On 24th August, Ukraine and Ukrainian people celebrated Ukrainian Independence Day - a special occasion to recognise the strength, courage, resilience and vibrant culture of the Ukrainian people.

At MAPS Mentoring, we are proud to stand alongside the Ukrainian community and to continue supporting Ukrainian children and young people as they adjust to life in the UK and the London Borough of Sutton. 

From 2023 - 2026, MAPS Mentoring Programme has supported 50 Ukrainian children and young people through dedicated one-to-one mentoring.  

Moving to a new country can bring many challenges. Having a trusted mentor can help young people feel seen, heard and supported, giving them a safe space to express themselves, build trust, improve their English, develop independence and grow in confidence. 

The impact of this support can be seen in our outcomes: 

• 85% improved their English proficiency 

• 80% increased their confidence 

• 79% developed their social skills 

• 75% improved their emotional well-being 

Alongside one-to-one mentoring, young people have taken part in cultural and educational outings, adventure activities, creative workshops, MAPS socials and peer support activities. These experiences help them discover their local community, practise English, learn new skills, make friendships and feel safer and more connected to where they live. 

What Families and Young People Say 

The real impact of MAPS mentoring is best reflected in their own words: 

“It meant so much to see my daughter grow, feel inspired, and reveal her talents. Thank you for your support, belief, care, and inspiration. We are deeply grateful for this experience and for the opportunity to be part of MAPS “ - Parent 

My child spent interesting time outside the home, had the opportunity to practice English in a calm environment, and began to smile more.” - Parent 

“Thank you for your professional work, assistance, and support for my child and other young people from Ukraine. This mentoring program truly helps our children feel heard and supported during these challenging times.” - Parent 

“The mentoring helped me improve my English and gave me a safe place to talk about my worries. I also feel more confident now.” -  Young person 

“I’ve made new friends and feel more comfortable talking to people. I’m learning to be more independent and responsible.” -  Young person 

“I have space to open up myself. I understand English better, I like school, I can focus more, I’m happy.” -  Young person 

At MAPS, we are proud to support Ukrainian children and young people and to see them becoming more confident and independent, developing new skills and friendships, and looking towards their future with greater confidence. 

As we celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day, we stand alongside the Ukrainian community in recognising their strength, resilience, culture and spirit.  

Happy Independence Day, Ukraine! 💙💛 

Слава Україні! 💙💛