Salford nursery Kidzrus has been described as “a gift from God” following the work they have done to support Ukrainian families.
The Kidzrus Nursery campaign, located at Salford Quays, has been providing free childcare to Ukrainian refugees to help them settle into Salford.
Director of Kidzrus Nursery Nicola Fleury shared how the campaign came into effect: “During the pandemic we set up Kidzrus family foodbank, which was a great success, and it made such a huge difference”
“We wanted to do something, in terms of supporting and helping Ukrainian families, In Salford.
“It’s been confirmed by Salford Council that there are quite a number of Ukrainian families here. So, we wanted to do something to make a difference, to help them settle into Salford, and feel welcome”.
In fact, as of April the 19th 2022, 64 visas have been granted to Ukrainian refugees in Salford.
Nicola Fleury was recently awarded The Mayors of Salford Citizen award, in response to her ongoing efforts to improve Salfordian living. Kidzrus Nursery now hopes to help new members of the Salford community, reaching out to help those effected by the Ukrainian conflict.
“We’ve launched a campaign whereby we’re offering free childcare to families of Ukrainian children, toddlers, or babies to support them, and in turn, point them in the right direction of college.
FutureSkills college is located near the Media City nursery and offers courses that help individuals progress in a variety of different ways, providing unique courses.
“They have numerus parents of different cultures and nationalities who are undertaking English speaking courses, and so we provide childcare for them. We do the same thing here in terms of Ukrainian families by offering them support and pointing them in the direction of FutureSkills.
This map highlights where the nurseries are located around Greater Manchester, and FutureSkills College location in reference.
To stress the importance of Ukrainian families immersing themselves in the Salford community, the campaign aims to be flexible so that they can provide their most effective service.
“We’ve got quite a few families at the moment, the idea is that we invite families into the setting, and we have a discussion with them to see where and what we can do to support them, how we can accommodate around these families. Just finding the best way to support the children, and the parents”.
One of the families helped by the scheme has three children, aged six months, two years and 12 years old who all had to leave their hometown.
Speaking anonymously, the grandmother, who already had residency in the UK, described the programme, and the support she has received from peers within the nursery as a ‘gift from God’.
“It’s a beautiful place,” she said. “We are so welcomed by everyone here. The children have settled in well and everyone is kind. I feel like it’s a gift from God.”
Nicola also shared how sensitive the situation is for many of these people, and how the UK’s support can make all the difference.
“I think it has been a wonderful response from the UK, and I think that any small business, where possible, can do a little bit because it makes all the difference to these families, they’re so appreciative of it.
“For example, one of the families we’ve recently welcomed, we have just managed to provide them with an iPad so they can communicate with their family back home.
“Its women and children because their husbands and partners, and older sons are having to stay back home and be involved in the war there. It’s the most horrendous thing.”
Whilst the outcome of the Ukrainian crisis is still unknown, the Salford community continues to share their support. for more information on how you can help the Ukrainian crisis, click here.
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