Support for Ukrainian families in Mousehole 
7 October 2024

During the Spring of 2022 the horrific situation in Ukraine became apparent, and local people asked us what they could do to help. So, we immediately contacted local organisations who were supporting the Ukrainian community response, and we became a base for collecting essential supplies, and with the help of an experienced aid worker, we systematically packed, labelled and sent a lorry load of essential medical, toiletries and clothing to the Ukraine border where people were starting to flee in great numbers.

In June we started to have the first Ukrainian families fleeing the war arriving in our community. Many of the women and children arriving had no or little knowledge of English, and so we sought some funding (from Penzance Town Council), to help us to provide support.

Since July we have been running weekly English language lessons for the Ukrainians, and have been supporting them with various issues, such as translation assistance when getting benefits and seeking employment, and accessing further funding to provide clothing/ baby supplies etc.By attending our events or hiring the hall you are helping to fund our community projects. If you would like to make a donation you can do so here.

Here is some feedback from one of the recipients – Katja:

“Knowing the language gives me more confidence to speak with people living in the community.  I enjoy the lessons and the time we spend together. We were also introduced a Cream tea tradition, which I absolutely loved. Thank you so much for helping us to feel welcomed. We are overwhelmed by the kindness and the generosity of the local people. It really helps us all to overcome the hard feelings being apart from our families”.