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Bridge Communities and Together for Ipswich have joined forces to create a welcoming space for Ukrainian refugees, offering both practical and emotional support through a new weekly café as the war continues to devastate families back home.
Why it matters: As Russia's invasion of Ukraine passes 1,000 days, local initiatives like this provide crucial support for displaced Ukrainians dealing with trauma and separation from their homeland.
The big picture: The café, running every Monday from 16:00 to 19:00 at On the Huh Café in St Peter's Street, was set up by Revd Andy Buttress and Alex South of Bridge Communities in collaboration with Alan Cutting from Together for Ipswich. It offers:
Two psychotherapists - one English-speaking and one Ukrainian-speaking
Structured sessions for sharing experiences
Informal social space with refreshments
Activities promoting wellbeing
Information available in Ukrainian
What they're saying: "Unlike a lot of things, we don't judge its success by how many people come through the door," says Revd Andy Buttress from Bridge Communities. "Because the people who attend are Ukrainian, they often have a recent history of trauma, grief and loss. It's not counselling or therapy, but it is a therapeutic environment."
The details: The initiative began as a six-week pilot scheme after Easter but has continued due to ongoing need. It's a collaboration between Bridge Communities – part of the Church of England in Suffolk's Lightwave Community, which supports communities across the county to combat isolation – and Together for Ipswich.
Between the lines: While the café provides a therapeutic environment, organisers emphasise it isn't formal counselling. Attendees can choose whether to participate in structured sessions or simply enjoy refreshments and conversation.
How to get involved:
Drop in during opening hours
Children are welcome
No booking required
The bottom line: As the conflict in Ukraine continues to impact families and children, this local initiative provides a vital space for the Ukrainian community in Ipswich to find support and connection.
Ukrainian Wellbeing Café
A welcoming space for members of Ipswich's Ukrainian community to connect, share experiences and find support.
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