Supporting refugees in Essex
27th October 2022
The war in Ukraine caused hundreds of people to flee their homes and settle in other countries, including the United Kingdom, and many have been welcomed into homes and communities in Essex.
Charities are providing support to help people adapt to their new environment and overcome language barriers. Social groups are also vital in providing a safe space where refugees can meet each other and get help with everyday tasks, such as shopping for food and necessities.
Andy Payne Worpole, Head of Programmes at Essex Community Foundation, said: “It is impossible to fully understand the trauma that some of these people may have experienced and the upheaval the war has had on their lives.
“We are committed to supporting refugees in Essex and have funding available for local projects that are helping them to feel welcome and connected in their local community. “
Among the recent projects to be supported are:
- Voluntary Action Epping Forest received £6,730 to employ a part-time community hub responder to provide dedicated support to Ukrainian nationals in Epping Forest and Harlow.
- Hamelin Trust received £18,525 to increase the capacity of their community support and respite care teams, which work with Ukrainian families that have a disabled child.
- Colchester Mercury Theatre received £8,975 to run an intergenerational choir and host creative meetups to help support refugees, asylum seekers and migrants meet each other and express themselves.
- Welcome to the UK received £6,100 to develop a new community space and increase the number of English as a Second Language (ESOL) lessons on offer in Southend.
Andy added, “We have recently received a generous donation of £35,000 from the Freemason’s charity to support refugees in Essex, including projects helping those from Ukraine. I encourage groups in need of funding to contact us on 01245 355947 or email grants@essexcf.org.uk.”
To discuss how we could help you to support refugees in Essex, please get in touch with us.