Yana came to the UK after war broke out in Ukraine and joined us at Refugee Roots in September of 2022. Since coming to Refugee Roots Yana took a keen interest in our Befriending Program - where participants meet with one of our volunteers on a regular basis for a friendly chat. This allows participants to grow their familial roots in the UK as well as develop their English skills and boost their confidence.

This is where we find warmth, this is where we find different cultures and meet new people. There
are lots of celebrations here

Yana

Helena was a new volunteer keen to get involved with our befriending program - she was matched with Yana in September. This is how Helena has described her experience with the program. "I was given good training before I started my 'Befriending' with Yana from what I could do to what I couldn't. We meet every 2 weeks at the Tiger Community Hub where we can have a warm drink. Refugee Roots reimburse me for the money spent during the time we meet and I know that if I need support or help I always have someone at the end of the phone."

 I am very grateful to Helena for giving her time and support and showing her love in doing
so.

Yana

The Tiger Community Hub is an environment where Yana and Helena feel they can talk privately during their regular meetings. Offering Yana a space to become more confident and the consistency of conversation has helped towards improving her English. By having their meetings here Yana feels more comfortable joining other events hosted by Refugee Roots such as art sessions or our cooking and eating together sessions. This allows Yana time to meet up with other friends in the Refugee Roots family and be surrounded by people of her own, as well as other cultures. 

Thank you for all you are doing to help us. We came here with nothing, having to leave our home
and family. You have given us a safe place, you gave us food, friends and help when we needed it
most.

Yana