Resources for Ukrainians

Free English lessons

The Cambridge Russian-Speaking Society (CamRuSS) is supported by more than 30 volunteers, 20 teachers and assistants. It runs at St Andrew’s Street Baptist Church, Cambridge CB2 3AR, and provides ESOL classes. Contact Irina Tsepova on irvik59zepova@gmail.com for more information.

The Society also offers free guided tours of Cambridge in Ukrainian for newly-arrived guests (call or text Tanya on 07815 101481 or check for updates at Tangential Cambridge) and runs a helpline to facilitate communication between Ukrainian refugees and their host families by providing a translation service (Russian, English and Ukrainian). The helpline 05603 025975 runs from 9am to 6pm weekdays and 10am to 5pm on Saturdays. 

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses

The adult learning provider, Workers' Educational Association (WEA) has set up online ESOL courses funded for Ukrainian guests. You can register for WEA courses either online, or by calling 0300 3033464. 

Cambridgeshire Skills also provides a wide range of courses to help all those living in the county to develop their skills, supporting progression in or into work and education and bringing people together. It is currently offering a number of ESOL Skills for Life courses which may be suitable for guests, as well as a café to meet up and mix with other ESOL learners.

Anyone who would like to enroll on one of the courses should call on 01353 613013 or email:  Cambsals@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.

How to apply for a laptop

We have partnered with the Cambridge Refugee Resettlement Campaign (CRRC) and provided them with funding that will allow them to supply further laptops to Ukrainian guests who have arrived in South Cambridgeshire as part of the Homes for Ukraine programme. Guests can now apply for one of these laptops, for free.

Donate laptops for Ukrainian guests

We are also looking for residents and businesses to support this initiative by donating laptops. Any devices are acceptable for donation. To request a laptop, either the guest or their host should complete this Google Form.

Please note that guests should only apply when they arrive in South Cambridgeshire. If the host is applying on behalf of the guest, similarly, they should not apply until their guest has arrived with them.

For corporate donations Laptops4Learning (L4L) will send their Tech Couriers to the company by prior arrangement. L4L tech couriers will bring the devices back to their repair centre based in Stevenage.

The devices will be repaired/refurbished/securely data erased to HMG InfoSec Standard 5 Enhanced and a certificate of erase provided by serial number for each device. Audits are provided in full showing the devices collected, along with feedback on who received the donations for use in Company newsletters and data for the CSR, sustainability figures on waste are also provided.

If you are part of a local business that wants to donate laptops for re-use to those in need or if you have questions and would like information on the scheme please contact sue@laptops4learning.co.uk or email the admin team. 

Borrow computer equipment

Cambridgeshire Libraries has a scheme called LendIT, whereby laptops, tablets and Mi-Fi devices can be borrowed free-of-charge for 7 days at a time. Virtual Ukrainian keyboards are installed on each laptop’s home screen. You must be a member of the library to take advantage of this scheme. The equipment is available at libraries in Cambourne, Cambridge Central Library, Ely, Huntingdon, March, St Ives, St Neots and Wisbech, and can also be delivered to other county libraries. Borrowers will need their library cards to pick up the devices. More information is available on the Cambridgeshire County Council website.

For details on joining the library services, please visit the Library membership page.

Cambridgeshire Local Assistance Scheme

The Cambridgeshire Local Assistance Scheme could support you with access to low cost reused and refurbished household items, clothing and food vouchers.

Please contact clas@cambridgecab.org.uk for further information.

Furniture

The Besom in Histon and Impington on the How Are You Cambridgeshire website can help with sourcing and supplying furniture, equipment and household items as well as with other practical hands-on support.

Free clothes are available for Ukrainian guests at a pop-up clothes shop in Sawston

The shop urgently needs donations of good quality winter clothing - warm coats, raincoats, gloves, trousers, sweaters, scarves, woolly hats, etc. Donations of unopened new socks and thick tights will also be very welcome. 

Donations can be dropped off at Sawston Free Church between 4pm to 6pm every Thursday and Friday. The shop is open for Ukrainians to choose clothes only on every second and fourth Friday of the month from 4pm to 6pm. These are the only times that it is possible to see and get clothes.

Please could hosts tell their friends about the opportunity to make donations of winter clothes and tell their guests about the shop.