Ukraine Dignity and Freedom Day 2024

We were joined by people all over the Gosport area for an important day of celebration for Ukraine at our Gosport Dignity and Freedom Day on November 14th.

The Day of Dignity and Freedom, a significant commemoration in Ukraine, was honoured with an event hosted by Community First run, Gosport’s Ukrainian Hub at St Mary’s Rowner.

The event served as an opportunity to thank those who have been instrumental in supporting the Ukrainian community including the Mayor of Gosport, Councillor Richard Earle and Community First Chief Exec, Tim Houghton.

The event boasted some truly engaging performances from the Gosport Ukraine Community with performative dance and singing from visitors of Havant’s Ukrainian Choir, Two Colours.

The Ukrainian Hub is a free service run by Community First, helping Ukrainians in the Gosport area to find homes, access NHS healthcare, secure jobs, apply for benefits and pensions, register with schools, and locate new sponsors.

Larysa Minihane, Ukrainian Hub Coordinator, emphasised the ongoing importance of this service: “The situation in Ukraine remains difficult, and many families are still seeking refuge. Every day, new individuals and families arrive, needing assistance to rebuild their lives here.

“The Ukrainian Hub plays a crucial role in helping them settle into the community, but without the ongoing support from volunteers, sponsors, and local organisations, we wouldn’t be able to keep the service running. We are incredibly grateful for all the help we’ve received so far, and we hope it continues.”

The Ukrainian Hub holds weekly drop-in sessions every Thursday from 12:30pm to 2:30pm at Community First offices, located at Martin Snape House, 96 Pavilion Way, Gosport, PO12 1FG.