The Ukrainian Cafe Project
Aim: To provide a warm welcome, connections, and a safe space for cultural connection for Ukrainian families in Dumfries and Galloway.
How: Led by Jennifer Challinor, Head of Research and Development and Lyubov Shymko, Events and Volunteer Co-ordinator, The Crichton Trust has been working in partnership with local partner organisations DGMA, MOOL, DG Council and others to provide a space for at least 6 months in our Bistro at Easterbrook.
The role of the community events and volunteer coordinator to put on events and facilitate community connections, and we anticipate working with partners to deliver these events.
Activities at The Ukrainian Cafe
Activities For Adults:
- Mum and baby groups
- Outdoor family play sessions
- Family walking groups
- D&G orientation session (info about the region, its geography and how services like education, work and travel work)
- Information session for host families
- Informal information sessions about Scottish culture and history
- Employer meet and greets, CV sessions
- Information session about adult educational opportunities in D&G and beyond
- Ukrainian festivals and cultural events
- Music and singing groups
- Skills swaps and crafting groups
- Informal language sessions
- Groups to connect and support host families
- Groups to connect and support Ukrainian families staying
Activities for Children:
Using The Crichton grounds we will aim to put on an after school/holiday/family activity ideally they would run five days a week for a few hours a day to help provide structure and ease the transition for children (and their families) by giving them the chance for creative and active play in a safe place. These sessions are for newly arrived families and those who are settled with families locally, again the following list is suggested and will be refined with partners:
- Outdoor play
- Nature exploring
- Multi-sport sessions
- Art classes
- Cooking
Whilst children are playing adults will be able to take a break, relax and also get help with form filling, advice on finding work etc.
Please note this list is just for information based on conversations so far with the community, we intend to test some of these ideas and develop a programme drawing on the experience of MOOL, DGMA YMCA and others but over time and as the community’s needs become clear we look to actively develop a programme with the Ukrainian community. The community facilitator role will support individuals and groups to develop ideas and fund local support and funding to support the activity ongoing.
Opening times: The Ukrainian café will run part-time alongside Easterbrook BIstro.
Ukrainian guests and their hosts will of course be welcome at all times. There will be a menu translated and we will have Ukrainian specials on the menu most days and our staff have had some training in very basic Ukrainian and Russian greetings. However, it will not be for available for events or group use during these times.
The Crichton will provide,. The café and pool will remain open to the general public 7 days a week with a limited café offer of tea and coffee in the pool area on Monday and Tuesday during the day. Members will be able to access the swimming pool at any time during the times above but this should not affect events in any way.
