A Nottinghamshire County Council-led funding pot to support community groups which are tirelessly helping Ukrainian people settle into the county has been doubled to £200k.This support, which launched earlier this summer, is being funded by the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme.With an estimated 1,200 Ukrainian people due to arrive in the county under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, eligible groups are able to apply for funds of up to £5,000 to continue to help provide advice and support. This includes hosting special community events, providing access to translation services and language classes and promoting health and well-being.The first batch of projects have now been awarded funds, including three projects run by Nottingham’s Ukrainian Cultural Centre which has warmly welcomed the funding.This Nottingham Branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain is also the Council chairman’s, Cllr Roger Jackson, community cause this year, so he has been busy championing the work they do.
At the recent ‘Defenders of the Flag’ commemorations, Cllr Jackson presented the Centre with a cheque, having raised £5,000 in donations so far.
Lina Maksymuk from the Ukrainian Cultural Centre thanked Nottinghamshire County Council for the funding. She said: “We are confident that these grants will not only help different groups of new arrivals but will also help all our volunteers who have been working tirelessly all these months and will make functioning of the Ukrainian centre as a facility and as a hub more sustainable.”The other projects to receive funding from the first round are: 1st/2nd West Bridgford Scout Group – £2,000 will help fund towards volunteer expenses, community events and refreshments. The Group provides Ukrainian guests and their families with a safe space to meet with the wider community to access support and information. This includes access to English language classes, and a range of social activities.The Homes for Ukraine Bassetlaw Support Group – £3,700 will go towards volunteer travel costs, equipment, and premises costs to support a local group specifically set up to support Ukrainian guests. The Group deliver a full range of support services such as ESOL, employment support and social events.Newark & Sherwood Community & Voluntary Service will receive £4,975 to help fund additional staff who will encourage Ukrainian guests to access opportunities to improve their language skills and help them access support, advice and guidance and increase chances of future employment.Nottingham-based Refugee Roots will receive £5,000 which will contribute towards volunteer travel costs, equipment, and premises costs. Building on existing expertise to support refugees and asylum seekers, this group provide a safe space in the community for Ukraine guests across Notts to access English languages classes, requalification, employment support, volunteering opportunities, gardening and health and wellbeing activities. St Johns Church, Worksop – £5,000 will contribute towards volunteer travel costs, equipment, and premises costs. The Church provides a safe space for guests to enable them to make friends and access local employment opportunities, health care and professional trauma support if needed. Beeston-based Transform Training will receive £4,980 to help fund additional staffing capacity, volunteer expenses and room hire to provide specialist employability support for Homes for Ukraine guests, providing translation services for CVs, supporting job search and interview preparation.The LCF scheme is supporting eligible local community projects and activities to welcome and integrate refugees arriving in Nottinghamshire. This will include:• Costs associated with supporting English language classes• Costs associated with running job clubs• Advice and support on financial matters• Tackling loneliness and isolation through for example befriending schemes and support networks• Promoting health and well-being• Organising community events• Supporting and encouraging volunteering.
