampton Plays For Ukraine raises thousands

It is hoped that by offering one-to-one support to asylum seekers and refugees arriving from the horrors of Ukraine, it will make the transition to the UK a bit easier.

Melanie Tudjaroglu, from the team behind the group, told the Daily Echo: "We know that when families start arriving, it will take time to link them with the services and support they need, so we hope to be able to bridge the gap and give them a warm welcome.

"Some Ukrainians who have already arrived want to be among the founders of our group and we hope that it will be long-lasting and one day it will be as successful as the Polish Club which has done so much to support the efforts for Ukraine in Southampton.

"On the first day, we don't know whether there will be five people or 100 people, but we know they will need our support, so we want to be prepared."

Kasia Davenport added: "These people have lost everything and don't have the security the rest of us enjoy, so we know how difficult it's going to be for them and it's important that we give them a sense of belonging."

The group is looking for others to get involved and is also raising money for toys, resources and electricals for younger visitors, tea and coffee making facilities, welcome packages and rental charges for halls. 

Get involved by joining the Southampton Ukranian Community Support Group Facebook page.

Donate funds to help with the start-up costs of the group at  https://gofund.me/e6a61853

 

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