Kate visits Ukrainian families in Bracknell

The Princess of Wales dropped in on a community centre

Author: Tony Jones, PA Court CorrespondentPublished 4th Oct 2023
Last updated 4th Oct 2023

The Princess of Wales has visited a centre supporting Ukrainian families who have settled in the Bracknell area.

Kate began her tour of the Vsi Razom Community Hub by packing donations of essential items such as food, clothes and toiletries with young Ukrainians who have moved to the UK in the last year.

The parcels will be transported to Ukraine, invaded by Russia in 2022, and provide aid to those affected by the conflict in the country.

The Princess of Wales has sent a message of support to Ukraine saying “we are all thinking of you” as she left her handprint on a picture which marked the first anniversary of the Russian invasion.

The princess’s visit coincides with the one-year anniversary of the hub which was set up by Ukrainian Natalia Vil and Ashleigh Toomey from the UK.

The two local women came together to support those affected by the conflict, creating a warm, safe place to help Ukrainian residents settle into life in the Bracknell area, with the Ukrainian name Vsi Razom meaning “all together” in English.

The Princess of Wales meeting Ukrainians living in the Bracknell area

Kate also heard from volunteers about the different services the hub, based in the Lexicon shopping centre, provides and joined an arts and crafts session with local children.

The sessions provide a vital lifeline for displaced Ukrainians to find support and advice and build friendships in their local community.

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