Merton Council is lighting up the civic centre in blue and yellow, the colours of the Ukrainian flag, in solidarity with the people of Ukraine on their national independence day, Saturday 24 August.
The lights will shine from midnight on Friday until midnight on Saturday to brightly mark the council’s support for Ukrainians impacted by the devastating invasion and ongoing war at home.
Merton is proud to be a welcoming borough, and a sanctuary to Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their homes – uncertain of when they will be able to return.
We thank those who have opened their homes to host refugees, donated money to help the effort, to those who have volunteered, and community organisations who have been at the heart of the response – Polish Family Association, Commonside Trust, Wimbledon Guild, Age UK Merton and other organisations.
In Merton, the Polish Family Association established the ‘Ukrainian Hub’ at the New Horizon Centre in Mitcham soon after the invasion and war started. The goal of the Hub is to support displaced Ukrainians who have arrived in the borough after fleeing the conflict.
The Hub is a safe space providing assistance from settling into the local community to getting essential services. It helps Ukrainians navigate their new environment and offers the support they need to rebuild their lives.
The Hub offers a range of programmes and activities such as:
- ‘Skill Up’ which has helped support 300 people to secure jobs or open their own businesses,
- ‘Bike Hut’ which has provided 100 donated bikes to help people overcome transport challenges, and
- people can also attend a wide range of classes and trips.
Over 1,200 families, made up of 3,000 individuals, most of who are women and children, have been supported through the Hub to date.
The huge impact of the Hub can be seen in the outcomes it has achieved, making a tangible and life-changing difference to the new Ukrainian community in Merton.
#MakeNoiseForUkraine
Find out more about the Polish Family Association.