In May 2022, with Exeter City Council’s support, Devon Ukrainian Association (DUA) was formed to provide refugee support services and to operate Conversation Café for Ukraine. Established by Maketank Cultural Lab in March 2022, Conversation Café became a welcome hub for new arrivals, and a conversation space for people who expressed interest in hosting Ukrainian people or for those who are concerned with the Russian war on Ukraine. This project yielded a series of awareness and fund-raising projects and established significant partnerships with multiple city stakeholders, such as East Devon Council, University of Exeter, St. Sidwell Community Centre, Exeter Phoenix, Exeter College, Four of Swords, Exeter Cathedral, Mint Church, Devon County Council and others. 

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Exeter City Council was approached multiple times by other councils asking for consultation on how such a successful model of a rapid response to the crises can be replicated.  Activities of Conversation Café led by Devon Ukrainian Association CIC were covered by 7 BBC Radio Devon, 3 ITV spots and 3 BBC South West spots. In March 2024 this project won Exeter Living Award in the Civic Category.