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What's in this issue?
In this issue:
- Find out about how we marked National Flag Day
- CHUMS support group for Ukrainian families
- Dates for upcoming for drop-in sessions in Biggleswade
If there are any articles or information you would like including in future issues please do not hesitate to contact us with your suggestions.
Please do remember that you can contact the Ukraine Support Team either by calling 0300 300 8855 or emailing homesforukraine@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.
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News and updates
Marking National Flag Day
Since 2004, 23 August has been celebrated as Ukraine’s Day of the National Flag. Back in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in a ceremony to hoist the blue and yellow flag and observed a minute’s silence for those who have given their lives for the country.
We also hosted an event at the Rufus Centre for our Ukrainian guests and our sponsors, to mark the day. A number of teams from the Council attended to give advice and support, including the Ukraine Support Team, Ukraine Data Hub, our housing team and the Bedfordshire Employment and Skills Academy, as well as health partners.
We were so pleased to meet so many people on the day! Here are some photos from the event if you weren't able to attend.
Pictured above: all the teams from the Council who attended to offer advice and support.
Pictured above: staff from Flitwick Children’s Centre set up a craft station, where attendees made flower crowns as a nod to the traditional Vinok.
Pictured above: some of our guests at the event, pictured with Ukrainian flags. We enjoyed meeting so many people!
Pictured above: two of our younger guests proudly show off their flower crowns!
Pictured above: a number of stalls were set up at the event, providing advice and support to attendees on topics including housing, health, skills and employment.
CHUMS support group for Ukrainian families
CHUMS Trauma service supports children and young people from 5 to 18 years old. The team are qualified clinicians who use evidence-based therapies to work with children and young people.
The programme is designed for families who have come to the UK to seek safety from the war in Ukraine. The group will give children and young people the opportunity to meet others with the same experience and create a sense of community, as well as an opportunity to explore and address difficult feelings resulting from the conflict in a safe and supportive space.
Parents and carers are also invited to participate in a group running alongside the children and young people's programme. The group encourages parents and carers to meet others and enables a free and open safe space to talk about memories and challenges.
The group will be held at venues across Central Bedfordshire in blocks of 6 weeks. Each session will be 1 hour after school. Drinks and refreshments will be provided.
Visit the CHUMS website to make a referral. You will need to state clearly this is for the 'Families from Ukraine Group'. You can also email info@chums.uk.com for more details.
Community events
Drop-in sessions in Biggleswade
Our Ukraine Support Team is running drop-in sessions at Biggleswade Children's Centre every other fortnight from 9:30am until 12:30pm.
The team can sort out any enquiries there and then and have lots of other useful information available. You'll also be able to meet other guests, and are welcome to stay for a hot drink and a chat.
The next events are:
- Tuesday 26 September
- Tuesday 10 October
The address for Biggleswade Children’s Centre is: 137 Mead End, Biggleswade, SG18 8JU.
Don't forget about our website!
Don’t forget about our website! We have created a whole section which covers the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, initial support for guests, how to access financial support including Universal Credit, as well as information about education, training, how to set up a bank account, health and wellbeing. Most of our website can be translated into Ukrainian.
To find out more and see what information we have available, visit: www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/ukraine-sponsors.
Contacting the Ukraine Support Team
Telephone: 0300 300 8855
Email: homesforukraine@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk