Citizens Advice Essex: Supporting Ukrainian Newcomers through holistic advice and support
In response to the ongoing challenges Ukrainian refugees face in the UK, Citizens Advice Essex, through participating members of the network of local Citizens Advice offices within the consortium, has launched a comprehensive initiative to provide the advice and support many need. Funded by the Essex Community Foundation, the programme is a collaborative effort involving Citizens Advice offices in Braintree & South Essex, Colchester, Harlow, and Maldon & District, with programme leadership provided through Citizen Advice Essex - the consortium lead.
Understanding the Challenges
Ukrainian refugees in the UK encounter many obstacles as they strive to rebuild their lives. Key challenges include:
Language: Limited proficiency in English hampers access to employment opportunities and essential services.
Underemployment: Despite high levels of education and professional experience, many Ukrainians find themselves in low-skilled jobs due to non-recognition of qualifications, language barriers and lack of UK work experience.
Housing: A significant number face the risk of homelessness, often due to the breakdown of host arrangements and difficulties in accessing the private rental market.
Mental Health: The trauma of displacement and war, coupled with difficulties in a new environment, adversely affects mental well-being.
The work of the participating consortium members is designed to address many of these challenges through:
Personalized Advice: One-on-one consultations and group workshops on benefits, housing, employment, and financial matters, with materials available in Ukrainian.
Community engagement: Attendance at events where potential beneficiaries of the service can engage with us informally for trust to be built.
Volunteer opportunities: Recruiting and training Ukrainian nationals as volunteers, providing them with valuable experience and facilitating peer-to-peer support within the community.
Best practice: Collaborating across the wider Citizens Advice network and with local partners to explore new ways of engaging with and supporting Ukrainian refugees, ensuring services remain responsive to evolving needs.
This initiative is underpinned by a partnership agreement amongst the participating Citizens Advice offices, with Citizens Advice Essex coordinating efforts and reporting to the Essex Community Foundation. Each office is directly accountable for service delivery, ensuring localized support that meets the specific needs of their communities.
A Call to Action
We invite stakeholders, community leaders, and policymakers to support this vital work. For more information or to get involved, please get in touch.