Welcome to the February update
These bulletins are now every two months and we'll send separate bulletins if anything more urgent happens in between bulletins.
If you know of any groups, ideas or good news stories you would like us to share, please email ukrainesupport@easthants.gov.uk
There's lots of information on our website about the support available for hosts and guests.
You can translate this bulletin into Ukrainian by clicking on the orange 'speak' icon on this page
Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme
The UPE scheme opened on Tuesday 4 February 2025 and continues to offer temporary sanctuary to Ukrainians and their eligible family members. The scheme:
- provides up to 18 months permission to remain in the UK
- provides the same entitlements to work, study, rent and receive benefits
- is free to apply for
Guests should make an application to the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme to extend their stay before their current permission expires. Applications can only be made when their current permission has 28 days or less remaining.
Click here to find out more and apply
We've also updated the information on our website about the scheme.
Refugee support hub - Bridge to Unity
The refugee support hub, run by Bridge to Unity, is based at The Pallant Centre in Havant.
They offer free drop-in support with CV's, job applications, language provision, access to education, local signposting and more.
Sessions run every other Friday from 10am-2pm.
Ukraine wellbeing drop-in event
Tuesday 18 February, 10am-3.30pm at St Laurence Church, Petersfield
There will be a Ukrainian Music Drumming Workshop with Viktoria Milevska drummer of the Kyiv female rock band Symfomania, a practical discussion workshop with Iryna from Andover Mind and a yoga and extended meditation session in the afternoon.
Guests are welcome to come along and stay for as long as they wish and join in as many activities as you would like. Tea and light refreshments will be available.
There is no parking at the church hall unfortunately. The hall is within 5 minutes’ walk of Petersfield railway station and local bus stops. There is ample parking at the nearby Central, Festival Hall and Swan Street car parks.
To give us an idea for numbers for the afternoon yoga session - email ukrainesupport@easthants.gov.uk to sign up for this session.
HeART of Hope Ukrainian art exhibition
28 February – 2 March 2025 at St Faiths Church in Havant
A Ukrainian art exhibition, presented by Bridge to Unity, Creatful and St Faith's Church, Havant.
Since 2023, Creatful has used art and creativity to support and enhance the wellbeing of the Ukrainian community through an art programme led by artist Maryna Melnyk. The HeART of Hope exhibition will showcase this community art.
On 1 March, they'll join the HeART of Hope service, offering doll making and painting demonstrations.
Friday 28 February, 11am-3pm - Art exhibition
Saturday 1 March - 11am-3pm - Art exhibition
3-4pm - Church memorial service
4-8pm - Workshops and Ukrainian food
Sunday 2 March - 11am-3pm - Art exhibition
Two Colours Ukrainian Concert
Thursday 6 March at New Theatre Royal in Portsmouth