Webinar and Video Library

We as a team are aiming to regularly host webinars which will provide you with valuable insight to the resources we are pulling together in partnership with the local government, councils, community members, service providers and of course our Ukrainian guests themselves. All replays along with some other really great videos, produced by experts working with displaced families can be found here in this library.

Our Lead Susannah Baker shared her expertise on the recent Sanctuary Foundation (https://www.sanctuaryfoundation.org.uk/) Webinar - Supporting Ukrainian Refugees - A Marathon not a Sprint. Northern Devon's response to the the Ukrainian has been utterly incredible. We have a large number of Sponsors/Hosts in North Devon and Torridge living with their guests having only just met.

Supporting our guests who've fled war and terror is no easy task, it's going to be Inevitable that some tensions and difficulties will arise.

This webinar drew on the insights of those who have experience in supporting refugees, secondary trauma, hospitality, self care and practical support. Offering advice, inspiration and encouragement to all those helping with this wonderful scheme.

“Neighbours of the War”

Our host Susannah Baker welcomed special guest - Sylwia Kozak of The Polish Scouting and Guiding Association.

Sylwia shared with us her experience of the mass displacement of people onto the Polish border and in particular, into their town Konstancin. On Day 1 of the war breaking out, Sylwia, together with her colleague Robert Bokacki, immediately sprung into action and quickly organised the community and the town into a coherant response. Hear about their work and how life is for all there during this horrendous crisis.

We asked questions about mental health, healthcare, schooling, food programmes and also their Scouts and Guides movement. We aimed to convey how real the war is for them and their neighbours, as they welcome so many into their homes.

"The First Two Weeks"

A useful insight into what to expect, both as host and guest, during those first few weeks. We talked through our gathered experience of all the practical things you'll need to do those first weeks as host/support team to help your guests - Setting up banks, applying for benefits, registering with a GP and enrolling in school/ESOL classes. Also, the emotional side of things whilst our guests settle into their new home like getting to know the area, community and places of worship.

“Ukraine Cultural Information Evening”

We learnt all about Ukrainian culture, celebrations, customs and of course food to help aid our sponsors and support teams make their guests feel fully welcomed and settled in their new home.

“How it is working in Northern Devon”

We walk you through our digital resources, support groups, Welcome Hubs and our Caseworkers roles.

“Behind the scenes”

Information on Visa’s, the role of the Councils and Matching.

Our Lead Susannah Baker shared her expertise on the recent Sanctuary Foundation (https://www.sanctuaryfoundation.org.uk/) Webinar - The National Response to Ideas Around Community Support for Ukraine.