Author: Charity Comms

Last week we were contacted by DLUHC and asked if we could help with the evacuation of British citizens from Sudan

Twenty-four hours later we had established a Humanitarian Aid Centre (HAC) operating twenty hours a day, manned by UCAN staff and volunteers, supported by the British Red Cross. We were later joined by St. John’s Ambulance and Re:Act.

The HAC provided a welcome point for the hundreds of evacuees arriving at our International Border in Stansted. Once processed by Border Force, our team on the ground welcomed the British and Sudanese citizens, triaging their immediate needs and transporting them to the HAC where food, clothing, shelter and supplies were immediately available to the men, women and children. Emotional support was provided by the Red Cross – with many of the evacuees having experienced a traumatic journey to safety. Once assessed, travellers were supported with hotel accommodation and transport, onward travel to destinations across the UK where they had family, friends or homes, and we acted as a point of liaison with local authorities across England who were going to receive an influx of people who would need emergency accommodation.

The voluntary sector has played a vital role in repatriation of British citizens and their families. Working with colleagues from UDC we are now finding housing for the hundreds of people who were evacuated, while continuing to support them on a daily basis.

We also want to acknowledge everyone who supported us and looked after us on the ground, from the airport, to the hotels, bus drivers, cab drivers, retailers and everyone in between. Huge gratitude to the Emergency team from ECC who fought for what we needed, when we needed it.

We are one community working together for good.

Thank you.

Our new joint venture with Enterprise East and Saffron Walden Town Council, the Jubilee Hub in Saffron Walden is a place to connect, share, learn and grow. Be part of our community.

The Jubilee Hub is a community centre with a focus on family, children and young people and community. The partnership brings together the experience, insight and expertise of the three community focused organisations to deliver a programme of inclusive activities. We launched our initial schedule on Monday 17th April 2023, which will run for the next three months while we conduct a more in-depth consultation with the community. These initial activities are the ones requested by residents at our pop-up sessions in the build-up to our soft launch.

Monday morning – Meet Up Monday – 10 am to 12 pm from Monday 17th April 2023

The Jubilee Hub is open each Monday morning as part of the national “Meet Up Mondays” campaign to promote inclusion and reduce loneliness and isolation. We provide free tea, coffee, biscuits and chat, and the chance to make some new friends and share your life experiences. We will occasionally have guests of interest and some games to play.

Monday afternoon – Singing for the Soul – 2 pm to 3pm from Monday 17th April 2023

Join us each Monday afternoon for a sing along. If the weather is nice, we’ll gather outside around our beautiful band stand. Selection of music styles and no particular singing ability required – we are singing songs we love just for the fun of it. Light refreshments available to attendees for small donation.

Wednesday afternoon – Tools Down – 2pm to 4pm – starting soon

A spin-off from our very successful Men in Shed project “Essex Shed Network”, Tools Down is for men who can’t make it to a physical men’s shed for health or practical reasons. We provide a range of table-based making and mending activities, as well as a chance to chat and socialise. Light refreshments available to attendees for small donation.

Thursday Morning – Health Matters (including My Weight Matters) – 10 am to 12 pm – starting soon

Join our health matters team each Thursday morning for advice and support with leading a healthier and more active life. We will have representatives on hand from local GP surgeries, health coaches, information about local groups and activities and you can also sign up free to the My Weight Matters weight loss programme, with weekly weigh-ins and support through the programme. Light refreshments available to attendees for small donation.

Friday Morning – Digital Buddies – 10 am to 12 pm from Friday 21st April 2023

Join Ali and Adam each Friday morning for help and guidance with making the most of your technology! We have a particular focus on how to use your smartphone and tablet to access online health service and apps, including how to use the NHS app to make appointments, request medication and access your medical records. This is a drop-in session – no appointment needed. Light refreshments available to attendees for small donation.

Friday Afternoon – Art Group 2pm to 4pm from Friday 21st April 2023. Price £3 per person

An instructor-led weekly art group. This is an inclusive group open to all ages and abilities – you don’t need to be a skilled artist – just have the desire to be creative and express yourself through painting. Light refreshments available for attendees for a donation. There is a small charge of £3 per person per week to attend, so cover instructor and material costs.

Be Part of Our Community

For more information about these activities, use of the Hub by community groups or to find out about our Saffron Walden Community Fridge, please email jubilee.hub@ucan.org.uk You can also follow us on Facebook