25th May 2023

A Big Lincolnshire Welcome Logo

Host & Guest e-newsletter

Welcome to the latest issue of our host and guest e-newsletter. If you can, why not sit down together to read it?

Issue with Ukraine email domains and contacting 'Wellbeing Lincs'

We've been made aware that some Ukraine email addresses were being blocked by the 'Wellbeing Lincs' email system. Although our IT team has now removed this restriction, unfortunately we are unable to recover any previously blocked emails.

If you've emailed the 'Wellbeing Lincs' email address (ukraine.wellbeing@e-lindsey.gov.uk) and not received a response, please re-submit your email. Alternatively, you can call 01507 613044 (9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday or 10am to 4.30pm on Fridays).

Reminder - are you interested in volunteering?

If you’re interested in volunteering but unsure about what you might be able to do and where to start, the online 'Let's talk about volunteering' session could be for you!

This informal online session, run by Voluntary Centre Service, is a great introduction to volunteering in the UK. As well as finding out about the many ways in which you can volunteer, you will learn about how you can benefit others and what’s in it for you. There will also be the opportunity to ask questions and maybe even have a go at some micro-volunteering. Click on the links below to book a place via Eventbrite:

All Ukrainians in Lincolnshire are very welcome to attend. The sessions will run for approximately 45 minutes and Ukrainian and Russian translators will be available.

Support for Ukrainian guests from Barnardo’s

In addition to the local support on offer to Ukrainian guests from 'Wellbeing Lincs', the national charity Barnardo's also has a dedicated Ukrainian support helpline offering:

Therapy with a qualified psychotherapist - delivered via the phone or online, with access to interpreters.
Advice on a range of issues e.g., housing, accessing key health services, education, employment and more via our trained helpline support workers.
Practical support - access to digital devices to ensure families stay connected to loved ones during this worrying time, as well as stimulating toys for children, vital baby items and more (subject to demand).

All services include access to interpreters in Ukrainian and Russian. Find out more on the Barnardo's website.

May half-term activity ideas

Next week, Lincolnshire schools are closed for the May half-term break. With the Spring bank holiday on Monday 29th and plenty of sunshine forecast, why not take a look at the Visit Lincoln website for some suggestions of fun things to do in Lincolnshire?

Employability & Support Events

We're pleased to be running two employability and support events in Lincoln and Boston next week.

Meet local employers with job vacancies and connect with organisations who are providing support in the Lincoln and Boston areas. The Department for Work and Pensions will also be offering advice on benefit entitlement.

Both events are for all Ukrainian guests regardless of whether you're in or out of work as the organisations attending will ensure there's face-to-face support available to help cover a wide range of circumstances.

Lincoln
4.30-7pm, Tuesday 30 May 2023
Deans Sports & Leisure at Lincoln College

Read more on the event poster, available in English, Ukrainian and Russian.

Address details: Deans Sport & Leisure, Lincoln College, Monks Road, Lincoln LN2 5HQ (marked 'point A' on the downloadable map ).

Boston
9.30am-12pm, Friday 2 June 2023
Peter Paine Performance Centre at Boston College

Read more on the event poster, available in English, Ukrainian and Russian.

Address details: Peter Paine Performance Centre, Boston College, Rosebery Avenue, Boston PE21 7QR

'Is it for me?' - Webinar for Ukrainian guests looking to start their own business
12-3pm, Tuesday 6 June 2023

If you missed our first webinar on Tuesday 23 May 2023, and are a Ukrainian guest interested in becoming self-employed, there's still time to register for the session taking place on Tuesday 6 June 2023.

Written and delivered by people who have started their own business from the ground up, it's designed to give attendees a helpful insight into the world of self-employment and will focus on a diverse range of areas to be considered by anyone wishing to start a business in the UK.

Topics covered:

An overview of what’s involved in starting and running a business
The different types of trading status - sole trader, limited company, etc
The challenges of starting a new business
The benefits of starting a business
Will business suit you - skills
How confident are you about your business idea?
Question and answer session

An interpreter will be on hand to translate the content and facilitate any questions along with a colleague from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Delivered by NBV Enterprise Solutions in conjunction with Lincolnshire County Council and the Department for Work and Pensions, the webinar will take place from 12-3pm on Tuesday 6 June 2023.

Please note that places are limited. To register your interest, please email homesforukraine@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

New English classes at Boston College's Horncastle Campus

Boston College is running English classes at its Horncastle Campus starting at 6pm on Tuesday 6 June 2023. These are entry level classes for learners wanting to develop their speaking and listening skills. The course could include topics such as meeting people, culture, work and family, but can be adapted to meet the needs of learners.

To sign up email ESOL@boston.ac.uk or visit the ESOL pages on the Boston College website.

In-person support from Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice and 'Wellbeing Lincs' are continuing to offer in-person support for hosts and guests in Lincolnshire at a number of community groups across the county.

If you're a host or guest with questions on benefits, debt and money, employment, consumer issues, housing, family or immigration, drop in for a chat and some advice.

Find your nearest support session by visiting the 'Connect to Support' website.

Events

Ceilidh (traditional folk dance) with 'The Little Band' - jointly organised by East Lindsey Area of Sanctuary and the Lighthouse
6-9.30pm, Saturday 3 June 2023
Louth Methodist Church

You are warmly invited to join us for an evening of traditional folk music and dance.

Refreshments will be provided. Bring sponsors, guests, family and friends. Donations will be welcomed.

Find out more on the East Lindsey Area of Sanctuary Facebook page.

Concert for Ukraine
7pm, Saturday 10 June 2023
Jubilee Church Life Centre, Grantham

A special 'Concert for Ukraine'. Donations will buy sensory toys for an orphanage in Ukraine.

If you'd like to join in the performance pleased contact Jubilee Church on admin@jubileegrantham.co.uk.

Free screening of 'Matilda' with Ukrainian subtitles
11am, Sunday 11 June 2023
Playhouse Cinema, Louth

A screening specially arranged by the Parkway Cinema team with Ukrainian subtitles and offered free to Ukrainian guests. Everyone welcome! No sign needed – just come along!

Find out more on the East Lindsey Area of Sanctuary Facebook page.

Your events

Please send any events for this newsletter to: homesforukraine@lincolnshire.gov.uk

New or existing events, activities and any other support services open to Ukrainian guests can also be added to the 'Connect to Support' directory by completing the sign-up form (add ‘Ukraine Support’ to the title of your listings).

‘Wellbeing Lincs’

'Wellbeing Lincs' offers emotional and practical support, help with accessing health, education, benefits and council services, including housing to all hosts and guests in Lincolnshire.

If you need to have a potentially difficult conversation with your host / guest, the 'Wellbeing Lincs' team may be able help you navigate this. They are trained in providing mediation and can support you in talking things through openly and honestly to reach a solution.

For help, email ukraine.wellbeing@e-lindsey.gov.uk with your name, address, contact information and a brief description of what you need.

The team will aim to be in touch within two working days. They can also be contacted by phone on 01507 613044 from 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday or 10am to 4.30pm on Fridays.

Connect to Support Lincolnshire

Connect to Support is an online information and advice library, community directory and provider marketplace for people in Lincolnshire.

The Advice for Ukrainian Arrivals information pages are regularly updated and aim to guide Ukrainian guests to local services during their stay in Lincolnshire.

The in-built Google Translate function means that the information can easily be translated into both Ukrainian and Russian. You can also view past editions of this e-newsletter on the site.