Three fantastic events for Ukrainian refugee families are to be hosted by a Southend charity and the council this festive season.
The event hosts, Welcome 2 the UK, in partnership with the council, helps families from overseas to positively engage and integrate into their new communities by providing a range of support including, classes, workshops and childcare.
With this festive season being the first Christmas that the refugees will be away from their homes and families, the charity wants to make sure they spread some Christmas joy, with a planned programme of festive events, including a ride on the Pier trains.
The events programme is as follows:
- All aboard for the Christmas train event with Southend’s Mayor and Mayoress - Ukrainian families can enjoy a ride on the Pier train, then the children will get to meet Santa on the Pier and receive a present - Sunday 4 December.
- Ready for a belly as big as Santa’s - A delightful Christmas dinner will be held at Garons Park - Thursday 8 December.
- Meet and greet Santa Robinson - Southend’s Mayor, Cllr Kevin Robinson, will be Santa for the afternoon, handing out Christmas gifts to the children - Wednesday 14 December.
Cllr Ian Gilbert, cabinet member for economic recovery, regeneration and housing said: “It’s so heart-warming to see so many in our City coming together to help the Ukrainian refugees celebrate the festive season. I can only imagine the emotions they must be feeling with their first Christmas away from their homes and families.
“I would like to personally thank Welcome 2 the UK, for organising and hosting these festive events, which I’m sure all of the children will enjoy, and I hope that it brings some home comforts to their Christmas.”
For more information on the work that Welcome 2 the UK do, visit their website.