Ealing has the second-largest Ukrainian population in London, and over the past year, the borough has supported more than 300 refugees, offering legal aid to nearly 100 households.
A new charity, BRIDGE for Ukrainians, is seeking volunteers to support its mission of helping Ukrainian refugees settle into life in the UK. Supported by Ealing Council and the Ealing and Hounslow Community Voluntary Service (EHCVS), the organisation provides vital assistance to those displaced by the ongoing conflict.
Ealing has the second-largest Ukrainian population in London, and over the past year, the borough has supported more than 300 refugees, offering legal aid to nearly 100 households. The charity aims to extend this work by offering practical, sustainable support to help refugees integrate into their new community.
Olena Horkovenko, chairwoman of BRIDGE for Ukrainians, understands the challenges faced by those arriving in a new country. Having fled Donetsk in 2014 and being displaced again following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, she knows first-hand the uncertainty and hardship that comes with being uprooted.
“Arriving in the UK was daunting, but the kindness of ordinary British people gave us hope,” she said. “Founding BRIDGE is our way of giving back, helping others navigate their own journeys, and proving that resilience and determination can lead to a brighter future.”
The charity provides a range of services to help refugees settle into their new lives, including skill development workshops with Ukrainian translation, English lessons, cultural exchange events, and employment support such as CV workshops and interview preparation. Additionally, it offers creative, psychological, and wellbeing activities, including art therapy, music, and sports for both adults and children. BRIDGE also signposts individuals to essential services, such as housing, education, and mental health resources.
“Arriving in the UK was daunting, but the kindness of ordinary British people gave us hope. Founding BRIDGE is our way of giving back, helping others navigate their own journeys, and proving that resilience and determination can lead to a brighter future.”
Olena Horkovenko, chairwoman of BRIDGE
Ealing Council leader Peter Mason praised the initiative, saying: “The BRIDGE programme has done an amazing job at helping Ukrainian families who have settled in our borough, and we are also continuing our work towards gaining the status of becoming a recognised Borough of Sanctuary.”
Councillor Blerina Hashani, cabinet member for thriving communities, highlighted the generosity of local residents in supporting refugees. “We recognise the compassion many residents have shown by offering accommodation to refugees from the war in Ukraine. BRIDGE provides a new opportunity for residents to volunteer and support Ukrainian refugees in Ealing,” she said.
Volunteers are encouraged to get involved with BRIDGE’s work, particularly in supporting conversation clubs and activities for young people. Anyone interested can reach out to Olga Dudnik, Ukraine volunteering and engagement coordinator, at olga@ehcvs.org.uk, or contact the Ealing Ukrainian Network at UkrainianEaling@ehcvs.org.uk.
Ealing’s commitment to supporting refugees is part of the Borough of Sanctuary scheme, which is linked to the national City of Sanctuary movement. This initiative seeks to create welcoming communities across the UK, offering places of safety and inclusion for those forced to flee their homes.
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