Jurgita Bilinskiene has taken up the role of Ukraine Project Coordinator, heading up Peterborough Cathedral's work in partnership with Peterborough Citizens and Citizens UK.
The project aims to link local hosts with refugees from Ukraine, finding safe and stable places for those driven from their homes by the war.
Jurgita brings to this new role a wealth of experience including being multilingual, having been an immigrant to this country herself and already being involved with the movement of Ukrainian refugees to Peterborough in an informal way.
The part-time role is based partly at the Cathedral. As well as overseeing the process of finding homes, Jurgita will be endeavouring to ensure good support for those arriving in the UK, developing and nurturing strong support networks for families and their hosts.
The Very Revd Chris Dalliston, Dean of Peterborough, said:
“This is a really important project as we look to support our Ukrainian sisters and brothers in their time of need. Jurgita brings a range of skills as well as understanding of the challenges faced by migrants to this role and we look forward to working with her. We’re indebted to Jenny and Ewan Harper who are sponsoring this appointment because they feel so strongly that this approach is an essential part of the mission and purpose of the Church. We are fully committed to helping would-be hosts both in Peterborough and in the wider Diocese and playing our part in this extraordinary endeavour.”
Jurgita said that she is excited to join the team and eager to get started.
She can be contacted via ukraine@peterborough-cathedral.org.uk and information can be found at www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/ukraine.aspx.