Supporting our Ukrainian community at one of this year’s most anticipated events
- Wednesday, May 10, 2023
- Posted By The Growth Company
United for Ukraine is a coalition of business leaders and organisations across the north of England, including The Growth Company and offers-up recruitment and education support and connects Ukrainian refugees with employers - offering good jobs in supportive environments.
This week, the initiative’s two key workers, Okszana Nepijvoda and Marianna Vaszilyiv have an exhibition space at the Eurovision Village at Pier Head – which is set to be the main hub for fans and locals - many of which will be Ukrainian.
The UK is hosting the contest in Liverpool due to the conflict with Russia preventing Ukraine from hosting themselves. The Eurovision Grand Final, as well as many other supporting events are a massive undertaking which, in essence, have only happened because of the conflict.
Ukrainians in the UK have been looking forward to Eurovision for months, with thousands of tickets exclusively made available to their community. It also represents a show of solidarity for both the Liverpool City Region and our United for Ukraine initiative and allows them both to shine.
Okszana and Marianna’s employment and education advice is a vital part of Ukrainian refugees’ introduction to the UK. There’s lots involved to make sure the Ukrainian community across the North know United for Ukraine is here to support them - from using social media, meeting politicians and attending events - Eurovision is no exception.
They’ll set-up-stall in the ‘Discover Ukraine’ section of the Eurovision Village, which celebrates Ukrainian creatives, with European food and drink on offer. It’s a perfect spot to catch the attention of the many thousands of Ukrainian refugees attending the festivities.
It's not the first time they’ve supported the region. To extend the initiative’s geographical reach, in March they attended a recruitment event at Liverpool Arena to help fill vacancies in the tourism and hospitality sector in anticipation of 100,000 extra visitors through Eurovision.
On Friday 12 May, Okszana and Marianna board HMS Mersey that’s docked in Liverpool. Honorary Captain and Founder and CEO of Power Collective CIC and Northern Power Women, Simone Roche MBE has invited them, plus guests from the Ukrainian, Power Collective and Northern Power Women communities, to a Power Up networking event in support of United For Ukraine where they can collaborate, converse and connect.
As a thank you for their continued support and dedication to the Ukrainian community, on Saturday 13 May they’ve been invited to a gala dinner at the Pullman, Liverpool, before they hot-foot over to the Liverpool Arena to watch the ‘Eurovision Grand Final’.
As they both soak up the atmosphere, they can rightly feel a sense of pride knowing they’ve personally supported many of the people at the event and given them hope and access to opportunities to help them start a new life and career in a new country.
Okszana Nepijvoda told us:
“I'm looking forward to spending three days at the Eurovision Village and I hope to meet lots of Ukrainians there and help them out.
“I watch Eurovision with my family every year and I’ve always dreamed of attending the Grand Final. When it was announced it would be held in the UK, I knew I wanted to be there. It’s an indescribable feeling that’s difficult to put into words. I’m so grateful for the invitation – it’s something I’ll remember forever.”
Marianna Vaszilyiv told us:
“We’ll proudly be able to support our fellow citizens with their needs, such as employment and education. It’s also an excellent opportunity to promote United for Ukraine and establish new connections - creating and enhancing our network in the Liverpool City Region.
“Through Eurovision, it’s a great chance to showcase the beauty of Ukrainian voices and talents, as well as share our culture with the rest of the world. It’s a unique opportunity to demonstrate the bravery and resilience of our country.”
Simone Roche MBE said:
"We are thrilled to welcome Okszana and Marianna onboard HMS Mersey and to bring together our willing and generous collective with the Ukrainian community here in Liverpool. It will be a fantastic gathering of people to foster collaboration, meaningful conversations, and valuable connections. We look forward to a memorable and inspiring afternoon."
United for Ukraine will be represented at the Eurovision Village on Wednesday 10 May, Friday 12 May and Saturday 13 May.
The initiative welcomes the support of more employers as it continues to widen its reach, embedding further in the Liverpool City Region and into Yorkshire and the North East.
To find out more and what support and jobs are currently available, visit the website, call 0161 237 4130, or email jobs@unitedforukraine.org.uk Ukrainian refugees can visit the website, call 0161 237 4131, or email robota@unitedforukraine.org.uk