10/01/2023: Breckland hosts a magical Ukrainian Christmas

Breckland Council welcomed over 160 Ukrainian refugees and their host families to Dereham Memorial Hall this week, to celebrate the Orthodox Church Christmas.
 
The event, on 7 January, featured a magician, festive food and a special appearance by St Nicholas who gave gifts to Ukrainian children who had fled the war in Europe. Funded by Equitix and Lex Leisure, and organised by Breckland Council, the event brought together friends and families at this special time of year. 
 
Breckland Homes for Ukraine hosts and the Dereham Ukraine Aid Centre were thanked at the opening by Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen, Leader of Breckland Council, for their continued support for Ukrainians who are now settling across Breckland and rebuilding their lives within our communities. Breckland Council has dedicated Ukrainian speaking officers who assist with this integration and help sign post them for further support with education, employment and healthcare. 
 
Cllr Alison Webb, Executive Member for Health & Communities at Breckland Council commented at the event: "Last year was unimaginably challenging for our guests from Ukraine, who have had to flee their homes and leave their loved ones because of the war. A number of Breckland residents have stepped up to provide them shelter in their time of need and the council and its partners has done all it can to help them find a home, a job and a new life. I want to wish our new Ukrainian friends and residents, as well as their host families, a very peaceful, safe and happy Christmas."