With cultural events, social connections, and vital support at its heart, the Ukraine programme has played a key role in strengthening community ties. Here are some of the highlights from recent months.
A Magical Trip to Wisley Gardens
This summer, our community enjoyed a beautifully organised trip to Wisley Gardens. For many families, this location had been on the wish list for some time, yet was difficult to access by public transport. The journey together made it all possible — and worthwhile!
Nothing could quite compare to the stunning beauty of the gardens in full bloom. Surrounded by exotic plants, fragrant flowers, and warm company — our fellow Ukrainians — the day felt like a fairytale. We extend heartfelt thanks to the organisers for making it happen.
Multicultural Festival and Theatrical Performance
Our community was proud to take part in the annual "Around the World" multicultural festival, kindly hosted by Creative Heritage. We performed a scene from the beloved Ukrainian play Natalka Poltavka, along with the traditional song "Oi pid vyshneiu, pid chereshneiu".
This classic folk song paints a playful and romantic picture of love blooming in the shade of cherry and sour cherry trees — a symbol of youth, beauty, and Ukrainian lyrical tradition.
Such performances help preserve our cultural identity and uplift our spirit.
School Highlights and Cultural Education
Our Saturday Ukrainian School in Sutton, which takes place every Saturday at Christ Church Sutton, continues to be a pillar of education and culture. With over 60 children and 100 participants overall, the school recently celebrated:
- Mother’s Day and Vyshyvanka Day
- Easter crafts and pysanky workshops
- Shevchenko Days, honouring Ukraine’s literary legacy
- A Spring Fair, raising funds for local Ukrainian artisans
- Summer Fair
- And the end of school year with medals for kids and cakes for everyone
Our school helps maintain Ukrainian language, tradition, and community bonds.
Children's Dance & Community Connections
During the multicultural festival, children from our Ukrainian school performed the charming dance "Vyshyvanochka". The performance was well received and helped support integration in a joyful and memorable way.
Our choir, Ukrainskyi Vinochok, has also been warmly welcomed at local events, including the Power of Women Event celebration at The Sound Lounge, invited by Sutton Women’s Centre. This venue is special to us — it also hosts our Friday drop-in sessions, offering private consultations and community support.
Youth Club Adventures
Our Ukrainian Teenager Club meets fortnightly at the Family Hub, Sutton Central Library, guided by Ukrainian-speaking leaders. One of the most memorable activities was a hands-on Pizza Express masterclass — a delicious and fun experience!
Women’s Sport and Well-being Initiative
Launched on 3 May 2025, our new weekly well-being sessions for women are held on Friday mornings at the Salvation Army Church. Led by a certified, Ukrainian-speaking coach, the sessions include fitness and group activities. the initiative supports both physical health and emotional resilience in a safe and empowering environment.
Men’s Football Project – Continuing Impact
Our Men’s Football Group, which launched in January, now with consistent weekly participation of around 15. The sessions, held at Goals in Cheam every Friday, remain a powerful tool for building friendships, improving mental health, and promoting active lifestyles.
Emotional support groups
Safety and Community Support
We facilitated two informative meetings between local police officers (including PC Pete Cunningham) and the Ukrainian community:
- At Salvation Army Church, adults received safety guidance and advice on local services.
- At the Family Hub, children and teens learned about safety, tried on police uniforms, and asked questions in a relaxed environment.
Ongoing Programmes
Here are some of the regular activities we continue to offer:
- Weekly Drop-in at Salvation Army Church Sutton –
- Sound Lounge Drop-in (Fridays) – Advice on housing, benefits, settlement
- Positive English Course at the Trinity Church Sutton – With a Ukrainian-speaking teacher
- Art & Craft Workshops – Pysanky, embroidery, and more
- MAPS Mentoring
- Peer Support (Ages 6–8)
- Teenager Club – Activities, group support, playing games and making friends
- Choir & Art for Adults Saturdays (Christ Church Sutton) – Weekly cultural sessions
- Looking Ahead: Summer Plans
We are now preparing for a season of summer activities for children aged 0–18, focusing on:
- Creative workshops, playgroups, and teen art therapy
- A seaside excursion, offering families a rare opportunity to enjoy the coast together
- A fun and educational day trip to Deen City Farm, letting children explore nature and animals up close
- Mother and toddler group Saturdays at the Christ Church Sutton
New to Sutton?
If you’ve recently arrived in Sutton and wish to connect with a friendly and supportive Ukrainian community, we warmly welcome you. Whether you'd like to:
- Join our choir
- Enrol your child in Saturday Ukrainian School
- Take part in cultural events
- Receive support or guidance
…we’re here for you.
