Open ArmS In Shelfords & Stapleford
OASISSWelcoming Refugees from Ukraine to the Shelfords and Stapleford: A Community Initiative
About Us
OASISS
In 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, we set out on a mission to offer a welcome to as many Ukrainians as we could, across our 3 villages. 2 years on and our visitors now number some 115! Most families, with our help and the help of their hosts, have moved into social housing. Some hosts happily, wish their guests to stay with them.
The regular coffee mornings, clothes hubs and other social events, enabled our guests to build new friendships and support networks. Almost 100% have found work, with some holding down more than one job.
They came with very little, but have built sustainable lives and are contributing to our communities. We are still here to help our guests and try to respond when needed. However, our fundraising is now at a close.
There are still more hosts needed and if you feel you could offer accommodation for 6mths at least, please click the Hosting button. We would support you all the way and the government grant is still available.
Thank you to everyone who made this amazing community initiative such a success.
Our 2023 Annual Report is available here