No Duff organise coffee morning for Ukrainian refugees to help settle in St Helens

Organised by veteran mental health charity No Duff, around 20 refugees attended a welcome coffee morning at the Wonderland Community Centre on Wednesday, August 10.

The morning was designed as a safe space where Ukrainian people could speak with people who had been through similar experiences while allowing them to make contacts and friendships in the community of St Helens.

Deann Owen, founder of No Duff veteran mental health charity (Image: No Duff)

The multi-purpose space at Wonderland Community Centre also provided families with the opportunity to enjoy the children's entertainment and facilities at the town centre space.

Since the Russian invasion began earlier in the year, No Duff have collected and delivered humanitarian supplies into refugee camps on the border and inside Ukraine.

Dean Owen, founder of the charity said: "Our Ukrainian friends were shy at first but after team members greeted them in Ukrainian and shared pleasantries they became more at ease.

"It was a fantastic afternoon, and it was great to see the children laughing and playing despite the horrors these children have witnessed."

While offering a safe space for people to socialise, the team at No Duff assisted the refugees with everyday advice such as where to find housing, financial, and employment support.

Hoping to make the coffee morning a weekly event, they will also offer courses such as Basic English, Volunteering, and CV writing to help smooth their transition into the country. 

No Duff collected and delivered humanitarian aid into Ukraine

Armed Forces Champion and Deputy Mayor of St Helens Cllr Lynn Clarke was also in attendance at No Duff's inaugural coffee morning for refugees.

She said: "It's impossible to underappreciate the value of the work carried out by Dean and the team at No Duff UK.

"As Armed Forces Champion for St Helens Council, it’s my privilege to support them in any way I can.

"The coffee morning for Ukrainian Refugees held at the Wonderland Community Centre was a brilliant event and a timely reminder that we should do all we can to help these people fleeing from a terrible war."