Voluntary Support North Surrey (VSNS) and Central Surrey Voluntary Action (CSVA) have jointly been awarded funding to strengthen support for Ukrainian refugees following a successful partnership application. These two third sector infrastructure organisations were two of the thirty successful applicants to the Ukrainian Infrastructure Fund, provided by NAVCA (National Association for Voluntary and Community Action ) and the British Red Cross.

VSNS and CSVA will work together to support people in North Surrey and Epsom & Ewell, Elmbridge and Mole Valley/ Central Surrey Over 600 Ukrainian families are expected in North Surrey and this funding will be used to support and develop up to six local drop-ins and increased individual support.

The drop-ins will build on the model developed by VSNS and Runnymede Borough Council in Chertsey. They will provide a warm, welcoming and safe environment where refreshments will be provided, alongside practical support from foodbanks, benefits advice, family support, employment, language groups and local authority housing teams.

Solette Sheppardson, CEO of Voluntary Support North Surrey, said, “We are really pleased that the work we are doing to support Ukrainians in Runnymede has been recognised and valued at a national level demonstrated by this funding award. We have seen first hand the need for support that Ukrainian refugees have. There is more to do, so we will continue to seek funding to grow the support for Ukrainian people.”

Sally Dubery, CEO of Central Surrey Voluntary Action, said, “This is a great example of two infrastructure organisations in Surrey working together and of being able to respond to the needs of our communities. We look forward to working with local groups to assist and build capacity that will support Ukrainian refugees in the long term.”