Teamwork secures Inspiration Award for Ukrainian Family Hub

And what an amazing two years they’ve had together at the Ukrainian Family Hub Warrington!

Set up two years ago at the start of the conflict in Ukraine, the Ukrainian Family Hub Warrington volunteer team has been there to help and support guests from Ukraine together with their generous hosts in all areas of life in the UK.

And the dedicated group took the Team of the Year 2024 crown at the Inspiration Awards night held at The Village Hotel on Thursday, April 25.

We wanted to celebrate a team that has achieved success by working together and nominations were received from all walks of life - from schools and businesses to hospital departments and voluntary groups.

Highly commended in this category were Knox & Son Funeral Directors and Warrington Man v Fat.

The Ukrainian Family Hub Warrington was set up in 2022 to support refugees fleeing from the conflict in Ukraine.

Team of the Year The Ukrainian Family Hub

It’s a team of more than 60 volunteers led by seven volunteer coordinator team leaders who work tirelessly to support Ukrainian visitors and their hosts from across Warrington.

The nomination said: “The team provides help and support to those settling in the UK and integrating into the local community.

“The hub’s volunteer team carries out all the work at the hub, led by a committee of five.

“It consists of volunteer coordinator section leaders who manage upwards of 60 volunteers consistently delivering the hub’s services to support our Ukrainian guests and their sponsors throughout the year.

“The complexity and changing needs of the hub has been met with openness and understanding by the volunteers.

“Many of the families arrive traumatised and many are single women with children who have held traditional roles before and are now frightened.

“The team would be worthy winners of this award.”

Team of the Year The Ukrainian Family Hub

The hub started in Culcheth and then expanded to include the whole of Warrington, providing an inclusive support network for guests and their hosts.

The team has helped 350 Ukrainian guests providing them with housing and furniture, clothing, and mentoring and even assisted in job searches.

Chairperson Adrienne Laing said: “Two years ago, when the first guests arrived in Warrington, they needed someone to talk to – that’s where it all started.

“The hub was a place to enjoy a cup of coffee and a chat and it has grown into something so much more.

“We have regularly fun days and weekly community sessions that all ensure Ukrainian guests enjoy a successful entry to the UK.”