Peterborough Cathedral and Peterborough Citizens are hosting a meeting for anyone who has signed up to provide a home for a Ukrainian family, or who is seriously thinking of doing so.
The meeting will take place at Peterborough Cathedral at 6.30pm on Wednesday 27th April.
Schools, churches and other organizations are also invited to attend and find out how they can play a part in helping to offer a well-rounded welcome to refugee families.
It is hoped that the meeting will not only share information but also lead to setting up a local volunteer team to support individuals and communities in resettling at least 50 refugees in Peterborough and across the Diocese of Peterborough (which includes the counties of Northamptonshire and Rutland).
The Dean of Peterborough, the Very Revd Chris Dalliston says:
“As the war in Ukraine intensifies, millions of people are fleeing their homes in what is being called the fastest growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War Two. Our hearts go out to the people but we must match compassionate words with practical actions and clear thinking if we are to meet their needs in a safe and sustainable way. Join us and see how communities coming together can make the difference”.
Dr Timothy Hall Founder of Peterborough Citizens says:
“The response to the crisis in Ukraine has been unprecedented with over 200,000 people in the UK offering to host families fleeing the conflict. Civil society has a massive role to play in supporting those opening their homes and ensuring displaced families settle as smoothly as possible. In taking this step the Cathedral, supported by Peterborough Citizens, can act as a focal point for anyone wishing to host a Ukrainian family in the city, working with Citizens UK to match Ukranian families with hosts and supporting these families to rebuild their lives.”
Citizens UK’s Deputy Director Jonathan Cox says:
“The Homes for Ukrainians scheme is an incredible opportunity to channel the outpouring of support for Ukrainians into practical action at a local level – and adds another important route, alongside asylum and resettlement, for those fleeing persecution to find sanctuary in the UK. There is no better way to overcome our feelings of helplessness than to make a refugee family welcome in our local community, and we see here a possible blueprint for welcoming not just Ukrainians, but other refugees in the future too.”
Anyone planning to attend the meeting is asked to register beforehand so that they can receive a note of the programme for the evening when it is finalised. The registration link is:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/homes-for-ukraine-community-sponsorship-scheme-tickets-321651828277.