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Ukrainian Families Welcomed in the Cotswolds
Ukrainian families in Upton and the surrounding area enjoyed a range of days out and tours across the Cotswolds this week. These included trips to popular local attractions such as Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park and allowed the families to familiarize themselves with the local area and community as many of the families can’t speak English or don’t have access to transport, public or otherwise, while living in the UK.
Workers at Beechwood Park, a retirement home in Stow-on-the-Wold, worked with the parishioners of Upton upon Severn Baptist Church to develop the activities schedule. The general manager of Beechwood Park, Trish Staite, says: “Like many people around the country, we have been moved by the strength of Ukrainian families, many of whom have left all that they know to set up life in a new part of the world. I saw lots of families moving into Upton and felt compelled to help in any way I could. In working with the church, we were able to get families out into the Cotswolds for a free day of fun that took us to Beechwood Park, Cotswolds Farm Park and to take in some of the sights of the Cotswolds.”
Some of the scheduled events took place at Beechwood Park, including a coffee morning and tours of the facilities. Local homeowners and the Ukrainian families shared stories of life in the UK and in Ukraine. Art sets were given to the children and the pictures drawn by the kids are now on display at Beechwood Park. Claire Carroll, a local photographer, was also able to attend the day to take portraits of the families which were later gifted to them.
With regards to having similar events for Ukrainian families take place in the future, Staite says: “This is hopefully the start to something great and I hope it inspires other local businesses and organisations to work with the Ukrainian community to explore the local area, learning more about our newest neighbours and sharing our time, our stories and our hopes for the future.”
The activities were sponsored by Beechwood Park’s owners Brio Retirement Living.
