LAST week marked the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Frome continues to support Ukrainian families who have fled the conflict one year on, and support networks and activities are well established.
The world was shocked by news of the Russian invasion on 24th February last year and Frome was quick to support its twin town of Rabka in Poland, where many refugees were headed before coming to the west. Many people in Frome signed up to host Ukrainian families and the group, Frome Welcomes Refugees, was established. Support to settle into the community was provided by the town council and local organisations and many community groups was held fundraising events.
One such project was the Frome Refugee Support Hub at the town council, which was set up with the help of Frome Welcomes Refugees. The hub is run by two Ukrainian refugees; co-ordinator, Dmytro, and social facilitator Iryna, who host the space to support the wellbeing of all refugees, from any country.
Organisers of the hub said, “The support hub is a space for all refugees and their hosts; it allows them to meet other people, get support and be signposted to appropriate services. The numbers using the hub fluctuates per week, but hub workers are in contact with over 50 refugee families in Frome and the surrounding area, primarily from Ukraine, but also Syria, Afghanistan, Kurdistan and Eritrea.
“The hub has hosted useful sessions for attendees, there’s been a financial support advice session from the organisation Navigate, and a session for the many English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) volunteer language teachers.
“The hub is happy to facilitate other activities during their opening times, and due to the richness and diversity of what is already on offer in Frome, refugees are also accessing activities outside of the hub, meaning that the hub sessions can primarily focus on support and guidance from Frome Town Council staff, Somerset Resettlement Service and Mendip Housing.
“Alongside our ESOL volunteer co-ordinator, Lynn Randall, the hub workers also support the provision of English lessons for learners across Frome and the surrounding area, some of which are held in individual homes, and others at the Cheese and Grain and town hall.
“Our refugee hub co-ordinator, Dmytro, and social facilitator, Iryna, are also available outside of these hours to support in a virtual capacity. The pair have supported a variety of other activities for our refugee community to access, such as cookery lessons, sewing groups, singing workshops, knitting, guided walks, Easter and summer activities for children, and Christmas celebrations, to name a few. Refugees have also been involved with multi-cultural and Remembrance Day celebrations, as well as a recent Ukrainian Cultural Awareness Day that was run at the library.”
The Frome Refugee Support Hub runs weekly on Tuesdays at Frome Town Hall café from 10am to 3pm. The hub also supports welfare checks run by health connectors, primarily for Ukrainian refugees at the same space on Thursdays between 12 to 2pm.
Organisers said, “The key aims of the hub are to be a welcoming space for all refugees in the locality, a safe and accommodating space where workers can meaningfully support them to access the appropriate services and navigate some of the more complex re-settlement processes.”
Co-founder of Frome Welcomes Refugees Clare Hein said, “The hub is such a fantastic legacy for the town. The generosity of everyone’s response has been extraordinary and demonstrates the community collectively pulling together.”
As part of the process to help refugees settle in the town, Frome Welcomes Refugees have been helping provide grants and aid for school uniforms, school trips, and support with furnishing accommodation.
Other ways in which the community has mobilised to support Ukrainian refugees include the volunteering efforts of local man, Jamie Brake, who went to Ukraine to deliver humanitarian aid.
