Empowering Futures: Devon Ukrainian Association and St Sidwell’s Launch South West Support Programme

Photo by Tanya Kravets

Devon Ukrainian Association (DUA), in partnership with St Sidwell’s Community Centre, is proud to launch a new pilot initiative Empowering Futures funded by South West Councils, via the South West Strategic Migration Partnership. This programme delivers a package of educational, wellbeing, business, and community support services for Ukrainians living across the South West of England.Designed as a small-scale pilot, the initiative aims to build an accessible, regionally coordinated support model that addresses the evolving needs of displaced Ukrainians as they rebuild their lives in the UK.

Expanding Regional Reach

Empowering Futures programme reaches Ukrainians in Devon (including Plymouth and Torbay), Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset, and Bristol. The South West Strategic Migration Partnership coordinates the delivery of migration schemes across the 29 local authorities in the region. 

Photo by Tanya Kravets

What the Programme Offers

Delivered through a flexible hybrid model, the programme includes:

— ESOL for Employability: In-person courses in Exeter and two regional online cohorts, delivered by St Sidwell’s Community Centre.

— Wellbeing Support: Six Living Life to the Full (LLTTF) mental health and resilience courses, led by trained Ukrainian facilitators.

— Self-Employment Pathways: Enterprise training and business mentoring through the Next Steps Devon initiative, delivered in collaboration with the Ukrainian Business Hub.

— 1:1 Support: Individualised guidance to navigate practical challenges and access emotional support.

— Volunteer Engagement: Opportunities to support others and gain UK-based experience through community placements.

— Regional Directories: Development of two bilingual resources—a refugee support services directory and a Ukrainian business and skills directory—to strengthen local networks and visibility.

This pilot sets the foundation for long-term, community-led models of integration that can be expanded across the South West and beyond. The partners welcome collaboration and engagement from local authorities, businesses, and community groups.