Ukrainian individuals, families, and sponsors from across the Braintree district enjoy festive get together in the lead up to Christmas.
Ukrainian individuals, families, and sponsors from across the Braintree district enjoy festive get together in the lead up to Christmas.
With this festive season being the first Christmas that Ukrainian refugees will be away from their homes and families, Braintree District Council, in partnership with Braintree Community Centre, hosted a Christmas get together on Friday 9 December 2022 as an opportunity for families to enjoy some food, drink and music and spread some Christmas joy.
Braintree District Council’s Chairman Cllr Andrew Hensman was in attendance alongside United in Kind coach Jayne Laken who gave free Christmas gifts to each guest that were donated by members of the community. A local resident also donated hand-knitted children’s clothing for families to take away.
The event was part of a programme of monthly community catch ups hosted by the council and community centre which started in June 2022, as a way for families who have fled from Ukraine to the Braintree district, to positively engage and integrate into their new communities. The events included a range of support including free English language classes, information on how to access local services and an opportunity to meet and talk to others and share experiences.
Cllr Frankie Ricci, Cabinet Member for Communities at Braintree District Council, said: “It’s heart-warming to see how appreciative Ukrainian refugees and their sponsors have been for these community events and seeing them come together as a community to celebrate the festive season.
“I would like to personally thank the community centre for supporting us with organising and hosting these events, as they have been a wonderful opportunity for Ukrainian families to meet one another in a welcoming and supportive environment. I am incredibly proud of the work the council and partners are doing to support our Ukrainian guests and we will continue to work together to ensure they have our support for as long as is needed.”
Jayne Laken, United in Kind coach for the Braintree district, said: “It’s been a pleasure to support these events with United in Kind, as well as the wider community supporting with donations and gifts. To be able to come together meet one another and socialise in a safe space, allowing them to make new friends and find out services, has helped make their stay a happy one.”
Brenda Baker from Braintree Community Centre, said: “Braintree Community Centre have been very happy to be able to support the Ukrainians who have had to move to the UK over the last few months. With social meetings and English language classes on Mondays and Fridays, we have worked with Braintree District Council to not only give emotional and practical support but also help with their integration into the community. Many people have been involved in these activities and we would like to thank all of them for their support. Last Friday’s Christmas get together was a happy success for everyone.
“We look forward to continuing the meetings and classes on Mondays and Fridays in 2023. Additionally we start our Community Club on Friday 20 January which will offer a chance to both keep warm and have coffee and company, for anybody who wants to come free of charge.”
The monthly community events will continue from January 2023 after receiving positive feedback from sponsors and guests on how beneficial they have been, with the first on Friday 20 January 2023 from 11am-1pm. Dates are available on the council’s website at www.braintree.gov.uk/ukraine.