A number of approaches to the club have been made by members who are wishing to support those unfortunate Ukrainians who have had to flee their homes and seek temporary refuge in other European countries. There have been expressions of interest in hosting individuals or families, providing employment or simply offering their time and skills for use where appropriate.

After a number of meetings with interested parties, Shelford Rugby Club has made the decision to set up a support body to work with volunteers and other agencies to assist with the many needs of these refugees.

It is unclear at this stage exactly what these needs will be but they will include hosting refugees, possibly finding employment opportunities, providing medical and legal advice , counselling and any other features that will reduce the trauma that they have experienced. The intention is that we may be able to offer our facilities for a number of activities, eg meetings ,keep fit, dance, culture, clothes bank etc. This list is obviously not conclusive and all ideas will be considered that can make life easier for the refugees.

In the first place we are asking our membership to register with us if they wish to help so that we can create a database of what our members may be able to offer – hosting, providing jobs, translating, counselling, assistance with applications for schools, benefits, registering with GPs etc or providing any other particular skills or assistance as volunteers. We are not yet clear of the precise needs of those seeking refuge, particularly as many will view their time here as a temporary situation before they can hopefully return to their homes.

We appreciate that there are many other ways by which these refugees can be helped including fundraising and donating to charities supplying humanitarian relief.
If you would like more information or wish to sign up as a volunteer, please contact either:
Tony Roberts – anthonyroberts@hotmail.co.uk
Mark Campbell – mcampbell@boxworthconsultants.com
Emma Birkby – youngshelfordpeacocks@gmail.com