This week is Refugee Week, a time to celebrate the culture and diversity that refugees bring to our communities.
Our Refugee Week article features the national and local support for those arriving in Stoke-on-Trent to begin to recover and rebuild their lives. In this article, we focus on the support that is available to people arriving in the city fleeing the war in Ukraine.
Stoke-on-Trent has a long history of supporting those in need and welcoming people from troubled nations into our communities and since war broke out in Ukraine, the city has welcomed families fleeing the country.
- #StokeonTrentTogether, a local partnership between VAST and Stoke-on-Trent City Council, has published information and useful links for Ukrainian people arriving in the UK and their sponsors, including:
- FAQ’s
- DWP support (available in English and Ukrainian)
- Support for sponsors
- School and childcare places
- Help for Ukrainian nationals
- How the NHS works (also available in Ukrainian)
- Stoke-on-Trent Helping Ukrainians Group (SHUG) provides support, information, and advice, as well as groups and meetings for Ukrainian families and local sponsors. SHUG also holds Holy Liturgy Mass twice a month at Sacred Heart Church in Hanley.
- The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain is opening a branch in Newcastle-under-Lyme. The centre will be a hub where Ukrainians and their sponsors can get help and advice and provide a safe place for Ukrainians to meet with each other and with British people. English tuition for adults and children will also be offered as well as Ukrainian language education for children and young people.