New youth group will be chance to make friends for Ukrainian teen refugees

A new youth group has been set up for Ukrainian refugees who are settling in Trafford after escaping from their war-torn country.

Trafford council staff will work closely with newly-arrived teenagers to offer all the help they need to settle into the borough after such a harrowing experience in their homeland.

The group is aimed at young people aged 12 to 18 and will meet at the Talkshop Youth Club in Tatton Road, Sale, on Thursday June 9 at 4.30pm.

READ MORE:

The council and it partners have created a support plan for refugees which includes carrying out accommodation suitability and safeguarding checks through DBS checks, administering Government-funded payments to sponsors, arranging school places for children and referring individuals to services and support including health, benefits and job seeking.

There is also the offer of English courses for Ukrainian adults through the ESOL scheme.

Hundreds of volunteers are also working behind the scenes through the Trafford community hub scheme to provide refugees with everything they need on arrival.

Each family will also receive a special welcome hamper which contains food and gifts as well as information about access to health care, transport and benefits.

Coun Andrew Western, leader of Trafford council, said: “The council and its partners across the borough and GM are united in wanting to do all that we can to welcome refugees and support all those who have volunteered to offer them a temporary home.

“This group is a fabulous idea as it will provide young people from the Ukraine with a safe space to chat and help them meet up with others in a similar situation. What they have been through is horrific and we will offer them all the support we can at this very difficult