Princess of Wales meets displaced families from Ukraine in Reading
The Princess of Wales has visited the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre to meet displaced families from the eastern European country.
The Princess of Wales visited the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre to meet displaced families from the eastern European country.
Kate chatted with families being supported by the centre in Berkshire and heard their stories, and joined children taking part in an art session.
The monthly art workshops allow the Ukrainian children to have fun, build friendships and express their emotions and experiences through a creative outlet.
The centre is home to the Berkshire branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, the largest representative body for Ukrainians and those of Ukrainian descent in the UK.
Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine earlier this year, the community centre has adapted its activities to support Ukrainians arriving in the UK, and deliver medical equipment and humanitarian aid to those on the front line.
During her visit, the princess heard from volunteers about how they have changed their services in recent months.
Work being carried out for the Ukrainian community in Reading has included the delivery of educational classes for children, and running weekly coffee mornings at the centre to provide practical advice and support around topics such as employment and housing.
The sessions also help to establish and solidify social connections and a sense of community, which have been proven to be a vital foundation for positive mental wellbeing.
The Princess is no stranger to the area - her family home is at Bucklebury near Reading and she was born near to the community centre at the Royal Berkshire Hospital.