LOVE UKRAINE
Welcome to Love Ukraine, a group of local volunteers pulling together to support those fleeing from the crisis in Ukraine. We are working to match Ukrainians with Host families in our area and to provide a support network for hosts and their guests. Initially based in Ringwood, Love Ukraine now includes hosts, guests, churches, volunteers and other organisations in Verwood, Fordingbridge, Avon Valley, Cadnam, Burley, Sandleheath, Merley, West Moors, St Ives, Ferndown and Bournemouth.
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We work across the community with schools, churches, charities, health services, food banks and businesses to do what we can to make the Homes for Ukraine scheme work well in our local area. We liaise with local and central government to support a joined up and effective approach in our community response. We aim to bring local knowledge and respond quickly to real needs at a grassroots level.
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Our vision is to provide a safe, stable and welcoming environment for people coming to this area from the war in Ukraine and to help them integrate into our community.
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Note that we plan to direct any new donations to support the urgent needs of people in Ukraine.
JOIN US
We are open to all who share our vision and want to join us - if you are Ukrainian and looking to come to this part of the world, or if you can provide space in your home, or if you would like to help in some other way, please do register with us - we would love to welcome you into the Love Ukraine community.
THANK YOU
We would like to recognise our wonderful volunteers and local organisations who have generously donated time and resources. A huge thank you to each and every one of you for your generosity and positivity.
Please do let us know if we have missed anyone as we have been overwhelmed by so much thoughtful kindness from so many people.
Alan the Barber
All our amazing fundraisers
Anna & Tony Taylor and their friends and neighbours
Champion Barbers
Champion Ladies
Churches Together in Ringwood - CTiR
Everyone who has taken the time to donate gifts
Fareshare
Francesco Hairdressing
Germain Hypher for hand made Ukrainian key rings
Greyfriars Community Centre and their Members
Happy Little Soles for children's shoes
John James
Louise Fields Gardening
Love to B
Lunns Art Store and Newsagent
Max, Tom and Luke - cycling the distance from London to Kyiv to raise funds for Ukraine
NatWest Bank Ringwood
New Forest District Council team
New Forest Show
Ringwood & Ellingham Show
Ringwood and District Round Table
Ringwood Infants School
Ringwood Junior School
Ringwood Fabrics
Ringwood Foodbank
Ringwood Job Centre team
Ringwood Medical Centre
Ringwood 3rd Scouts for the use of their hall
Roebridge Natural Food Market
Sandy Teal and MindSenseAbility
Sarah McDermott, her supporters and THE Festival
Simon Parker, Simon Newham, Steve Rickman and Dita Broster
Stagecoach Ringwood
Starks Electrical
St John's Church, Boldre
The Vale of Avon Crafters for their beautiful quilts
Tina Stone for raising funds through handmade flags
UK Baby Discount Centre Ringwood
Wardrobe Foundation
THANK YOU
On behalf of our Ukrainian guests we would like to thank to everyone who has done so much to help make them feel such a welcome part of our friendly local community.
WANT TO HELP?
These are some of the things our wonderful volunteers do:
- connect Ukrainians fleeing the war with local Hosts
- help with the visa application process and getting here
- chase up delayed visas and check on their status
- work with schools to assist their forward planning
- work with local health services to support our guests
- provide Welcome Packs, clothing and needed items
- work with the Foodbank who provide food and SIM cards
- support benefit applications and navigate UK bureaucracy
- help with translation and cultural understanding
- provide English lessons
- help with finding work including CV and interview support
- work with the local authority to help prevent homelessness
- work with the many amazing businesses who want to help
- arrange social events and information evenings
- offer a Host's "listening ear" service (with trained individuals)
- creating support networks for hosts & guests
- raise funds to support our activities
- and much, much more!
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Our current priority areas are for:
- More lovely Host homes - in particular we need
back-up homes to ensure we can continue to
provide stability for those who are already here.
- Rental accommodation for those looking for their own places (they will pay full market rates but find it hard to find landlords who will accept them due to not having UK credit history).
