Working together with three visiting VIPs
Three VIPs visited the Portway Annexe to meet representatives of WCN and commit to working together to support refugees from Ukraine.
The visitors were Annie Maw, the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, and two former High Sheriffs of our county – Thomas Sheppard and Lucy Nelson.
They came to tell a new charity called Somerset Supports Ukraine, of which Annie is the patron, set up to help and coordinate support for refugees from the war-torn country.
The VIPs then heard what WCN is doing to support the Ukrainian refugees in the Wells area and Suzanne Addicott from the Connect Centre explained to the visitors what work their charity is doing with the refugees.
WCN are using the Portway Annexe to provide English as a second language classes, advice on finding doctors, dentists, jobs and getting children into school for the refugees, as well as creating social opportunities to meet other Ukrainians.
Lucy Nelson said Somerset Supports Ukraine wants to join up efforts across the county, provide a fount of knowledge, seek solutions and raise money.
“It is deeply correct and appropriate for us, in the Lieutenancy, to offer a hand of friendship to our neighbours in eastern Europe at this terrible time,” said Annie. “We are a hospitable community in Somerset, and I mean to represent that intrinsic goodness and the innate humanitarian generosity of the people of our county to the full. It is my duty.”
The Lord Lieutenant also distributed posters of an illustrated alphabet to help Ukrainians learn English which her son designed. One will be laminated and put on the wall of the Portway Annexe.
