‘Stronger Together’ conference and exhibition
On 25 September Janet Gunn, BEARR trustee, attended a conference in London that brought together Ukrainian and British people working to support Ukrainian society during the war and Ukrainians now living in the UK as a consequence of it. Stalls advertised the work that many NGOs and groups were engaged in.
The morning was devoted to organisations supporting Ukrainian refugees in the UK, with presentations by many leaders of NGOs. It focused in particular on efforts to preserve the Ukrainian national identity, especially among children who now attend British schools and experience British culture. A number of Ukrainian schools have been set up around the country, mainly in cities where significant numbers of Ukrainians are living and networking. These schools cover Ukrainian language learning, culture and literature, and foster a continued connection with the homeland. Social integration, religion and interfaith collaboration, and spiritual wellbeing were also discussed.
The afternoon highlighted organisations around the UK supporting Ukraine and advocating for Ukraine. Speakers commented on cultural links between the Ukrainian and host communities, and efforts to provide humanitarian assistance and promote the return of abducted Ukrainian children from Russia. Financial, legal and medical support was also touched upon, and a video was shown of British fire engines heading to Ukraine for emergency use there – in April this year 26 fire engines set off to Ukraine in convoy along with medical supplies, courtesy of FIRE AID and other charities.
The event brought together a large number of British and Ukrainian people – of course borshch was served for lunch along with other Ukrainian delicacies. It was an excellent opportunity for networking and exchanging experience and ideas.
