Wednesday 10 May 2023

At our Eurovision Final screening party this weekend, we'll be holding a raffle and collecting money in aid of local charity SOLA, who have supported Ukrainian refugees since their arrival in Liverpool by offering focused support for families and young people.

SOLA's support has included:

Adult focused support

• English language classes and conversation groups    
• Art for relaxation and social connection- weekly art group    
• Nature & crafts for relaxation and social connection- weekly Creative Growing group    
• Social navigation and social welfare support including; housing and welfare benefits    
• Business start-up and employment support

Families and children/young people support

• Outings for families to local cultural and arts venues and events    
• Family creative fun sessions (younger children) and gallery visits/activities including exploring the region through cultural spaces and free child focused creative play spaces.    
• ‘No-parents allowed' arts workshops (teenagers); digital and exploratory arts, linking with local arts & creative organisations and getting out and about in the city.  
• SOLA are currently developing an Art Therapy provision for children / young people who are experiencing PTSD or emotional difficulties due to their experiences of fleeing conflict, loss & grieving and resettlement

SOLA are also working to hold a community celebration day in June to bring the Ukraine community closer to other recently settled communities. Through sharing Ukraine food, music & dance, as well as arts and cultural experiences from other refugee communities eg Eritrean coffee ceremony, Kurdish dance, Syrian food. They are also exploring opportunities to work closer with the UK Ukraine Association in Liverpool through ESOL, family and children’s creative holiday programming and Art Therapy for both adults and children / young people.

Find out more here: SOLA.