Linda finds joy in her new extended family!
Linda Whitelaw knew she needed to something to help when Ukrainians arrived in Dumfries in 2022. She put herself forward to be a host for families from Ukraine, but she was not sure if she would be accepted. She didn’t tell her family either.
She remembers that the process was very quick and she was invited to meet a mother and daughter at the Cairndale Hotel in Dumfries. At this point, she told her family, who were keen to help as well. When she met Maria and her daughter at the hotel, it was a very emotional meeting. But Linda remembers that something felt good about the situation. Maria and her daughter, also called Maria, came and looked around Linda’s home on a Wednesday and they then moved in on Friday!
The Marias settled into Linda’s home very quickly. Linda came home on the first weekend to find them cleaning the rugs and getting set up in the kitchen. It was not easy to communicate initially and Google translate was an essential tool in the early days. The elder Maria set about cooking some amazing food for everyone and Linda was introduced to lots of new flavours! In return, she took the Marias to local events such as the Dumfries Agricultural Show.
Linda thinks that the Marias were able to adjust so well because Linda’s home was near to the centre of Dumfries, and there were lots of things for the Marias to do. Linda’s husband, Alex, helped the Marias find work in Dumfries and this meant that they could do more things in their spare time. The elder Maria has family now living in Woking, England, and they have adopted Linda’s family as their own. The birth of elder Maria’s grandchild resulted in a celebration in Dumfries.
When asked if she would ever do something like this again, Linda smiles and says Yes!
Safety advice and information for communities affected by far-right terror
Dumfries and Galloway welcomes New Scots. We will support you as you build new lives in the region. We stand against far-right violence and terror directed at any migrants or minority group in the area. Our partners in the Scottish Refugee Council have put together safety advice for all communities affected by far-right terror. You can find helpful guidance and sources of information from The Scottish Refugee Council by clicking the link.
Learn English in your local area
Did you know we offer opportunities to learn English in your area? You can get expert help once we have assessed your skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening to English. Some classes are held with Dumfries and Galloway College. Specialist teachers will work with you so that your English skills grow. They can advise you about English language qualifications as well. Improved English skills will allow you to enjoy more from your life in the UK.
Follow the link for more information, online help and a Referral Form.
https://www.dumgal.gov.uk/article/24326
New creative project at The Stove
Express, Create, Inspire!
Are you interested in creative writing, journalism, drawing, or comic books? Are you a photographer or artist? Or just open to experiencing new creative skills and ideas?
The Stove is looking for your input to help build an exciting new project exploring creative media. Our goal is to collaborate on a magazine publication authored and led by New Scots in Dumfries.
Do you have a story you’d like to tell? Or an idea for a comic strip? We want to hear from you!
Your Voice, Your Project:
We aim to understand the community’s interests and ideas. From photography to poetry, journalism to printing – what would you like to participate in? What skills would you like to learn or share?
Get Involved:
To help us shape this project, we’d be delighted if you could spare 2 minutes to let us know where your interests, skills, or ideas are best suited.
- Creative Writing
- Journalism
- Drawing and Comics
- Photography and Film
- Printing
- Podcasting and Radio
- Graphic Design
Be part of this unique opportunity to express yourself and inspire others.
Survey Link: https://forms.gle/9pHKmxEXfj7xZumV7
What’s the Stove?
The Stove is a creative community organisation based in the town centre. We aim to promote creativity and community action for EVERYONE in our town and wider region. Whether you’re a native of Dumfries or from further afield, The Stove is for everyone.
Sibling Success!
Celebrations have been bountiful in the Al Ashkar home recently with son, Omar, and daughter, Maya, sharing great success. Playing Centre Back for Gretna U13’s, Omar was an integral part of the team who won the Dumfries & Galloway Youth Development Association U13’s League Cup whilst Maya has been awarded the coveted “Values Award” from Eastriggs Primary School for the kindness she demonstrates.
Nour’s recipe for success
Peace be upon you. My name is Nour. I came to the UK in 2019. When we arrived, we received a lot of support from the Resettlement Team, Doctors, Interpreters – everyone did their best for us.
Everything here is excellent! Our kids go to school – they are very happy here. We live in Annan, and the only difference from our hometown is the language! We are very settled.
At the moment, I am volunteering in Kate’s Kitchen, in Annan. I am volunteering alongside a Ukrainian Woman. In my culture, we have a saying: ‘it’s your own breath’ that you put in your food. When you want to do something genuinely it comes out in your food – it comes from the heart and this we share. I am grateful to have this volunteering role and to be able to help others and contribute in this country.
Making a home in Upper Nithsdale
Thanks to ULTRF Funding from the Scottish Government, 20 3-Bedroom Properties have been made available to Ukrainian families in Sanquhar and Kelloholm. Many families have joined the growing resettled community in the area, where they have been welcomed with open arms. Embedding themselves into the close-nit community, families have benefited from the wide range of opportunities available including local walks, ESOL Classes, volunteering with Kirkconnel and Kelloholm Development Trust, business development opportunities and much more!
Since moving, one family have shared that their new night time routine has been walking through the park, to feed the ducks! Another family have their handmade cards for sale in a local shop, and their child’s artwork displayed centrally in the library.
Help and support at your local pharmacy.
Many people don’t realise the helpful services offered by your local pharmacy. When you fall ill, the first person you think of is your local doctor. Your pharmacist can help with a lot of basic problems and you can walk in without an appointment for most things. This means you do not have to wait to see the doctor and you still get expert information. If something is wrong that is too complex for the pharmacist, they can refer you to another health professional such as a doctor, nurse or dentist. If you visit the pharmacy first, you also free up the local doctor to help serious cases. For more information about the services at your pharmacy, follow the link below.
Well deserved school success!
The achievements of Ukrainian Pupils at schools across Dumfries and Galloway have been celebrated at recent Celebration of Achievement Awards.
Danil, Ivan, Sofiia, Anastasiia, Sasha, Avrora and Anna have been rewarded with merits and certificates at ceremonies in Dumfries, Lockerbie and Annan Academies.
This is a wonderful showcase of the power of consistent hard work and determination to succeed in education.
We are very proud of you all for your achievements – congratulations!
Peter has ambitions for the Ukrainian Chapel.
The first impression you get of the Ukrainian Chapel at Hallmuir is the peacefulness of the place. The chapel stands near Lockerbie on the site of a second world war prisoner of war camp. It was first used as a chapel by Italian and German prisoners who remained on site until the Ukrainians arrived in 1947.
Now the chapel stands among the fruit trees planted by the prisoners long ago. It remains holy ground and regular services of the Orthodox church are held there several times a year. Some of the most special artwork and religious artefacts have been replaced by replicas, so that the originals can be protected.
The chapel is looked after by a local committee of enthusiasts, volunteers and descendants of the Ukrainian prisoners. Over 100 of the prisoners remained in Scotland after they were released and many married local girls. Their children are a notable community in Lockerbie today. The committee has recreated the look of the chapel as it appeared when the first Ukrainians went there in 1947. Peter Kormylo is the archivist and he met me at the chapel to explain more.
The chapel is opened on Sundays by volunteers between 2pm and 4pm, although it can be opened at other times if a request is made. Peter explains that the committee plan to open a nearby prisoner hut as an exhibition, research and community space. They have received a bequest of books in Ukrainian and English that look at Ukraine’s history and culture. These books can be looked at on site but can’t be loaned to anyone. Peter is keen that the chapel will become a place where Ukrainians can link with part of their history and make new connections across the region.
Young women’s wellbeing event
Are you a young woman aged between 11 and 25? Then this event is for you! The Resettlement Project alongside the Youth Work Team and Young Women’s Network in Dumfries and Galloway are hosting a Young Women’s Wellbeing Event on the 18th of September from 6.30-8.30pm in Oasis Youth Centre, Dumfries. The event will provide you an opportunity to come together with other young women, participate in creative wellbeing activities (such as photography, art, music, gaming), meet new friends and discuss issues you face in your community. Interested in coming along? Let your resettlement worker know!