About Us

We are a team of local volunteers who came together to support the community of Ukrainians and their hosts from the across all SN postcodes.

Our aims are:

To provide information to those considering coming to the Swindon area

To create a information hub for hosts and Ukrainians
Assist with transport by providing a bicycle to those that need one
Advocate on behalf of local ukrainians and hosts
To signpost learning opportunities and social events
To raise funds for hub projects, e.g. providing bikes
To support the settling and integration into the wider community

We will work together and compliment other organisations providing support for refugees in Swindon.

Check out our Reports and see how we have performed against our objectives.

Reports

Meet the team

Kris Talikowski - Vice-Chair

After becoming a host through the Homes for Ukraine scheme, Kris wanted to help encourage more Ukrainians to choose Swindon and find sponsors. Kris has been active in setting up The Bikes for Ukraine scheme, the committee and the website. Kris is the Vice-Chair on the committee and runs businesses The Core in Old Town and a marketing, PR & photography business.
David Thrower - Treasurer & Bike Lead

In addition to being a host, Dave was keen to help build the Swindon Welcomes Ukraine community. Dave is Treasurer on the Committee and as keen cyclist himself, the Bike Project Lead; responsible for sourcing, servicing and distributing bikes for Ukrainians in Swindon. Dave recently retired from a long career in Finance & Digital technology and is relishing the opportunity to give back.
Sofiia Volovyk

Sofiia came to Swindon under the Home for Ukraine scheme. Immediately upon arrival, she found Kris and other Swindon advocates to introduce her vision on forming a Ukrainian active community with knowledge and skills for personal fulfilment in the UK community. Through her community leadership experience and enthusiasm, Sofiia has planned and delivered UkraineFEST 2023 and UkraineFEST 2024 which were both a wonderful success.
Liana Tatanova - Membership

Liana’s wish is to unite the Ukrainians who came to Swindon as friends, so that everyone can get support and have "native and familiar" social circle in the new environment. Liana works on engagement and social events.
“I am your Ukrainian sister, so don't hesitate to ask me anything🌻”
Ieva Delininkaityte - Marketing

Ieva joined "Swindon Welcome Ukraines" to invite more Ukrainians to come to Swindon, help them settle in and make sure that they feel welcome. Ieva has experience in organising events and activities so will use her skills on fundraising for the community as well as bring Swindon community together.
Tom Morgan

Tom is Curate at Pattern Church in Swindon where he is responsible for The Table, the weekly meal for Ukrainian refugees and host families held on a Tuesday night. Previously he taught in a large Wiltshire secondary school for 12 years and has a wide range of experience in the voluntary sector.
Viktoria Zavalnyuk

Viktoria came over under the Home for Ukraine scheme is 2022 and wanted to give something back to help her fellow Ukrainians growing in Swindon and Wiltshire.
Anastasiia Banatska

Anastasiia came over with her two children under the Homes for Ukraine scheme and with an events background wants to bring Ukrainians together and celebrate in unifying English and Ukrainian culture.