22/04/2026
🇺🇦🇺🇦 The Ukraine Welcome Centre is now closed 🇺🇦🇺🇦
But this is “ a good ending” !
After 4 years, our work is mostly done. Families have settled into their own tenancies (often at a distance), got jobs (sometimes 2 or more, on zero hour contracts), have learnt English, and integrated into their new neighbourhoods.
We continue to provide small classes in English, dance, piano, and also Ukrainian, as the younger children have little need to read or write in Ukrainian, and their parents wish them to keep their culture.
Our volunteers continue to meet up, monthly, to continue the friendships made, over the years.
Sadly, the Cafe staff at the Centre have not yet found suitable alternative premises in the area, but we’re hopeful, for the future.
Sefton Council recognised our contribution, at it’s Council Meeting on 13th November, 2025, and has made the following statement:
….“ The Council celebrates the success of Ukrainian resettlement in the borough, where over 300 Ukrainian guests have been welcomed, since the start of the conflict. More than 120 households have participated as hosts, and the borough is one of only a few local authorities, where no Ukrainian refugee has presented as homeless,
reflecting the borough’s exceptional supportive,welcoming approach.
The Council places on record it’s thanks to Alan Lewis, Blundellsands Methodist Church, and the many volunteers, who made the Centre, such a success.
I now formally place on record, my thanks to you, and the many volunteers who founded the UWC at Blundellsands Methodist Church. Practical frontline support has been provided to Ukrainian families, and a safe space has been offered, together with a communal kitchen, IT facilities, advice, English language classes, and lots of toys for the children..Your collective efforts have been very much appreciated “ ….
In turn, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to the many, many people who have supported the project, over the past 4 years.
We are so grateful, for your commitment and generosity. Thank You.
