Chairmans Report 2022/23

The aims of SWU revolve around 3 pillars:

1. Information:

• To provide a go-to online resource for potential hosts, new arrivals, those living here and for hosts.

• To inform that community about our work projects and things they can participate in like events.

• To represent the Ukrainian community in Swindon and advocate for them, locally and nationally.

2. Integration:

• To help Ukrainians settle into Swindon and find easy pathways for access to local services and education.

• integrate into the wider community of Swindon and

• establish a community and identity of their own.

• Collaborate with other bodies that work with the Ukrainian community (Swindon Borough Council, Harbour Project, Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership)

3. Mobility:

• To find ways to assist guests in being actively mobile in the local area.

• To enable quick and simple transportation to jobs, education or for leisure/exercise.

How have we performed against those objectives?

Pillar 1 -Information:

The Website

The website was built initially to inform Ukrainians about Swindon and to provide practical information on the Homes for Ukraine scheme for hosts and refugees. Over the year the site has evolved into a more comprehensive reference platform providing information on:

• Hosting – positive stories, guides for supporting effective integration (registering with a GP etc), tips for successful hosting

• What the options are after 6-12 months,

• Housing options,

• Event information,

• Community news,

• Bike donations and requests

• Social media channels

• A focal point for media

Advocate for Ukrainians in the community

Swindon Welcomes Ukraine have been very successful in working with local MP’s and Councils to ensure that hosts and our Ukrainian guests are represented locally and their issues and challenges are heard on a local and national level.

We have also appeared on Local and National radio through BBC Radio Wiltshire, Times Radio, BBC Points West, ITV West Country, GBTV, BBC online, Swindon Advertiser website and print on numerous occasions. Features have included; refugee arrival, bike project, Sofiia’s charity walk, Classical music concert, fundraiser for locally brewed Ukrainian Beer, young Ice Hockey player, housing provision. Please see our news section for more.

Kris Talikowski our Vice Chair, organised the first ‘Leader for Ukraine Summit’ for all support organisations involved in Ukrainian communities across the country. It was attended by our MP Rt Hon Robert Buckland, Opora (Ukrainian matching and news charity), and representatives from other support groups around the country. It was well attended and very successful with many thoughts and ideas shared and relationships fostered. More Summits are planned.

I embarked on a challenge to walk from Swindon to the top of Ben Nevis. My intention was to positively represent the ambition and spirit of Ukrainians in the UK, raise funds for our projects and also send money to help those in difficulties in Ukraine. I raised over £3,200 with half going to SWU and half to Rescue Now, a charity in Ukraine helping the elderly and evacuating people from war zones. My walk also garnered significant TV & radio coverage. Sadly the walk was cut short after 400 miles, with the death of the queen, but is restarting on the 6th May King’s Coronation day.

Pillar 2 - Integration

Events

We have run many events throughout the year to help build and integrate the Ukrainian community:

• Trip to Parliament with the Rt Hon Robert Buckland MP

• Jubilee Party in the Park - Lydiard

• Family BBQ for hosts and guests at Lydiard Park

• Open mike nights - Timmys Bar

• Ukrainian inspired beer launch - Hop Kettle

• Host open evenings to encourage new hosts to come forward.

• Bike rides with Lets Ride Swindon

• Classical Concert - Christchurch

• Business start up courses

The partnership with the Pattern Church has been pivotal in helping welcome our guests and to establish connections and a community feel. They run weekly coffee and chat sessions called ‘The Table’ providing opportunities to join english lessons, a Ukrainian choir and run regular excursions to local attractions.

Pillar 3 - Mobility - the Bike Project

One of the key aspects of community integration was mobility.  The need for refugees to get around the town to go to; interviews, school, work or to the supermarket.  Thus, the idea of providing them with locally donated bikes was born. At the year end (2022), we had issued 176 bikes and safety equipment.

We initially started by using the services of local bike shops who were prepared to service bikes at cost.  However, once the number went over 20 their ability to support us tailed off and we needed to take control of the repairs “in house”.  Rev Tom Morgan offered the top floor of the Pattern Church and our bike project was born. Treasurer and cyclist Dave Thrower became the Bike Lead and trained as a Cytech certified cycle mechanic. He was then joined by another Cytec qualified mechanic Martin Heal and assistants Gavin Gibson, Jon Elliman and Roger Bryan.

In June/July the waiting list for a bike was over 75 people with a wait time of about 6-8 weeks. The team worked weekends to clear that backlog and prioritised those who needed a bike for work or school. Now there is currently no waiting time and we are able to fulfil requests quickly.

Summary
Have we achieved our objectives? Success is not about Swindon Welcomes Ukraine, but should be measured by the impact that we have had on the people we set out to help - providing them with a warm welcome, a safe haven from conflict and helping them integrate into a new community and culture.

We have over 350 Ukrainians now in the Swindon area. Many now have jobs and are cycling to work or school/college. The English language is being spoken for the first time by most, or more fluently by those who had a basic knowledge.

New friendships have been fostered by Ukrainians from all parts of their country. Plus new relationships have been built in the community with a greater appreciation of each others cultures.

I know from talking to my new friends from Ukraine that they really appreciate the support that the UK and Swindon have given them. Temporary sanctuary for some, and possible a new home for others.

The fact that we have played a part in making that happen, is the measure of our success this year.

Over the coming year, work will continue to welcome and support Ukrainians to integrate within the Swindon community. We will continue to carry out fundraising activities, social events. and encourage new hosts. Where possible, we shall assist those wanting to move into rental properties, working with landlords, estate agents and the local council. There’s plenty still to do.

Sofiia Volovyk

Chairperson