Welcome to the December bulletin!
This is the same information as our email bulletin, but you can use the website to translate it into Ukrainian.
If you're not already signed up to our email bulletins, you can add yourself to our list.
We hope that you find the information in this bulletin useful.
We would love to hear from you. What would you like to see in the bulletin? Have you any groups, ideas or good news stories you would like us to share?
Please email ukrainesupport@easthants.gov.uk and tell us how we can help you.
We are in the process of updating our information on our support for hosts and guests so visit the support page on our website for further details on groups and events across the district.
We wish you a safe and peaceful festive period. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Struggling with the rising cost of bills and food?
We have pulled together these useful pages on our website to help support local families during the winter months.
English lessons for guests
ESOL at Havant College, South Downs College and Alton College
ESOL classes are available for different levels through HSDC which have campuses at Alton College, Havant College and South Downs College.
The next course starts in April 2023. All prospective students will be required to sit an assessment to gauge their level prior to them starting.
Email adultlearning@hsdc.ac.uk to find out more information and book your place.
Local ESOL courses
We are working with the Rural Refugee Network to host local ESOL classes in areas across the district in early 2023 so please contact us on ukrainesupport@easthants.gov.uk if you would like to register your interest.
Barnardo’s Ukrainian Support helpline
Barnardo’s have set up the Ukrainian Support helpline to offer advice and guidance for Ukrainian families arriving in the UK. Get in touch if you need support with:
- Therapy with a qualified psychotherapist – delivered via the phone or online, with access to interpreters
- Advice on a range of issues e.g., housing, accessing key health services, education, employment and more via our trained helpline support workers
- Practical support - access to digital devices to ensure families stay connected to loved ones during this worrying time, as well as stimulating toys for children, vital baby items and more (subject to demand)
All services include access to interpreters in Ukrainian and Russian.
The Helpline is open Monday – Friday 10am-8pm and Saturday 10am-3pm
Phone: 0800 148 8586
Email: ukrainiansupport@barnardos.org.uk
Web: www.barnardos.org.uk/what-we-do/helping-families/ukrainian-helpline
Translated COVID-19 vaccination guides
The UK Health Security Agency has provided translated information for Ukrainians on COVID-19 vaccinations.
Are you having issues accessing local transport?
Find out more about how we can help you on our website.
Petersfield Voluntary Care Group (PVCG)
Petersfield Voluntary Care Group (PVCG) is offering guests free of charge transport to a medical or legal appointment.
They can take guests from Petersfield, Sheet, Steep, Froxfield, and Stroud to hospitals such as QA and St Mary’s at Portsmouth, St Richard’s at Chichester, Southampton, Basingstoke, Frimley and Winchester and dentists at Waterlooville, Bedhampton and Grayshott. They also currently take clients all over Petersfield to doctors, dentists, opticians.
Bikes for guests
Are you and family members in need of a bike? Need to get to and from work, school or shopping?
Liss Men's Shed have plenty of recently repaired donated bikes and would love to hear from you if you are interested in taking them up on this offer.
Please note, you will need to visit them initially to view and try bikes.
Local events in December
During December, there will be lots of local events happening for the whole community to enjoy. Local libraries are a great resource and will be hosting lots of groups and events during the winter months. Please see below for some useful links to find out what is happening near you.
Free holiday activities and hot meals for Ukrainian children
Children who have recently arrived from Ukraine are eligible for the Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF). Children can enjoy free holiday activities and receive a hot meal each day they attend. The HAF programme has free places available to school-aged children for the equivalent of at least four hours a day, four days a week and for six weeks a year. This covers four weeks in the summer and a week’s worth of provision in each of the Easter and Christmas holidays.
Activity providers are located throughout Hampshire and outdoor education, dance, sports, and computer skills are among the activities being offered to the children.
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Christmas Kids Crafternoon at Woodlands Community Hall, Headley Down
On Saturday (10 December), Woodlands Community Centre is running ‘Christmas Kids Crafternoon’ from 1-3pm.
It’s a free event with crafts suitable for kids of all ages so just turn up and get involved.
Free Everyone Active membership for Ukrainian families
Everyone Active Leisure Centre are offering free 12 months' membership to Ukrainian families and includes the following access:
- Children 0-10 years for public swimming and soft play
- Children 11-15 years for public swimming and Junior Gym
- Adults 16+ for swimming, the gym and group exercise classes
You will need to bring in proof of eligibility and for more information.