Resources for Ukrainians

Free English lessons

We are funding an English language teaching project for Ukrainian guests run by The Cambridge Russian-Speaking Society (CamRuSS). The project is supported by more than 30 volunteers, 20 teachers and assistants. It runs at St Andrew’s Street Baptist Church, Cambridge CB2 3AR. 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.

Writing - covering the very basics of accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar, how to communicate information and opinions – Tuesday's PM at Huntingdon Library.

Speaking and Listening - introductory course leading to qualification, covering the basics of listening to detail, expressing clearly and straightforwardly - Monday mornings and Thursday mornings at Edge: St Benedicts Court, 45 High St, Huntingdon PE29 3PN

Reading - introductory course leading to qualification, covering basic reading and understanding continuous texts, information from everyday sources, using a dictionary ­- Monday mornings and Thursday afternoons at Edge: St Benedicts Court, 45 High St, Huntingdon PE29 3PN

ESOL Café - Informal Family Learning ESOL; learning English via play and games with learners’ children - Tuesday afternoons at Coneygear Centre, Huntingdon PE29 1PE and at Thongsley Fields Nursery and Primary, Buttsgrove Way, Huntingdon, PE29 1PE

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.

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.