USPUK Charity Newsletter - August 2026
Remembering, Reflecting and Continuing Our Support
In this edition, we reflect on two significant dates for the communities we support: Ukraine’s Independence Day and the anniversary of the fall of Kabul. We also share how the ongoing war in Ukraine has directly affected our colleague, highlight USPUK’s participation in the Ukrainian Festival in Devon, and renew our call for hosts and continued support for our work.
Ukraine’s Independence Day — 24 August
Ukraine’s Independence Day is both a celebration of national identity and a reminder of the extraordinary price Ukrainians continue to pay for their freedom.
The continuing reality of the war has also affected our own team directly. During the attack on Lviv on 15 August, the apartment of our Ukrainian colleagues was damaged. Thankfully, nobody was inside at the time and everyone is safe. Our team has been supporting our colleague and her family as she deals with the consequences.
Reflection from Tanya Naimanova, Ukrainian Team Lead:
“For displaced Ukrainians, the day can bring mixed emotions: pride in their country, grief for what has been lost, and hope for a peaceful future. With the war still ongoing and many people unable to return home safely, USPUK remains committed to helping Ukrainians rebuild their lives with dignity, security and access to reliable support.
During my recent trip to Ukraine, I witnessed once again what it means to live through air-raid sirens and missile attacks, both day and night.
This experience reinforced how urgently Ukraine still needs our solidarity. I call on our community to support our appeal and continue standing with Ukraine.”
If you’d like to support our Ukrainian team through this difficult time please join our ongoing fundraiser - we need this help to continue serving other Ukrainians directly affected by the war
Donate now > https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/walk-for-hope-support-displaced-children/updates/219070#start
The Fall of Kabul, 15 August
Another important, but painful date in August is the anniversary of the fall of Kabul. It marks lives suddenly changed, families separated and the beginning of prolonged uncertainty for many people forced to leave their country.
We recognise the strength and resilience of Afghans rebuilding their lives in the UK while continuing to carry concern for loved ones and communities in Afghanistan. This anniversary reminds us that meaningful support must continue long after someone first arrives in safety.
Reflection from Anil Qasemi, Afghan Team Lead:
“Ten years on, I still live with the consequences of surviving the attack on the American University of Afghanistan every single day. And somehow, every August this day feels heavier.
I remember the friends we lost, and the hundreds of incredible people who helped me survive, recover and rebuild.”
Support new Afghan fundraiser https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-the-next-chapter-for-afghan-families
New Info Pack for Afghan community
We’re pleased to launch our new Naturalisation Application Information Pack, created to support members of the Afghan community as they take the next steps in their resettlement journey in the UK. Available in English, Dari/Farsi and Pashto.The information pack is now accessible on the USPUK website, helping make this important stage of the settlement process clearer and easier to navigate.
Currently our Afghan team is focused on assisting community with naturalisation as British citizens. These two important dates reflect different histories and experiences, but they are connected by the courage of people forced to rebuild their lives because returning home is still unsafe.
Read Info Pack https://www.uspuk.org/information-page-afg
Our Call for Hosts - Homes for Ukraine
USPUK was pleased to be represented at the Ukrainian Independence Day Festival in Devon, where we reminded the community that the Homes for Ukraine Scheme remains open and that new hosts are still urgently needed.
Our sincere thanks go to the amazing community activist Christine, whose support made our participation possible. Her commitment helped us bring the call for hosts directly to the Devon community and continue raising awareness of the need for safe and welcoming homes.
Want to get involved too? If you'd like to host an event in your own city to raise awareness about Homes for Ukraine and call for hosts directly, we'd love to help you make it happen. Or if you'd simply like to spread the word, you can download and share our leaflet with anyone who might be interested in becoming a host and offering safety to someone from Ukraine: Link for the leafter.
Get in touch with us at sponsors@uspuk.org, we're happy to support you with everything from planning to setting up your own event.
If you can offer accommodation for at least six months, USPUK can guide you through the process. Our experienced team carefully considers compatibility and supports both hosts and guests throughout the matching journey and beyond.
Become a host https://www.uspuk.org/become-a-host
To learn more about becoming a host, visit uspuk.org/become-a-host or contact sponsors@uspuk.org.
If you’d like us to continue our work please consider giving a small donation via verified donation link or through Crowdfunder.
Your support will help us sustain our team with lived experience providing advice and guidance to thousands displaced people in the UK every month. Our support helps refugees feel more independent, secure meaningful employment, and rebuild their lives with confidence.
USPUK Team
Thank you for standing with displaced families and following our updates.
Wishing you a great start to your year,
USPUK Team - Registered Charity (1198784)
Stay tuned for updates, stories, and ways you can get involved.
Together, we can make a significant impact and support those who need it most.
All our services are free of charge, and we welcome donations to help us continue our work.