Ukrainian Welcome Centre
Sefton
November 2024
Project information
Thousands of Ukrainians have sought refuge in the UK since Russia's invasion in February 2022. Fleeing war, many displaced individuals have found temporary homes in communities across the country.
One such community is Sefton, where a grassroots initiative has emerged to support Ukrainian refugees. Launched in March 2022, this volunteer-led project has provided essential services including food, clothing, English classes, and a furniture bank.
Many Ukrainian refugee families, often single mothers with young children, struggle to afford childcare during the school holidays. To address this need, the Ukrainian Welcome Centre has organised holiday camps that offer a safe and enriching environment for children to learn about their culture and engage in creative activities.
Relying usually on public donations, the Ukrainian Welcome Centre reached out to One Vision Housing for support through their Community Development Fund.
About One Vision Housing (OVH)
We are an award-winning housing provider offering high quality, affordable housing across Sefton, Liverpool, Wirral, Cheshire and West Lancashire. We currently manage over 13,000 homes across the region.
We provide a range of rental options from Rent to Buy and Private Rent, to commercial lettings of shops and social housing, creating equal opportunities for all. We were formed in October 2006, following a successful stock transfer from Sefton Council, and operate as a not-for-profit organisation, regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing.
As a member of The Sovini Group, One Vision Housing believes in providing good quality, affordable homes for rent and to buy, helping to create thriving and inclusive communities. We work closely with partner organisations to build a better future for our customers, supporting thousands of beneficiaries each year.
Externally recognised as a leading provider of homes and services, One Vision Housing is graded G1 for Governance and V1 for Viability by the Regulator of Social Housing.
Our approach
OVH's Community Development Fund is available for voluntary and community groups who want to deliver projects or services that benefit customers in our communities. The fund has been established to enable community and voluntary organisations to contribute to our vision for a better future. A total of £15,000 is available in the form of grants to voluntary/community groups.
The fund seeks to encourage Community Projects that contribute to the following five key themes: Vulnerable persons, support for local veterans, health & wellbeing, improved community safety, and community environmental initiatives.
Outcomes
The holiday camp was a huge success for the community and generated £76,140 according to the HACT Social Value Calculator. Staffed by skilled Ukrainian volunteers, this initiative provided practical support and a sense of community to alleviate the stress and anxiety experienced by Ukrainian families.
As a result of OVH's contribution, the Ukrainian Welcome Centre was able to host a group of 16 Ukrainian children aged 6-12 at their holiday camp which ran from October 28th to November 1st, focused on sports and outdoor activities. Children participated in various games, including football, basketball, and table tennis. They also engaged in indoor activities like quizzes, crafts, and a thrilling treasure hunt that tested their problem-solving skills.
To celebrate Halloween, the club organised a range of spooky activities, from pumpkin carving to spooky face painting. The club also provided a space for Ukrainian children to connect with their cultural heritage, with Ukrainian-language activities and traditional meals.
Alan Lewis, Managing Trustee for the Ukrainian Welcome Centre, said:
Thank you so much for this generous donation. Through this funding we were able to support our community and make a real difference in the lives of Ukrainian families. We're incredibly grateful for the support of One Vision Housing.
Credits:
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