Ukraine Welcome Centre

Overview
Compassion Acts will be acting as a coordinator for various strands of support from the voluntary and faith sector in our area. Ensuring that any provision is mindful of safeguarding policies and procedures and that donations and other activities are auditable under a registered charity number 1172948.  We are partnering with Sefton CVS, Sefton Council, Sefton Carers Centre, Free Clothes Store at Lakeside Church, Living Well Sefton and other partners are coming on board all the time.
There will be strong collaboration with the Ukraine Welcome Centre, South Sefton and people in North Sefton are at liberty to access the services from the Centre in Blundelsands alongside our own if it meets their needs.
 
Are you a host in North Sefton?
It would be really useful if you could email us on hello@compassionacts.uk . Please tell us where you are geographically and at what stage of matching you are at. We can then invite you to events and keep in touch with you.
 
Drop In Session
Starting on Thursday 28th April 2022 from 2pm to 4pm for hosts, guests and potential supporters at Victoria Centre. (Free car park and accessible by public transport.)
Free and fast wifi for contacting home, IT equipment,  refreshments, benefits advice, vouchers, contact with agencies, food and toiletry bags, free clothes store
 
Other support and developments in phase 2
There are many ways in which the project can be expanded to include language classes, social events, skills courses, group support for hosts,  trauma counselling and more  However the priority at the moment is to launch in a single venue that the guests can get used to and build their confidence.  We can then expand to other venues, including in the Ainsdale/Woodvale/Formby area as we appreciate that journey times are a factor.
 
How can you help?
If you are a church, community group, business  or family who want to help then that is most appreciated. At this stage we are listening to the guests to find out what foods and other items they most need.  We are sure you will understand that this is far better than handing out unsuitable items.
We will make public appeals for specific items for these welcome bags as soon as these conversations have happened.  Watch our social media and that of our partners for more information. 
International Aid Trust continue to collect much needed items for Ukraine itself  (and neighbouring refugee centres in Poland etc) and these can be dropped at Lakeside Church between Tues & Fri 9-4.
Volunteers are welcomed for the Ukraine Welcome Centre. Our volunteer application form can be found on www.compassionacts.uk
If you feel you have some ideas for providing some support or activities for our Ukrainian guests then do not hesitate to summarise your offer and email Toni on hello@compassionacts.uk