Islington and Camden Club for Older Ukrainian Refugees (60+)
3
The Pitch
Problem statement
Since the Russia started the war in Ukraine in February 2022, more than 12 million people have fled their homes in Ukraine with over 5.7 million having left Ukraine (UN, 2022). As by the end of April 2021, 86,100 UK visas were issued for Ukrainian refugees, total number of applications was 117,000 (BBC news 2022). Most of the Ukrainians arriving in the UK are women and children, with no relatives or friends here. We have identified that those refugees who are over 60 are the most vulnerable -they face social isolation, anxiety and post-war trauma, have very little or no English, they feel lost and scared. We want to help them feel more included in local communities and find new friends.
Solution
The goal of our project is to organize a social club for Ukrainian refugees over 60 who live in Islington and Camden to help them overcome social isolation, improve their mental and physical health, learn better English and meet new friends. The funding will be spent on running weekly groups, buying refreshments, organizing sports and social activities for older refugees. The impact of the project will be improved mental health of elderly Ukrainian refugees, better social integration for them and helping them feel more confident, happier and healthier.
Why are we best placed to deliver?
Our organisation has been helping Ukrainian refugees in Islington and Camden since the start of Russia's war last February 2022 and we have a dedicated team of Ukrainian-speaking staff and volunteers, who are very experience and well skilled in supporting vulnerable Ukrainian refugees. We also have excellent connections with Islington and Camden Council and local community groups.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| Running weekly Club meetings (Club facilitator, refreshments, room hire) | £1,350 |
| Arts and crafts materials | £400 |
| Admin and finance support | £250 |
Beneficiaries
100 people
Expected impact
100 elderly Ukrainian refugees in Camden and Islington will improve their mental health, English, confidence and reduce self-isolation through access to integration opportunities and social activities
Track record
We have been working with Ukrainian refugees for almost a year now and so far have supported at least 1,000 refugees through ESOL, mental health support, employment support, youth club, information meetings and coffee mornings.