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Dear all,
Welcome to another newsletter. We've packed it full of things that are going on and information for you and your guests. Once again, thank you so much to everyone involved in this scheme. If there is anything you would like to see in your newsletter, just drop us an email and we'll see what we can do.
All the best
Gloucestershire's Homes for Ukraine Team.
Vyshyvanka Day - Thursday 18th May
Vyshyvanka Day is an international holiday that aims to preserve the Ukrainian folk traditions of creating and wearing ethnic embroidered clothes called Vyshyvanka (pronounced "vee-shee-VAHN-kah"). It is celebrated on the third Thursday of May.
Vyshyvanka isn’t just Ukraine’s hallmark, it’s a symbol of beauty and good health, happy destiny, and family memory. Every year, thousands of people around the world wear Ukrainian shirts to celebrate Vyshyvanka Day. In total, there are about two hundred different embroidery techniques in Ukraine, with each region having its own unique ornaments.
Wearing embroidered shirts has been a tradition amongst soldiers for centuries. The Cossacks wore embroidered shirts as a protector when going into battle. Liberation struggle soldiers, Sich riflemen and Ukrainian insurgents also wore them under their uniforms. Much time has passed since then, but national traditions have remained unchanged. Today, many Ukrainian soldiers find a place for an embroidered shirt in their backpacks, It is especially valuable when it has been embroidered by a mother or loved one.
It is easy to join the celebrations of Vyshyvanka Day. You just need to go to work or your place of study in a Ukrainian embroidered shirt!
Babies born in the UK
We are starting to hear about our Ukraine guests giving birth. This is such a joyful occasion for all, and we would really like to celebrate with you.
We want to send a gift to all new mums and babies so please send details to us so we can arrange this.
If the new parents consent, we would like to share this special time in future editions of our newsletters. If they agree, please send their details to the HFU team.
Children born to parents in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine scheme are eligible to have their immigration statue regularised. This will ensure the child has access to services and benefits, including healthcare. Full details are included here:
New Host Campaign
We have created a flyer to promote hosting within the Homes for Ukraine scheme. If you are able to print and place copies in public places, that would be very helpful.
If you prefer to be sent a printed version, please contact us with the number you need together with your details, and we will arrange to send copies to you. We will be launching further campaign activities to encourage people to get involved in hosting, so please look out for this on Gloucestershire County Council's media channels.
Volunteer event in Stroud
As a gateway to employment and to help guests feel part of a community, volunteering is a great way to develop skills and make friends, feel valued and improve confidence in spoken and written English.
The Ukrainian community of Gloucestershire are particularly welcome to attend Stroud Town Council’s Volunteer Fayre during the morning of Saturday 3rd June. There will be lots of stall holders, offering a broad range of volunteering positions in areas such as childcare, the environment, charity shops and community food projects.
Stall holders have been briefed that many people visiting them may not speak fluent English and so will be able to provide leaflets and online information to help guests access an opportunity that is right for them.
The Fayre will be held on the forecourt of the Subscription Rooms in Stroud. There will be a great atmosphere celebrating the work of Stroud’s existing volunteers and it is hoped that even more people will feel encouraged to try something new and volunteer!
If you have any questions or would like information ahead of the event, please contact kate.buckingham@stroudtown.gov.uk
Open to the public, no booking required.
Places to go for FREE
There is so much for you to see and do in this beautiful county.
Here are some suggested places our Ukrainian guests can use and visit for free.
Everyone active gym membership
Everyone Active has a chain of leisure centres and is offering 12 months’ free membership to Ukrainian refugees. Children are also eligible to join and enjoy free activities including;
- Children 0-10 years - for public swimming and soft play
- Children 11-15 years - for public swimming and Junior Gym
- Adults 16+ - for swimming, the gym and group exercise classes
The National Trust is a conservation charity that helps look after and protect miles of coastline, woodlands, countryside and the hundreds of historic buildings, gardens and precious collections.
A 6-month pass is available to access their sites - please e-mail the following information to the National Trust and they will issue a pass directly to you. (e-mail address is linked below).
- The names of your guests.
- Postal address
- Adult or family pass preference.
National Trust sites
English Heritage
English Heritage has an incredible range of historical sites across the UK including Stonehenge, Hadrian’s Wall and Battle Abbey. They have announced that they are keen to extend a warm welcome to Ukrainian guests and are offering free entry to all their sites across the UK.
No pre-booking is required and individuals just need to advise their site staff on arrival in order to gain free admission, these are great opportunities for days out.
If you know of any more free opportunities, please share them with the HFU team and we will publish them in future newsletters.
Getting around
We recognise that it is sometimes difficult to get around the county, particularly in the more rural areas where public transport can be limited.
We have therefore included the details of buses which run in some of the outlying areas of the county in the links below:
Daffodil Line Bus Time Table - Much Marcle Parish Council
This runs around Ledbury, Much Marcle, Dymock, Newent, Kilcot, Gorsley, Upton Bishop and Ross on Wye.
What is The Robin? - Gloucestershire County Council
Gloucestershire County Council’s new on-demand bus service The Robin, is designed to serve residents, covering the north of the Cotswolds and a southern section of the Forest of Dean.
Please see the links for further details.
FREE Ukrainian English lessons
We are currently working hard with our local community groups to collate an updated list of free accessible English language classes for our Ukrainian guests.
We are aware of some issues regarding transport to and from lessons, along with timings which can be make face to face sessions an issue where work commitments come first.
We will be sending an updated list detailing all availability across the county to both you and your guests within the next few weeks.
In the meantime, if you are aware of any new English lessons, please send details to the team and we will add them to our information.
Thank you.
Eurovision Song Contest
Thanks to those of you who went along to one of the community events across the county to celebrate the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night. Whilst it was disappointing that neither Ukraine or the UK won the contest, we hope you all had a fabulous time.
The event held in the Guildhall in Gloucester was a lot of fun and many partied into the night as you can see from these pictures, it was a pleasure to meet you all.
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This is a brilliant picture and we loved the Vyshyvanka tops which were tailor made by the hosts!
Brilliant and well done.
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A heart warming story
Phil Taylor from our Painswick community group shared how a number of guests arrived in Painswick, only to discover that they knew each other. They had all lived in the same village, Slavutych in Ukraine.
They quickly rekindled friendships and with Phil's connections in the parish council, and support of the Mayor of Slavutych, the two towns signed a Friendship and Co-operation agreement.
The community in Painswick are offering small acts of kindness to give the citizens of the town a morale boost. They have positioned three signs on the main roads going in and out of Painswick to let people know about this connection and friendship.
Phil and the group are making plans for local events in the very near future, one of which is a walk taking in the three road signs.
Thanks for sharing Phil.
If you would like to share some good news stories, please send them to the HFU team, e-mail address below, along with any pictures you are happy to share.
Meet the HFU team
Below you can see a couple more of our team members.
If you are part of a volunteer group, we'd love to be able to feature members of your team in future editions.
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Jill Edwards - Response Officer
I have been with the HFU team for the past five months. I work with unaccompanied minors which I am very passionate about.
I attend welcome visits where I meet hosts and guests and answer any questions they may have plus offer any additional help.
The HFU team are a great team to work with and I feel fortunate to be part of the team.
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Tetyana Mokiyenko - Response Officer
I organise and attend welcome, 6 and 12 months visits. I am Ukrainian, so I can help with translation if needed.
I work with local community groups who are a vital link between us and our Ukrainian guests.
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Useful information
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