Hundreds of Ukrainian families supported by Scottish charity

Hundreds of children and families from Ukraine displaced following the invasion of Russia have been supported by a Scottish charity.

Barnardo’s Scotland works with vulnerable children, young people and families across the country.

It launched the ‘Barnardo’s Scotland Welcome (Ukraine) Service in the summer following the outbreak of war in Europe.

The service is entirely funded by the charity and aims to ensure that Ukrainian families feel safe, welcomed and included during their early life in Scotland.

Work has been conducted between the charity and local authority resettlement teams, as well as third sector partners, education, training and employment resources.

So far, the charity has gifted more than 300 Barnardo’s Scotland vouchers with a value of £100.

Other items also given to displaced families include toys from IKEA and dozens of SIM cards.

A letter to Barnardo's from families given support by the charity. — A letter to Barnardo’s from families given support by the charity. Email

It is hoped that more than 100 hosts from across the country will now join a series of online workshops ahead of a Host Network being developed in January.

Martin Crewe, director of Barnardo’s Scotland, pointed to the work being carried out by the charity.

“We offer support across the whole of Scotland. Contact and support takes place via digital groups, email, text, phone and face to face, notably in hotels and on board the two cruise ships – MS Ambition and MS Victoria.

“Information about how to access support with money, benefits and employment is provided along with exploring ways to reduce isolation.

“So far, we have helped more than 300 families from Ukraine through our own funding and we would welcome further public support in order for us to continue this vital work.”

Crewe paid tribute to those who have been involved in helping to support those from Ukraine.

“None of this would have been possible without our dedicated team,” he explained.

“We have been very fortunate to recruit five sessional staff who have been displaced from Ukraine along with having four staff who have been settled in the UK for a number of years.

“This is ensuring that we have cultural understanding and compassion for those living with us in Scotland.”

One parent from Ukraine said: “We would like to thank the work of Barnardo’s Scotland.

“Our family received a mobile phone to help and also psychological support.

“We have been in Scotland for a month and have faced financial problems.

“We turned to the organisation for help and they listened and gave us moral support and hope.”