For more than two years, every Wednesday a church in Oxford has opened its doors to Ukrainian refugees. Over that time more than 400 people have received the kindness of the volunteers at the Ukrainian Friendship Centre.
The centre was set up in 2022, at St Michael and All Angels Church in Summertown, in response to the outbreak of war in eastern Europe. Now it is home to a myriad of services directly supporting Ukrainians who have moved in Oxfordshire as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme. As well as the ever-popular English classes, there’s a second-hand clothing bank, a Ukrainian library, a Ukrainian choir and art classes.
Administrator Emma said: “It's interesting how the Friendship Centre is changing, as the Ukrainian population in Oxfordshire is settling in. I'd say we now have an older more stable clientele, if you can call our guests that. Children are mostly in school, and competent English speakers now mostly in work. We get a couple of new arrivals each week. The problems we see are in the main to do with moving on from sponsors, and associated issues around housing.”
As the activities at the centre have evolved, it has become apparent the fellowship among those attending is the main attraction for visitors. Now, between 50 and 60 people gather each week for the sessions and teams from Refugee Resource and Connection Support and representatives from Oxford City Council come to the sessions to meet their clients.
Emma is certain the support of the local community has been central to the success of the centre.
She added: “We could not have done it without the local community, they are the backbone of our team. They were desperately moved by the plight of the Ukrainian people and wanted to help, when they perhaps could not host anyone in their own homes. They were happy to get involved locally in this way.
“Our work is financially supported by church community giving as well as our partners in the community. Our volunteers do all they can including baking cakes, making soup and bringing in fruit so our families enjoy lunch while they’re with us.”
One Ukrainian guest showed his thanks for the help he received in applying for a licence to fish crayfish, by returning to the centre with his first catch and sharing it with the helpdesk volunteers!
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