Ukrainian Refugee Response
We want to help see people in and around Chalfont able to work together in playing our part to welcome and care for refugees fleeing Ukraine.
How can we work together?
There are lots of ways we can work together, and we have pulled together some of them here. We would love to hear from you (below) if you would like to join with any of these, or have other ways we can join forces.
Hosting Support
There are people in and around Chalfont who are hosting refugees, and others who have signed up to do so. We are aware of about 40 households in the local area who are doing so, and want to make sure everyone is supported. There are some WhatsApp groups to help connect those hosting with one another. If you are hosting and not yet connected, get in touch below and we can link you up. If there are things you know of that others might be able to help with, please also let us know, as we have a list of people who have expressed offers of support and the desire to play their part. If you are not hosting but want to support those who are, have a look under ‘Be a Buddy’ below.
‘Be a Buddy’ - Providing Help
Not everybody can host people in their own homes, but you might have time, skills or ways that you can support those who are, and the people they are hosting. There is a ‘Be a Buddy’ scheme set up for our local area, where you can become a ‘buddy’. There is a simple joining process where you can share what you might be able to do in support, and all the buddies are then in a WhatsApp group with those who are hosting so that needs can be shared and met. A simple website to explain this and for you to get in touch is being set up, but for now if you are interested please contact Malcolm Forster by email. He has set this up and will be able to help you join in.
The Hub: Drop In
On Tuesday and Thursday mornings (9am to 12noon), a drop in time for Ukrainian refugees and those hosting them is being set up at The Hub on Church Lane. There will be people around to chat and get alongside guests and hosts, as well as refreshments and space simply to be and to connect with others. Over time, the hope is for this to develop to be able to offer more things that will be a help and blessing. There are plans for people to teach English as a Foreign Language where helpful or provide support with conversational English. As and when needs and opportunities arise for people to come together, this is a great place for that to happen.
