CAERPHILLY – A heartwarming gathering took place in Morgan Jones Park, bringing together representatives of the Ukrainian community, local residents, and Welsh officials in a renewed demonstration of the strong bonds of friendship and solidarity. Participants planted flowers together in the Ukrainian “Gratitude Orchard,” shared traditional food, and discussed the importance of integration programmes for newly arrived families.
The event was attended by Welsh Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt and Caerphilly’s Labour candidate Richard Tunnicliffe. Alongside representatives of the Ukrainian community, including Yuliia Bond, the singer Lietta and her mother Iryna, and other community members, they took part in a symbolic flower planting. This act served as a sign of hope and a shared commitment to a peaceful future.
During the meeting, guests had the opportunity to taste traditional Ukrainian pancakes with cottage cheese filling (nalysnyky), adding an atmosphere of home comfort and cultural exchange to the event.
The Ukrainian Gratitude Orchard has become a special place for the community. Earlier this year, a memorial tree was planted here by a Ukrainian woman in memory of her husband who was killed in the war. The site unites Welsh and Ukrainian friends, host families, and neighbours, who gather to support one another through difficult times.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss the Nation of Sanctuary programme and its positive impact. Participants noted that this initiative plays a key role in helping Ukrainians integrate into Welsh society. It was highlighted that the programme supports:
- Family Support: It provides assistance with learning English and Welsh (ESOL classes), which is the first step towards adaptation and communication.
- Employment: It helps people find work, filling vacancies, supporting local businesses, and strengthening the Welsh economy.
- Professional Support: It facilitates the retraining of specialists, such as refugee doctors, who go on to strengthen the National Health Service (NHS).
- Support for Children: It offers psychological support to children who have experienced trauma, helping them to recover.
The event in Morgan Jones Park demonstrated that support and investment in integration create stronger, more cohesive communities and benefit society as a whole. The newly planted flowers will serve as a living reminder of friendship, gratitude, and a shared belief in a bright future.
