Report from Ukraine Support Group to
Churches Together in Royston and District (CTRD)
In the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in Feb 2022 individuals and communities across the UK participated in the efforts to support people fleeing the conflict. Royston and the neighbouring villages in North Herts and South Cambs were part of this effort to extend hospitality and support. Churches Together in Royston and District (CTRD) set up a small group to help co-ordinate that support and this group has made regular reports to the wider church community.
Much of the provision for housing, education, medical, financial need etc. was provided through government and local authorities with the help of organisations such as British Red Cross; in addition existing Ukranian bodies such as the Waltham Cross branch of the Association of Ukranians in Gt Britain were also active. More local and informal groups like ours in Royston and in the surrounding villages gave additional help by way of general advice, guidance, mentoring, sourcing of household items, clothes, books and toys for children etc. One of the most important things was welcoming the new arrivals, many of them arriving exhausted and stressed from a long journey and worried about their loved ones back in Ukraine. Social events and outings were arranged to enable wider networking, forming of friendship groups, help with English conversation etc. CTRD member churches provided funding to help with the costs of holding these events and in some instances direct financial help was given to meet a specific need. Requests for such things as household items, bicycles, books and toys were also circulated through CTRD and were responded to generously.
Two and a half years on from the start of the conflict the situation has changed in that some of the original arrivals have returned to Ukraine or moved elsewhere in the UK; some have found employment in this or other areas and are now to some extent self-supporting; others have accessed educational and training provision.
This means that requests for help have now decreased to the point where the CTRD Ukraine Support Group feels that ongoing direct support is no longer needed, although it is of course possible that this will change if the situation changes. The group would like to suggest, therefore, that it should move into a more passive role but remain in contact with each other and with the churches so that appropriate action can be taken if necessary.
The response from church communities to the crisis was immediate and generous, and both this group and the families and individuals who were supported are deeply appreciative and grateful.
Jim Dalgleish, Priscilla Barlow, Anna Barnard, Paul Brown, Brian Orrell
October 2024
Spiritual Help: The Archbishops have written the following prayer for Ukraine:
God of peace and justice,
we pray for the people of Ukraine today.
We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons.
We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow,
that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.
We pray for those with power over war or peace,
for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions.
Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear,
that you would hold and protect them.
We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Amen
Archbishop Justin Welby
Archbishop Stephen Cottrell