Are you able to offer time and support to a valuable community project? If so, the newly established BRIDGE for Ukrainians charity would love to hear from you.
The charity, which is supported by and receives funding from Ealing Council and Ealing and Hounslow Community Voluntary Service (EHCVS), provides essential support for Ukrainian refugees.
Our borough has the second highest Ukrainian population in London and, last year, it gave help to more than 300 refugees and offered legal assistance to nearly 100 households.
‘The kindness of people’
Olena Horkovenko, chairwoman of BRIDGE for Ukrainians, said: “For my family and me, the path has been challenging. Fleeing Donetsk in 2014, then relocating again after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we’ve faced countless uncertainties.
“Arriving in the UK was daunting, but the kindness of ordinary British people gave us hope. Founding BRIDGE is our way of giving back, helping others navigate their own journeys, and proving that resilience and determination can lead to a brighter future.”
BRIDGE focuses on practical, sustainable support to help Ukrainian refugees integrate successfully into their new homes.
This includes:
• skill development workshops with Ukrainian translation
• English lessons and cultural exchange events
• employment support, including CV workshops and interview preparation
• creative, psychological, and wellbeing activities such as art therapy, music, and sports for adults and children
• signposting to essential services, including housing, education, and mental health resources
Council leader Peter Mason said: ““The BRIDGE programme has done an amazing job at helping Ukrainian families who have settled in our borough, and we are also continuing our work towards gaining the status of becoming a recognised Borough of Sanctuary.”
Like to help? Get in touch
Councillor Blerina Hashani, the council’s cabinet member for thriving communities, added: “We recognise the compassion many residents have shown, by offering accommodation to refugees from the war in Ukraine. BRIDGE provides a new opportunity for residents to volunteer to help and support Ukrainian refugees in Ealing.’’
If you could offer some time with the conversation clubs or activities for young people run by BRIDGE for Ukrainians, then get in touch.
Email Olga Dudnik, Ukraine volunteering & engagement coordinator: olga@ehcvs.org.uk or Ealing Ukrainian Network: UkrainianEaling@ehcvs.org.uk
A borough of sanctuary
The Borough of Sanctuary scheme is part of the national City of Sanctuary movement, which aims to create a network of places throughout the UK that are proud to be places of safety and inclusion for people forced to flee their homes.
