In March 2022, after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, many of us were keen to do something to help the Ukrainians arriving in this country. Following an inspiring brainstorming meeting, we set up the Kingston Drop-in Centre for Ukrainians with the aims of providing a friendly place for Ukrainians to meet and relax with refreshments, to provide activities for their children, and to offer donated useful items.
The Kingston Drop-in Centre for Ukrainians was formed by a group of enthusiastic volunteers from Kingston, Surbiton and District Synagogue and we have held monthly meetings on Sunday afternoons at the Synagogue since May 2022. Initially, we were offering clothes that had been donated by our community, as well as toys and books. The US Chesed Department has been extremely supportive and has provided us with toiletries,
toys and SIM cards that have been generously donated by US members. When the Ukrainians arrived in the UK, these SIM cards were very gratefully received. When the Drop-in Centre was formed, we were welcoming up to 50 people at each meeting. They were women of all ages, with their children and grandchildren.
Very few spoke English and it was helpful that some of our volunteers spoke Russian. We were able to signpost the Ukrainians to appropriate sources of advice on housing, English courses and finding work. Our refugees have been so grateful. They understand that they are in a synagogue and some of them know that they have Jewish ancestry. One lady even phoned her mother to ask whether they had any Jewish ancestors as she wanted to be connected! As they have settled into life in this country, many of the Ukrainian women are now working and are unable to attend our meetings regularly. We now have a regular core of about 20 people at our meetings and are still welcoming newcomers. They really appreciate having a safe place for the children to be looked after, doing arts and crafts, table tennis and table football, whilst the mums and grandmas can sit and chat.
In addition to our regular meetings, we hold winter and summer parties which are very well attended. UK-based Ukrainian musicians and opera singers together with British colleagues have given their time freely to entertain our group with opera as well as traditional Ukrainian and Jewish songs and music. Two of our young guests are excellent saxophonists and also enjoy playing to the group.
Our Ukrainian Drop-in Centre has been successful not only for providing a safe and enjoyable haven for our Ukrainian refugees but also as a very meaningful and worthwhile experience for our volunteers. The group has evolved over time. We no longer provide clothes for our visitors and the Ukrainians have made friendships through our Group which they value greatly. Some have even met other people from their own towns and cities in Ukraine.
We have about 25 volunteers who are regularly involved. The plight of the Ukrainians has struck a chord with so many of us and we have a wonderful and very willing group of volunteers. We expect the Drop-in Centre to continue for as long as it is needed. If you’d like to volunteer, please email [email protected].
by Marion and Andrew Rodin
