Latest news with #AUGB
Edinburgh Reporter
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Edinburgh Reporter
Government announces funding for Ukrainian communities
The latest wave of funding packages was announced by The Scottish Government today with more than £600,000 will support third sector organisations working to support displaced Ukrainians, including community and cultural activities, while a further £3.5m funding for local authorities and COSLA will support displaced Ukrainians, as well as refugees and people seeking asylum, to settle into communities. The monies are intended to support Ukrainian communities and culture in Scotland to flourish as announced by Equalities Minister, Kaukab Stewart. The funding was announced at an event hosted by COSLA, marking a visit to Scotland by a civic delegation of mayors from Ukraine. The Edinburgh branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB)has been awarded funding of £46,786.58. Hannah Beaton-Hawryluk, Chair of the AUGB said: 'The funding we receive from the Scottish Government has been absolutely invaluable. We couldn't have provided the level of support our new Ukrainian community needs without it. Thanks to this ongoing support, we're able to employ a dedicated staff team at the Ukrainian Community Centre seven days a week, offering vital social, cultural, and emotional assistance. Over the last three financial years, this consistent funding has enabled us to build a trusted, safe haven where the community feels welcomed and supported.' The community centre hosts English lessons, choirs, dance troops, teens clubs, coffee mornings, advice/information sessions, knitting clubs, art sessions, cooking together, and community meals and is a safe space for all Ukrainians. Speaking ahead of the event, Ms Stewart said: 'Scotland stands in unwavering solidarity with Ukraine, as it has since Russia's illegal invasion in 2022. More than 28,000 displaced Ukrainians with a Scottish-sponsored visa have arrived in the UK, and we are helping people rebuild their lives here. 'Many of those who left Ukraine shortly after the war outbreak have now been in Scotland for several years, forming thriving Ukrainian communities right across the country. We want those communities to flourish, and this funding will support cultural and social activities and events to strengthen. It will also support services to help people recover from the trauma of fleeing war. 'I'm very pleased to be announcing this funding at the same time as a visit from the Ukrainian rebirth delegation, and I look forward to exploring further opportunities for connection and partnership between Scotland and Ukraine.' COSLA Community Wellbeing Spokesperson Councillor Maureen Chalmers said: 'COSLA is so very pleased to welcome colleagues from Local Government in Ukraine to Verity House today. We are also delighted to be working with Scottish Government to host this event, coming together to show our commitment across government in Scotland. 'COSLA has expressed full support and solidarity to the Ukrainian people and our peers in local and regional government, standing ready to support those affected and play a very active part in Ukrainian refugee resettlement. 'COSLA welcomes Scottish Government's announcement of the continuation of £3.4m resettlement funding for Local Authorities for 2025-26. This funding will play an important role in enabling councils' ongoing work supporting the integration of Ukrainians fleeing Russia's illegal war, as well as other people seeking protection in this country. 'We are also very grateful for confirmation of continued funding for COSLA to support the work that we do with our member councils and with Scottish Government in relation to the integration of people displaced from Ukraine, as well as others who are seeking sanctuary here and migrants who are at risk of destitution.' Scotland stands in solidarity with Ukraine. More than 28000 displaced Ukrainians with a Scottish-sponsored visa have arrived in the UK. Speaking at a @COSLA event Equalities Minister @kaukabstewart announced funding to help Ukrainian communities flourish. — Scot Gov Fairer (@ScotGovFairer) May 27, 2025 A honour to co-host with the Minister for Equalities @kaukabstewart @COSLA a delegation of LG Leaders from across Ukraine. Thanks to @Edinburgh_CC and @AUGBEdinburgh for their contributions today. Ukrainian Mayors are playing a fundamental role in preserving democratic governance — Shona Morrison (@MorayShona) May 27, 2025 Like this: Like Related
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Vigil held to mark three years of Ukraine war
A vigil has been held in Sheffield city centre to mark the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Organised by the Sheffield branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) and the city council, it featured a performance by the AUGB's children's choir and guest speakers in the Sheffield Winter Garden. Among those attending were council leader Tom Hunt and Lord Mayor of Sheffield Cllr Jayne Dunn. AUGB organiser Tanya Klymenko said the event was to bring the Ukrainian community together, but also remind British supporters of the continuing conflict. Ms Klymenko migrated from Ukraine before the war, but said she still wanted to support those who had arrived from a "backdrop of extreme trauma and stress". She pointed out that although this was the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion, Russia had been attacking Ukraine for almost 11 years. However, she said she had not seen support for Ukrainians waver since the start of the war. "It's absolutely amazing and unbelievable how many people in Britain still deeply care." In response to conversations between the United States and Russia about ending the war, she said Ukraine needed lasting security guarantees, and that it wasn't enough "to buy a couple of years of relative peace". She also supported the idea of Ukraine and Europe shifting away from dependence on American support. "At the end of the day, Trump has a point, it's first and foremost Europe's security issue," she said. Alla Bulavko said she had moved to Sheffield as a refugee three years ago with her son, who was now 17, but her older son and husband had remained in Ukraine to enlist as soldiers. "I worry for their lives, when I call them, I hear sirens almost every evening and every night. "Sometimes I have nervous attacks and cry without any reason. I think about their future, especially my son's. "He's young, he's a child for me, and I gave birth to him not for sending to the war." She said she was hopeful conversations between Russia and the US could signal the beginning of the end, but did not support peace talks without Ukraine being present. "It's impossible and nonsense to have a deal about peace in Ukraine without being joined by our president - our people, they trust our government." Zelensky says he hopes to end Ukraine war 'this year' Hunt said: "We stand with Ukraine as it fights for its future. "Of course, people want peace, but peace cannot be a one-sided deal. "A peace deal that does not stop Putin attacking again is no peace deal at all." Dunn said as mayor she had heard stories of "families torn and livelihoods lost", but also "kindness, solidarity, and hope". "To our Ukrainian friends, I want to say this: you are welcome here as long as it takes, our city is your home, and your presence enriches our community." Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here. 'The UK is my home now but you never forget you are a refugee' 'For a wounded Ukrainian soldier this restores their dignity' Photographer's drive to help Ukraine firefighters
BBC News
24-02-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Vigil held in Sheffield for third anniversary of Ukraine War
A vigil has been held in Sheffield city centre to mark the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of by the Sheffield branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) and the city council, it featured a performance by the AUGB's children's choir and guest speakers in the Sheffield Winter those attending were council leader Tom Hunt and Lord Mayor of Sheffield Cllr Jayne organiser Tanya Klymenko said the event was to bring the Ukrainian community together, but also remind British supporters of the continuing conflict. Ms Klymenko migrated from Ukraine before the war, but said she still wanted to support those who had arrived from a "backdrop of extreme trauma and stress".She pointed out that although this was the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion, Russia had been attacking Ukraine for almost 11 she said she had not seen support for Ukrainians waver since the start of the war."It's absolutely amazing and unbelievable how many people in Britain still deeply care."In response to conversations between the United States and Russia about ending the war, she said Ukraine needed lasting security guarantees, and that it wasn't enough "to buy a couple of years of relative peace".She also supported the idea of Ukraine and Europe shifting away from dependence on American support."At the end of the day, Trump has a point, it's first and foremost Europe's security issue," she said. Alla Bulavko said she had moved to Sheffield as a refugee three years ago with her son, who was now 17, but her older son and husband had remained in Ukraine to enlist as soldiers."I worry for their lives, when I call them, I hear sirens almost every evening and every night."Sometimes I have nervous attacks and cry without any reason. I think about their future, especially my son's."He's young, he's a child for me, and I gave birth to him not for sending to the war."She said she was hopeful conversations between Russia and the US could signal the beginning of the end, but did not support peace talks without Ukraine being present."It's impossible and nonsense to have a deal about peace in Ukraine without being joined by our president - our people, they trust our government." Zelensky says he hopes to end Ukraine war 'this year' Hunt said: "We stand with Ukraine as it fights for its future."Of course, people want peace, but peace cannot be a one-sided deal."A peace deal that does not stop Putin attacking again is no peace deal at all."Dunn said as mayor she had heard stories of "families torn and livelihoods lost", but also "kindness, solidarity, and hope"."To our Ukrainian friends, I want to say this: you are welcome here as long as it takes, our city is your home, and your presence enriches our community."Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.
