Category: UCAN News

Humanitarian Hub operation helping Ukrainian refugees has been extended for a further period at Stansted Airport

Since the start of May, UCAN Staff and Volunteers have been providing help and support for refugees arriving at Stansted Airport after fleeing the conflict in the Ukraine. We operate a ‘Humanitarian Hub’ eighteen hours a day, seven days a week

Since the start of May, UCAN Staff and Volunteers have been providing help and support for refugees arriving at Stansted Airport after fleeing the conflict in the Ukraine. We operate a ‘Humanitarian Hub’ eighteen hours a day, seven days a week

This month alone we have helped over 2,000 refugee adults and children arriving in the UK from Europe, many who have had to flee their home country with nothing but the clothes they stand up in, a few possessions and the hope of a safe place to stay in England, Scotland or Wales.

Stansted Airport is one of the busiest hubs in the country, and is operated by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who work from 9.00 a.m. through to 12.30 a.m. each day of the week, in shifts of 4 to 8 hours. They are local people who want to “do our part” for no recognition or reward, and offer a warm welcome to distressed people who may have been travelling non-stop for two or three days.

On arrival at Stansted, the Ukraine Support Team give a warm welcome and assess the immediate needs of the travellers. This can be a smile of encouragement, a cup of coffee and a bite to eat, or might be more complex with assistance needed in finding a place to live. Thanks to the kindness of the Vodafone Foundation, we are able to provide UK mobile sim cards with calls and data, to help the refugees during their onward journey to their final destination. For those staying in the airport for a little while, we have blankets, pillows and food vouchers, toys and games for the children and can make sure everyone feels safe, welcome and wanted.

The Ukraine Support Hub has been made possible thanks to the commitment of local people, and UCAN and Volunteer Uttlesford working closely together once again to respond to a crisis situation. We would like to acknowledge the generosity of the food vendors at the airport, the MAG Staff Team, National Express and the Rail Companies who have donated subsidised meals, bottled water, food vouchers, toys, games and toiletries. Small gifts make a huge difference.

Thank you everyone.

Introducing Uttlesford Community Action Network

We are very proud of our new identity and believe that it provides clear alignment with what we as an organisation aim to achieve and delivering action remains at the forefront of what we do.

We are very proud of our new idenity and believe that it provides clear alignment with what we as an organistaion aim to achieve and delivering action remains at the forefront of what we do.

Directed by our insights and local knowledge, we will continue to build a portfolio of services and projects to address unmet needs in Uttlesford, delivered in collaboration with local partners in the voluntary sector and beyond.

If you need to get in touch you can contact us at:  connect@ucan.org.uk

Stay connected and keep up to date with all our latest news and service offerings on our social media channels – Facebook and Twitter name @UttlesfordCAN

#community #rebrand #publichealth #uttlesford #newidentity #voluntarysector

Ukraine Support in Uttlesford

Uttlesford has a fantastic reputation for being a supportive community, and our residents have risen to the challenge time and again to support those in need. This was demonstrated throughout the pandemic, and latterly through our response to the Afghanistan situation. This kindness and generosity is being shown once again as we welcome refugees into the district, who have been affected by the conflict in the Ukraine.

Together with partners from Uttlesford District Council, Citizens Advice Uttlesford and TouchPoint Stansted, our Community Responders are actively working with people arriving from the Ukraine into Stansted Airport

Uttlesford has a fantastic reputation for being a supportive community, and our residents have risen to the challenge time and again to support those in need. This was demonstrated throughout the pandemic, and latterly through our response to the Afghanistan situation. This kindness and generosity is being shown once again as we welcome refugees into the district, who have been affected by the conflict in the Ukraine.

Our team of Community Responders are working with refugees from point of arrival at Stansted Airport. Passengers are currently triaged by the Red Cross on arrival, and then provided with hotel accommodation, or given access to transport to continue their journey to their final destination in the UK. For those staying within our district who do not have a host family in place, we are meeting with them daily to support with the provision of food and other essentials, providing access to phones and internet to help with arranging more permanent accommodation, access to Universal Credit and other advise, as well as mental health support for those affected by trauma as a result of the conflict.

We are working closely with the refugees to help them get to where they want to be. Most will transit out of Uttlesford, but for those that are remaining, or still in transition, we are providing a full package of support to help them feel safe and welcome here.

It is likely in the coming days and weeks that we will be calling on Uttlesford residents once again to help with our new guests. Please watch our social media channels (Facebook/Twitter) and this website for updates and appeals for help.

We acknowledge the support of the voluntary sector once again in immediately addressing the challenges presented to us, and thank you for your continued commitment.

Supported Hospital Discharge Scheme

UCAN in partnership with Rainbow Services (Harlow) and Voluntary Action Epping Forest is delivering a pilot project at Princess Alexandra Hospital to support the safe discharge of patients returning to their homes in West Essex

We know that planning for a successful hospital discharge starts at Admission, and as a community organisation there is a part we can play in making those return to home occasions safe and easier for both patients and hospital staff. From arranging for a food parcel to go home with patient, follow up shopping, prescription and welfare checks, installation of keysafes for property access by carers and services, and the provision of hot meals each day – there is a lot we can do to ease the transition.

UCAN is leading on the West Essex Help programme, funded by West Essex CCG for a pilot test and learn phase. Each week we will have a Community Discharge Supporter Worker in the hospital, visiting wards where patients have been identified as being ready for discharge. We will talk with them to establish their needs, and then make the necessary arrangements – which can even include delivery of assistance equipment like walking frames and wheelchairs to their homes. We are also providing a single point of contact for Ward staff to call with requests for help – as often things that seem impossible our Community Responders can accomplish – whether it’s getting a bed downstairs or a dog walked in the absence of the owner!

We are delighted to be working with Princess Alexandra Hospital. The scheme is being mirrored for patients being discharged into Hertfordshire, with our counterpart service being provided by the lovely team at Herts Help.

For further information on Community Supported Hospital Discharge email westessex.help@ucan.org.uk or call our SPOC on 03333 408218.