Celebrating a year of Vsi Razom

Last Saturday, 7 October, saw the Ukrainian community support hub, Vsi Razom, mark its 1-year anniversary.

Vsi Razom, which means ‘all together’ in Ukrainian, was established by two local women, Ashleigh Toomey and Natalia Vil. They teamed up at the start of the invasion of Ukraine to transport donated items to Ukraine. As Ukrainian guests started to arrive in the borough, Vsi Razom was formed to help continue their support and help the local community.

Over the past year, Vsi Razom has achieved remarkable success in extending aid, support and community building for Ukrainian families in Bracknell Forest and beyond.

Vsi Razom has been a beacon of hope and solidarity for Ukrainians moving to Bracknell Forest and continues to support local people and those in Ukraine by:

• collecting and distributing donations to urgent locations in Ukraine
• offering English lessons for people from Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan and Hong Kong
• providing counselling to families affected by the invasion
• providing art lessons and cultural support groups for Ukraine nationals 
• providing Ukrainian books and films to help young people socialise and avoid isolation
• fundraising with residents and Tesco to purchase ambulances for villages in Ukraine

To date, Vsi Razom has won the Bracknell Forest Mayor’s award, a national award for voluntary sector work and Gold in The Pride of Bracknell Awards, in partnership with Bracknell Forest Council officers.

Last week, the hub also received a visit from a very special guest when The Princess of Wales stopped by to hear all about the support it provides.  

On Saturday, to officially mark the 1-year anniversary, the hub invited guests and volunteers who have supported Vsi Razom and welcomed families who have used the hub. Food, cake and drinks were shared to thank everyone for their commitment and support.

Founders of Vsi Razom, Ashleigh Toomey and Natalia Vil, said:  

“It has been an amazing year and topped off by a visit from The Princess of Wales, requested by her, to thank us for our work.

“We are grateful to Bracknell Forest Council, The Lexicon and The Kerith Community Church for their continued support and allowing us to provide vital services to Ukrainian people in the borough and back home.

“Vsi Razom means all together and it is so true that all together we are growing our offering to help families from Hong Kong, Syria and Afghanistan too.”

Cllr Mary Temperton, leader of Bracknell Forest Council, said:

“Vsi Razom has made a huge difference to the lives of so many families in Bracknell Forest and I am in awe of what they have achieved.

“The support and selflessness that has been shown, not only by Ashleigh and Natalia, but all the volunteers who have made the past year possible, is overwhelming.

“I can’t wait to see what more wonderful things Vsi Razom achieves and encourage those who need support to reach out.”

For further information or to get involved with Vsi Razom follow them on Facebook.