We now have 18 regular participants, who eagerly await each meeting. Every event we hold is filled with energy, creativity, and joy.
When our club first started, our main goal was to bring the children together, help them make new friends, and feel part of a community. We played team games, talked, and shared stories. But with each meeting, it has grown into something much bigger. We’ve become a family, where everyone finds support and new opportunities.
The best way to describe our club is through the smiles and words of our participants. When we conducted a survey asking what they liked most, many said it was making new friends. They also mentioned the exciting games, the caring staff, the cosy environment, and the tasty snacks.
We have cheered on the local football team together, laughing and supporting the players. During our viewing of Inside Out 2, we explored the complex world of teenage emotions, learning how to understand and manage our feelings.
Additionally, we’ve taken part in volunteer events and sports competitions, where the children could feel like part of a bigger team, doing something meaningful and important. One of the most memorable moments was the visit from a Ukrainian soldier, who shared stories about drones – their types, uses, and critical importance on the front lines. The children were deeply moved by his stories, and this experience will stay with them for a long time.
We’ve also welcomed psychologists, who helped the teenagers navigate important topics such as friendship, the rights and responsibilities of children in families and beyond, and how to make friends in a multicultural environment. A martial arts coach captivated the children with her passionate introduction to her Olympic sport, and we hope many will join her club.
And there’s much more to come! We have exciting events ahead, including a financial literacy workshop where teenagers will learn the basics of money management, a meeting with a representative from the MAPS mentoring programme to introduce new opportunities, and a workshop for Defender’s Day, where we will create handmade items to send to our brave soldiers on the front lines. We also plan to hold a joint meeting with the Hong Kong community, which will introduce the children to the culture and traditions of this fascinating country.
We are incredibly proud of every child who is part of our club. They are smart, kind, and curious, and most importantly, they now have a true circle of friends who will support them in any situation.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank Sutton Council, Volunteer Centre Sutton, Sutton Family Hub, and everyone who helps us create these unforgettable moments. We look forward to achieving even greater things together in the future.
If you would like to find out more about our Ukraine Support project, please contact our Ukraine Support Project Coordinator, Nataliya Semchyshyn at nataliyasemchyshyn@vcsutton.org.uk.
