Brill with ukraine
оновлення on Brill with Ukraine (Posted April 2024)
The Brill with Ukraine group continues, meeting every two weeks in Brill Sports & Social Club.
Our basic function is that of support group, assisting with integration into local life. Over the last two years we have helped with housing and schooling, form filling and applying for work, English lessons and driving lessons, providing and sign-posting to activities and services for children and families. We help our Ukrainian neighbours access the support and services they need to lead a comfortable and meaningful life here but, over and above this, we are a welcoming group within which people can socialise without judgement, make friends, practise their English, learn about the local culture, and generally increase in confidence and integration.
Please get in touch if you would like to join us, to socialise or to share practical skills - or if you have a house in the area you would be willing to rent to a local family. Email Cllr Jennifer Tuffley or Cllr Emi Slater.
Thank you for your support (and a special Thank You to BSSC who continue to support our meetings).
Best wishes,
Jennifer and Emi
Brill Parish Council
“For bringing together Ukrainian refugees in and around the village, who meet regularly to offer support and to problem solve different issues they face.”
brill with ukraine : We (still) need your help! (posted jan 2023)
Do you have an annexe or spare space in your home?
Could you be a host to some of our Ukrainian guests?
Are you a local landlord or estate agent?
The Brill with Ukraine community group is looking for additional accommodation in the Brill or Long Crendon area. We understand that we have asked before - but we know that people's circumstances can change and we’re hoping that perhaps you are now in a position to help.
Hosting can be a rewarding experience. You will have the full support of Buckinghamshire Council and the Brill with Ukraine group and you will receive assistance, including monthly payments of at least £500 to cover the cost of bills. Our guests have their own transport. Many of them have children at the local schools and all are being helped, practically and financially, to build independent lives.
If you are a local landlord or estate agent and you have empty property to rent, please get in touch. Some families have the means to rent and want to stay in the local area.
Can you help? (posted Oct 13)
The Brill with Ukraine proactive support group meets twice a month on Mondays; 7.30pm in Brill Sports and Social Club. Our next meeting is Monday October 24th. All welcome! / прошу (prosu)
If you can offer help with any of the following, please come along to the meeting or email Jennifer or Emi. We are looking for:
An annexe you could rent out for at least six months (preferably a year) to a local Ukrainian family
An annexe which Ukrainian guests who are still looking for sponsors in the UK could use, ideally for a year
An old car which is still roadworthy; perhaps one you were thinking of scrapping but could donate instead. We still have one family who need a car; they can drive on their Ukrainian driving licence for the first year.
A GP or gynaecologist willing to be a sponsor for your Ukrainian equivalent. They would shadow you at work for three months, through the Observership Scheme. There is information about this on the Oxford University Hospitals website - or please contact Jennifer, as above.
Thank You!
Community makes a world of difference
Brill with Ukraine … moving forwards (posted Aug 2)
Time is moving on and the War in Ukraine does not look like it is ending anytime soon. As you know, we are proud to be hosting a number of families in Brill but, sooner or later, they will have to make some very difficult decisions about their future and that of their children. While most dream of returning to Ukraine to rebuild their country, the chances of that happening safely in the coming months are small. In the meantime, families clearly want their own space and to live a more independent life, whilst hosts may want to help other families who in danger.
We’re therefore asking anyone who has a property or an annex they would like to rent out for longer term to come forward. Buckinghamshire Council are working on longer-term housing plans and support packages, but please contact with Emi or Jennifer directly if you can help. Thank you so much.
Update from Emi and Jennifer (posted July 25)
As many of you know, Brill is now hosting seven families who have escaped from the war in Ukraine to safety here. We would like to thank the amazing hosts of have opened up their homes, and the fantastic support group that has built up to support our families and our hosts.
We would also like to thank Jo, at Brill Sports and Social Club, who has allowed us to run fortnightly Brill with Ukraine support group meetings at the Club. These meetings will continue throughout the summer at 7.30pm on Monday evenings (including bank holidays) until further notice.
Easter bread with apples and a poppyseed and pecan paste from Ukrainian chef Olia Hercules' website
Ukrainian guests and parish councillors accepting the Proud of Bucks Award.
Free Ukrainian/ Russian interpretation service
If you are a Ukrainian living in Buckinghamshire, a host or a member of a community group needing Ukrainian/ Russian interpreter support, get in touch with the Volunteer Matching Service to access the team of Community Interpreters who are available to help Ukrainian refugees settle in the county. Subject to availability, these volunteers are available during weekdays, evenings and weekends to help the county's Ukrainians pursue interests, explore what's culturally available, and assist with community interactions that can help make life more normal.
For more information on how to access the Community Interpreter service, visit the Buckinghamshire Volunteer Matching Service.
Online resource for Ukrainian refugees, hosts and community groups
A new online resource for individuals, charities and community groups providing support for Ukrainian refugees in Buckinghamshire has been launched by local charity Community Impact Bucks. Community Support for Ukrainian refugees in Buckinghamshire provides information on the help available in the county.
Councillors Emi Slater and Jennifer Tuffley are co-ordinating Brill’s response to the crisis so please contact them in the first instance.
Ukrainian Library books
Buckinghamshire Libraries have added Ukrainian books and eBooks to their collection in support of the refugees who have moved to Buckinghamshire.
Click the image to go to the Community Impact Bucks Support for Ukraine
Click the image to go to the Bucks Council A Helping Hand for Ukraine page