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
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