A total of 11 organisations have been awarded funding from a newly introduced grant scheme supporting Ukrainian refugees.
The grant scheme was launched earlier this year as a response to the Ukrainian refugee humanitarian crisis, using funds from the Homes for Ukraine programme.
The aim of the grant is to back innovative projects supporting the independence and integration of Ukrainian guests, enabling them to fulfil their potential and contribute to the city.
The successful applicants have been awarded a maximum of £50,000 to £100,000 for each project based on 7 predetermined key priorities.
The organisations are expected to have the projects up and running from 1st July and deliver them within 15 months.
The organisations and projects which have secured funding are:
- Stand for Ukraine will be promoting integration through arts and cultural events, family educational outings, drop-ins and online spaces. Their second project will use the funds to improve their organisational capacity building.
- Refugee Radio (in cooperation with Ukrainian Voices, Best Foot Music and Brighton Therapy Centre) will be endorsing Ukrainian music, setting up events and providing therapy, advice and guidance.
- Network of International Women will be funding their weekly drop-in sessions at a multi-purpose space for the Ukrainian community at All Saints Church in Hove.
- Conversation Over Borders CIC will be offering integrated wellbeing support and conversational English classes for Ukrainians.
- Phoenix Therapy Practice will be providing 1-2-1 therapy and counselling services for adults and children.
- Sussex Interpreting Services & Together Co. will be offering social prescribing, translation services and pathways for Ukrainian refugees.
- The Launchpad Collective will be providing start-up support for entrepreneurs, tailored work and careers support, and community and corporate outreach.
- Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard will be providing help and support for LGBT Ukrainian refugees.
- The Trust for Developing Communities will be providing English language classes for Ukrainian refugees. They also secured funding to set up a multicultural employability support hub and provide information, advice, and guidance services for Ukrainian refugees.
- University of Sussex will be introducing an English language scheme for refugees.
- Brighton Swimming Centre Ltd will be supporting integration through Pool to Pier swimming. Additional grant was allocated to swimming and water safety sessions and language and culture classes for Ukrainian refugee children.
New opportunities for Ukrainians in the city
Councillor Leslie Pumm, chair of the Equalities, Community Safety & Human Rights Committee said: “I’d like to thank all the local organisations who came forward with so many innovative projects to support people needing a safe haven, and also everyone who has already been working hard to lend a helping hand to those in need.
“It’s fantastic to see smaller organisations led by refugees themselves running some of the projects, who will now be able to help others thanks to their courage and initiative.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the projects provide new opportunities for Ukrainians who found their home in our city.”
