Ukrainian Mother's Day event success in Bournemouth

A celebration for refugee mothers and their children took place n at Talbot Heath School, a week after Mother’s Day was celebrated in Ukraine.

Visitors, many of whom were Ukrainian mothers and children, gathered on the school’s field to enjoy Ukrainian food and music, and were invited to take part in a meditation and aromatherapy, as well as sports and craft activities.

Laurinda Kremenehutska was one Ukranian mother to attend the celebrations. She has sought refuge with a family in Dorset and has been looking for work in the area.

Speaking through a translator, Laurinda said: “This event is important because I don’t know anyone or how to adapt to English life.”

Another mother to enjoy the event was Victoria Drach. The Ukrainian has recently settled in Poole with her daughter. She said: “Having something like this happen is amazing because its our music and our people.

"We feel at home.”

Anastasia Pikalova, a Ukrainian who has lived in Bournemouth for the past seven years, was one of the organisers behind the event. Since the war began, she has been heavily involved in the town’s efforts to support Ukraine and remains an active member of the Ukrainian Community Dorset.

She said: “Every day, I process the requests of the arriving mothers and their children. I know the history of each of them individually and it breaks my heart to hear what they had to go through and what a terrible path they had to take to get their families to safety.

“Our Ukrainian Mother's Day is a celebration of the spirit and strength of a mother.”

A fun art workshop was run at the event by Bournemouth-based artist Alexander Dakers. He said: “It’s a way to show our support and give the family and children some entertainment and joy.

“We need to be open-handed to refugees and show that we’re there. We need to show we care.”

The event was supported by BCP Council and co-organised by Ukrainian Community Dorset and the World of Love Festival, with the aim to help integrate refugees into the community.

Bea Sieradzka, the founder of World of Love Festival, said: “When I started talking to the Ukranian people coming to Dorset, I could see that they all feel quite isolated.

“It’s not easy for them. Often there is a language barrier.

“This event is about inclusion and connecting people."