News
Communities for Ukraine project by USPUK has been awarded ‘Recognised Provider’ status by the UK Government.
March 2026 marks four years of USPUK, which for our team means four years of standing alongside displaced people from Ukraine and Afghanistan as they rebuild their lives in the UK.
Back in 2022, USPUK was set up by a team of lawyers, entrepreneurs, journalists, technology, recruitment, and finance experts to help Ukrainians displaced by the war. We helped Ukrainian refugees to explore resettling to the UK, through help desks at refugee centres in Warsaw and Krakow, and through an online service available to Ukrainians regardless of location.
This has been a year of real milestones for USPUK. Growth we are proud of, challenges we met head-on and moments that remind us exactly why this work matters. From the families we helped navigate systems that felt impossible, to the communities we built alongside people who arrived in the UK.
Such stories speak to something fundamental. When the right support reaches the right person at the right time, its effects can be lasting, quietly reshaping lives in ways that matter most.
Eid Mubarak. We hope you had a blessed Ramadan and that the arrival of Spring brings joy, health and success to you and your families. As always, we continue working behind the scenes to bring new opportunities and share important updates with the community.
This intervention helped prevent a vulnerable refugee family from falling into deeper housing instability and worsening health conditions. With help of USPUK team family to secure safer and more appropriate accommodation.
At USPUK, this date is deeply personal. Half of our team are displaced Ukrainians themselves. Every family we support carries their own version of this day in their story. Every host, volunteer and donor has become part of what came after.
Happy Ramadan! We wish you and your families peace, good health, and a blessed month. This February, we are pleased to bring some fantastic opportunities for you to sign up and take part in.
The hardest part was looking at our daughters and realizing they were growing up in fear — something no child should have to get used to. Marien and Robert welcomed us as if we were not guests, but family. With them beside us, a foreign country became a little closer and warmer.
One million without heat and water after Russian strikes, Ukraine says. As winter temperatures drop, many cities across Ukraine face power cuts, heating shortages and damaged infrastructure due to ongoing attacks. Families are living through prolonged cold, darkness and uncertainty.
We’re pleased to share that The National Lottery Community Fund has awarded USPUK a £20,000 Awards for All England grant to strengthen our frontline support for displaced Ukrainians and Afghans rebuilding their lives in the UK.
At just 23 and 24 years old, Iryna and Valentyn have already lived through experiences that changed their lives forever. Their story is one of uncertainty, resilience and the courage to take a chance on a new beginning.
As we are entering our 4th year as a charity, we’re incredibly proud of everything our community has achieved together through your continued support. Throughout the year, we’ll be sharing updates, reflections, and stories that highlight the impact of our work.
This case highlights how uncertainty around fixed-term contracts can affect the confidence and wellbeing of refugee employees. Access to clear information and supportive advice can make a significant difference, helping individuals feel better equipped to navigate their employment journey.
Happy New Year. We hope 2026 has begun peacefully for you and your families. We have some exciting initiatives planned for this year, which we look forward to announcing in early February.
Twice — in the most literal sense — the USPUK team saved my nervous system and my mental health by providing safety. The first time, by playing a vital role in my personal life and helping unite our family. The second time, by taking us out of a loud, frightening Kyiv and bringing us to my husband — and our daughter’s father.
In recent months, we were going to sleep and waking up to the sound of drones — living in constant fear and tension. Today “We welcomed the New Year in a new home — without fear, without panic, and together as a family.”
This intervention prevented a vulnerable family from becoming unintentionally homeless. By providing legal clarity, emotional reassurance, and practical negotiation strategies, USPUK empowered the mother to remain housed temporarily while securing a healthier long term solution.
USPUK aims to raise funds to support displaced Ukrainian families with children escape the danger as every child deserves to be safe. We are aiming to raise £10,000 — the minimum amount we need to continue this life-saving work in 2026.
Since the launch of our emergency foodbank referral support in partnership with Trussell, USPUK has issued over 100 foodbank vouchers across the UK — supporting displaced Ukrainian families who are currently facing acute financial hardship.
After concluding a successful financial workshop last month, we are pleased to announce a new opportunity for the Afghan community in the UK.
My hometown, Melitopol, was occupied in the very first days of the full-scale invasion. The following years became the most difficult of my life. In May 2025, a drone hit the building next to mine. That moment became the turning point.
I am endlessly grateful to our sponsors for their care, patience, and kindness. Because of them, we felt that even far from home, you can still be safe — and you don’t have to face everything alone.
We remain committed to supporting Ukrainians and Afghans who have sought safety in the UK. Our team provides essential advice, resettlement and employment support, and information on rights and entitlements, helping individuals and families take the next steps toward rebuilding their lives.
Last week, USPUK, in partnership with The Money Charity, hosted a free Credit & Borrowing Workshop for the Afghan community.
USPUK had the honour to attend the launch of the University of Birmingham's new report on the experiences and future intentions of displaced Ukrainians in the UK, which took place at the UK Parliament.
USPUK is taking part in a new upskilling programme by the Work Rights Centre (WoRC) to help Ukrainians and Afghans understand their employment rights and access fair work opportunities.
As we move into November and the days grow shorter, we hope you and your families are keeping well and warm. We are also continuing to respond to enquiries. If you feel stuck, confused or need support, we are here to help.
Walking through the historic corridors and seeing how the House of Commons was rebuilt after the Second World War was a powerful reminder of what it means to recover and rebuild after destruction.
Over the past weeks, Ukraine has been subjected to intensified attacks on both civilian infrastructure and educational facilities. Our hub near King’s Cross is a welcoming place where you can meet and talk to our consultants in person.
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Your gift can help someone forced to flee their home due to conflict or persecution.