30/11/2022
Since March, the Diocese has helped find homes for around 250 Ukrainians and aims to support individuals and groups helping the county’s growing Ukrainian community as they establish new lives in Herefordshire and south Shropshire.
Alongside the grant to the central diocese, the Church of England church St Peter and St James Hereford (SPSJ) also received funding to support their work.
The Diocese and SPSJ have been working together to help Ukrainians navigate the support system. Much of the work involves providing practical information, advice and getting access to essential services. The diocesan team also coordinate and match volunteer hosts to those seeking to settle in Herefordshire. The new grants will be used to create and sustain a dedicated staff team and recruit more hosts and sponsors.
Wendy Coombey, the Support for Ukraine Project Lead for Hereford, said: “We are very grateful to our donors for their generous grants. They will enable us to continue working with Citizens UK, Herefordshire Council and our other voluntary sector partners.”
Nine months after the invasion of Ukraine, the need is as great as ever.
“The scheme faces a number of challenges, which we must address, particularly with housing and transport," She added.
“These grants will ensure we sustain support and continue to offer advice making our Ukrainian guests feel welcome in this county.”