Supporting ukrainian refugees

CVS Uttlesford and Volunteer Uttlesford are working in partnership to operate the Humanitarian Hub at Stansted Airport, welcoming refugees from the Ukraine conflict

For the last two weeks CVSU staff and Uttlesford volunteers have been welcoming Ukrainian refugees arriving at Stansted Airport. The travellers are arriving from a variety of European countries, having travelled overland to escape the conflict in their country. The “Humanitarian Hub” is manned from 9.00 a.m. through to 12.30 a.m. seven days a week, and is an immediate point of support for people arriving in the UK with little or nothing.

CVSU Operations Manager Richard Corby said:

“Once again we have been blown away by the time and kindness being willingly and generously given by the people of Uttlesford. We first experienced this during the pandemic, and this time, even though we are asking for help for neighbours from further afield, there has been no shortage of willing volunteers who want to make a difference.”

Guests arriving from the Ukraine are provided with information and guidance sheets in a choice of Ukrainian, Russian and English language, and this enables them to immediately access financial support and healthcare. More immediate needs on arrival are food, water, toiletries and baby items, and for some a place of safety.

Richard says “Many Ukrainians are being met by sponsors who have travelled from across the UK to meet their new friends, but we also have people arriving with no onward support or plans. Our Community Responders are working with them daily to make sure their needs are being met, and to help them formulate plans for the future.”

Thanks to the support of the Vodafone Foundation, we have been able to distribute SIM cards with six months of calls and data on them, which is vital for people travelling on from Stansted to final destinations across England, Wales and Scotland. We have also been working with the Welsh Government under the “Wales: Nation of Sanctuary” programme to arrange accommodation for Ukrainians who are overnighting in our district, before moving on to Cardiff.

Toys for Ukrainian Children

We would like to give children arriving at Stansted a brand new soft toy. We have already been able to distribute some, and this small gesture really does make a huge difference. If you are able to donate a brand new soft toy (with tags) then please drop it off at the Uttlesford Community Hub, 45 Stortford Road, Great Dunmow, CM6 1DQ between 10.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. There is a collection box in the foyer.

Thank you for your support.