In response to the war in Ukraine and the continuing displacement of families fleeing for their lives and arriving in our area, we are working with the United Reformed Church and St James’ Church to support CUSP – the Clitheroe Ukraine Support Project which provides practical and emotional support to the guests and those hosting the Ukranian guests.

We have received this update from organiser, Ruth Thompson:

Clitheroe Ukraine Support Project  CUSP

We would like to say an enormous “thank you” to Trinity Methodist Hub for the kindness, welcome and thoughtfulness shown to CUSP.

We offer  practical and emotional support for guests and hosts, and with grateful thanks to Trinity, the United Reformed Church and St James’ Church  we are able offer a centre for those in need to meet to support each other.

The Street at Trinity is an ideal venue. The welcome is warm. We meet there on a Monday morning, and offer practical help with things such as Job Centre interviews, job finding, bank accounts, school places and those other things which are individual to our guests. The air is a buzz of different languages as our guests enjoy speaking to each other in their first language, but also strive to learn the ins and outs of English!

Alongside the coffee and chat there are sessions which offer a haircut from Vicki and Janet (which have been greatly appreciated!) a cooking session, and above all an opportunity for people to come together.

Thanks to Clitheroe Library we have established a “Pop Up Shop” with new and nearly new clothes and toiletries. Guests to the Hub are given a voucher and visit the shop as and when they need any items. Clarks of Burnley have also done a Shoe Voucher, and CUSP pay a very reduced bill at the end of each month so that our Guests all have a new pair of shoes.

Many local businesses have been amazing in their support. Many individuals too. Presently we have enough donations of most clothing. We are still however collecting new toiletries and make up, and new children and women’s underwear and swim wear. Ribble Valley have kindly just agreed to swim passes for our guests!

Thank you all so much again for the warm welcome and the understanding you have shown all our guests, hosts and volunteers. We could not have done it without you.