HealthProm - Update on our Ukrainian Refugee Project

Some quick statistics about our programme:

-       Over the last year, our online database where we record all Ukrainian refugees registering with us is growing. We currently have 1146 people registered with us. We also have a dedicated Facebook page with a whopping 1,177 followers.

-       There are 243 members in our English lesson chats, 143 members have attended our mental health support sessions, and our Youth Club consists of 30 members.

With Google’s support, we are proud to have become a highly regarded hub for displaced Ukrainians in London. People that come to us have largely been referred by our current/past attendees. Many people describe our significance in their life as more than just helping improve their financial situation, but a sort of emotional anchor.

For our jobs element, we offer in-depth CV review and creation, cover letter composition, interview preparation, career advice, and job search assistance. Many of our clients have limited English proficiency, and we help them write CVs in English and submit job applications. Furthermore, we encourage individuals to volunteer, as it helps improve their English skills and provides local experience and references.

85% of all Ukrainian refugees we consulted, since we began our extensive jobs programme, hold a bachelor’s degree or higher qualifications. All consulted have at least finished high school, and yet 100% of our beneficiaries were low-income when they came to us – something we truly sought to change. Over the last half a year, 69 people have completed a 1-to-1 training programme with our Jobs Advisor, and 31 have secured full-time employment. Average salaries after our support rose from £15,000 to £31,000, with 18% of our beneficiaries using digital skills in their new positions. While our success in helping Ukrainian refugees secure better employment speaks for itself, we do not see ourselves as a recruiter or a career consultancy. We are a safe harbour, a place to recharge batteries to get ready to take on another day, a source of information that refugees struggle to find, and most importantly - a source of hope and a boost to Ukrainians' resilience.

Some case studies from our jobs programme:

Olena

With our encouragement, CV creation clinic and application support, Olena was able to upgrade from her first job in the UK as a bar-back and dishwasher to working in a landscaping company as a plant specialist, thus continuing a career she started in Ukraine. After the interview process, she called us to say that even if she doesn't get the job, she was very grateful for the experience because she finally felt like herself again - for the first time since she had to evacuate her family from Ukraine. She got the job and is doing very well in her new role.

Natalia

Natalia came to us unsure of her English and the transferability of her skills - in Ukraine she worked in a small family retail business. We leaned on the experience of online sales and running a warehouse. With her confidence boosted, she passed her interview for Programme Coordinator and Office Manager at a charity. In parallel, she is continuing to build her e-commerce skills and experience and hopes to step into a digital role in the future.

We are committed to continuing this work in the future alongside our other funders, such as the Islington Council, Society of Holy Child Jesus, and Camden Giving.