Ukrainian Impact Day
On 13 May 2025, over 49 people gathered at Worthing Town Hall for Ukrainian Impact Day, a powerful afternoon of reflection, celebration, and connection.
Organised by Community Works, the event marked the end of a dedicated project supporting Ukrainian refugees across Adur & Worthing.
The programme featured voices from across the sector, including West Sussex Mind, Worthing 4 Refugees, Adur Ukraine Support, AVA, and West Sussex County Council’s RRMS. Speakers shared reflections on trauma-informed support, housing challenges, partnership working, and the journey of integration over the past three years.
A moving highlight of the day was the Faces of Resilience photo exhibition, which shared portraits and personal stories from Ukrainians who have rebuilt their lives in Sussex. We also heard heartfelt reflections from local volunteers and host families, and premiered a short film made by the community.
The event celebrated more than just service delivery – it honoured the relationships, shared learning, and collective strength that developed during an incredibly challenging time. Attendees left inspired, emotional, and proud of what had been achieved together.
The project has been run by Iryna Tyazhkorob, our Ukranian Support Coordinator. Iryna shared some of the fantastic feedback that she’s had on the project. Attendee Sue Barnes said, “You have certainly won the hearts of both the voluntary and statutory sector, as well as the Ukrainian people that you work with in this locality.” Local councillor, Hazel Thorpe, said, “Thank you Iryna, you are doing an amazing job in very difficult circumstances.”
Although the formal coordination project has now come to an end, the legacy of this work continues in strengthened local networks, deeper cultural understanding, and a shared commitment to supporting refugees with dignity and care.