Ukraine

Churches with their long established ties in their community and pool of enthusiastic volunteers are perfectly placed to support refugees in their local areas. So far churches across Scotland have responded in unique and creative ways. What your church can offer will depend on the needs in your area and what resources you have available. For help exploring what your church can do, please contact David.

Here are some suggestions of what your church could do:

Hubs

Churches can open a few times a week as a hub. Hubs can be a great place for Ukrainians to make connections, find community, and seek support. Inviting representatives from statutory organisations (DWP, housing authorities) or charities (Scottish Refugee Council, Shelter) can be a great way help Ukrainians access practical support.

Churches might also think about inviting hosts (and people thinking about hosting) and their guests to the Hub. Hosting brings with it may challenges and so places where hosts can connect with others and share their experiences are hugely valuable.

For an example of a hub in action have a look at what has been happening in East Renfrewshire.

Language Clubs

One of the most consistent needs raised is being able to speak English. Where possible, ESOL language classes provide the best way for people to learn, however for many churches and volunteers the time and money commitments for this will be too high.

A more feasible option can be an informal language club where people can practice their skills. The key to success is having enough confident English speakers so that everyone has a chance to practice. Also, maybe consider opening the club up to refugees and asylum seekers from all countries, for whom practicing English is also important. Examples of Churches starting this work are Invergowrie Parish Church or St. Paul’s and St. George’s Episcopal Church in Edinburgh.

Events for Families

A large percentage of the Ukrainians who have come to the Scotland are families. Consistently we have heard from Ukrainian parents that one of their priorities in coming to the UK has been to ensure their children have a normal and safe childhood. There is a need for fun events that are accessible for Ukrainian families. Events can be targeted, but why not think about inviting Ukrainian families along to your existing church events like BBQs, church lunches, coffee mornings etc.? Please contact David who can help you connect with Ukrainians in your area and think through appropriate ideas.

Making pre-existing groups accessible

Many of the services that churches already run are of use to Ukrainians as well, from Food banks, to Babies and Toddler Groups, to Coffee Mornings. These events can be made more accessible by the addition of flyers or signage in Ukrainian. For help accessing translation services please contact david.moodie@churchofscotland.org.uk

Information sheet for Ukrainians in Scotland

We have produced a brief information sheet for Ukrainians living in Scotland, in both English and Ukrainian. It includes information on key helplines, both of Scotland’s Ukrainian associations, and links to further information. Please feel free to print these out and display them in your church, food bank, or community project.

A Guide for Hosts

Before you consider sponsoring someone and hosting them in your home please read our guide on things you should consider before you make this decision.

The expert hosting network NACCOM advises that hosting works best when the right time, support and consideration has been given to facilitating a positive and safe hosting arrangement, particularly as many people in need of hosting may have experienced trauma, conflict or persecution.

If you are interested in supporting Ukrainian refugees through hosting, register your interest today on the Government’s Homes for Ukraine website which also enables you to sponsor under the Scottish Super Sponsor Scheme.

Children’s Channel in Ukrainian

Several UK TV companies have come together to create Sunflower TV, a YouTube channel that broadcasts British cartoons in the Ukrainian language. This can allow young Ukrainians to engage with the same media as their peers in a language they understand.

Scottish Refugee Council Ukraine Update

Scottish Refugee Council is one of the leading refugee organisations in Scotland. The have produced a number of resources, including ‘Your Rights in Scotland’ a document with essential information about the rights Ukrainians in Scotland hold.

SRC also produces a round-up email with updates about the situation of Ukrainians in Scotland and with links to useful resources. If your church would like to be included on this list, please email David.

Ukrainian Bibles

The Gideons have been making every effort to ensure Ukrainians have access to the Bible in their own language. They have been distributing a limited amount of free copies of the New Testaments and Psalms in Ukrainian. Please contact David to enquire.

A number of humanitarian aid initiatives have been established to deliver immediate and urgent support to people in Ukraine and refugees in the surrounding countries. We have listed a number of these below. This is not an exhaustive list, and you may choose to donate with an organisation you already have a relationship with.

The Reformed Church in Hungary, a partner church of the Church of Scotland, is mobilising support (Food, non-food, accommodation) through Reformed Church in Hungary Aid to refugees next to the border, in Budapest, and where possible also in the Transcarpathian region of Ukraine, where the Transcarpathian Reformed church has parishes, and in Slovakia and Romania. A description of the activities can be found at: https://reformatus.hu/english/news/reformed-community-proved-love/.

Your donations can be directed to the following account: (Please gift aid this if possible.)

Royal Bank of Scotland Church of Scotland No 1 Account

Account no 00134859

Sort code 83 06 08

Reference RCHA donation

Other international organisations you can support are:

• Christian Aid’s Crisis Appeal for the Ukraine (DEC Appeal)
• CCME’s Romanian member AIDRom has set up support structures for those coming into the Northern parts of Romania and provides food, non-food items and shelter. A short description and details of how to donate can be found here. https://www.aidrom.ro/?p=72405
• The Lutheran church In Poland and its Diakonia, who had already mobilised support for refugees stuck at the Polish-Belorussian border last year, calls for donations for their support for displaced Ukrainians
• Salam Lab is working on the ground in Poland supporting Ukrainians who are crossing the border: https://salamlab.pl/en/ukraine/

While churches can do many things to support Ukrainians in Scotland, the decisions of our Governments have a profound impact on the lives of Ukrainians.

The UK Government is responsible for decisions around visas and immigration. While we are grateful for the 192,600 visas that have been issued, these visas remain only temporary. It is important to campaign for the longer-term status of Ukrainians in the UK.

There are additional issues surrounding the controversial Nationality and Borders Act. The new Act states that an asylum seeker’s claim will be determined by their means of arrival rather than the merit of their application. The situation in Ukraine demonstrates exactly why this is fundamentally flawed; any Ukrainian who flees and makes their own way to the UK will be criminalised. Their asylum claim will be deemed ‘inadmissible’ under the new bill.

You can contact your local MP to urge the UK Government to offer comprehensive safety not just to Ukrainians but to all refugees.

The Scottish Government has taken on a major role as a sponsor through the Super Sponsor Scheme. 30,600 visas were issued under the scheme before closing and over 17,000 individuals have arrived. It is encouraging to see the Scottish Government offer safe passageway for so many people, however there are ongoing challenges. While housing people in hotels and on-board ships is acceptable as temporary accommodation, it is not a long-term solution. We would like to see a plan for how people are going to be resettled in the long term.

In addition, there can be discrepancies across local authorities. The availablity of key support, such as English classes and affordable public transport options, can vary depending on where people are living. We wish to see Ukrainians across Scotland able access to appropriate housing, education, and support wherever they live.

For any concerns, particularly in your area, please contact your local MSP.