A local newcomer service is giving an update on the increased demand since the war in Ukraine began.
The war between Ukraine and Russia began in February of this year and since then many people have fled to other countries to keep their families safe.
Jody Campbell settlement and information advisor at Northeast Newcomer Services (NNS) told northeastNOW they don’t get notified when a family comes to the northeast area but they welcome everyone with open arms.
“The only way that we know about someone is if they contact our office or family and friends have come in and said ‘this person is coming and we’d like your services,” she said.
Although there is no exact number of how many newcomers are in the area, NNS saw 16 adults with children in the Tisdale area and approximately 25 adults in the northeast area.
Although Tisdale is a long way from Ukraine, Campbell said there is a lot of support in the community.
“We have a fairly well-set up Ukrainian community here that arrived about 10-15 years ago, through employment. They’re still fairly well connected back home, but also still quite well settled here,” she said.
This year NNS saw three times the number of people using the service than they did a year ago.
With increased demand comes increased support from the community who have been reaching out to see how they can get involved and help those getting settled in the community.
“My phone was just ringing off the hook constantly of people wondering how they could get involved, wanting to make a financial donation or just wanting more information so they could understand what we do,” Campbell said.
Although there has been a large jump in Ukrainians utilizing their services, anyone new to the area is welcome to check out all they have to offer.
“We are settlement services. So generally that means anything to help a newcomer feel more settled, more at home and successful once they arrive here,” Campbell said.
NNS assists with anything from acquiring a health card or driver’s licence, finding sustainable employment and housing or getting children and adults registered in school classes.
For those hoping to make newcomers in their community feel more welcome, Campbell encourages everyone to get involved in events happening where they live.
“Maybe some of our newcomers are staying inside a little bit more. Don’t forget how important it is to keep people active and social in the community through the winter months, especially those that it might be their first winter here,” she said.
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Rachel.May@pattisonmedia.com
On Twitter: @RachelMayFM
