Opening of Ukrainian Community Group Centre in South Ayrshire

That this House congratulates the Ukrainian Community Group South Ayrshire (UCG), a charity, on the opening of the Ukrainian Community Group Centre, in Ayr, which was officially opened by Mr Yevhen Mankovskyi, vice-consul at the Ukrainian Consulate in Edinburgh, on Friday 15 March 2024; notes the Centre will provide the more than 350 Ukrainian refugees resident in South Ayrshire fleeing from conflict with a safe place, where they can take part in numerous individual and collective activities including supporting families displaced by the devastating conflict in Ukraine, promoting language skills, social inclusion, new friendships, and facilitating mental health and wellbeing; further notes the outstanding contribution of the Management Committee and volunteers who have made this possible; recognises the benefits of such a Centre in providing support to maintain and reconnect with Ukrainian cultural ties and identities whilst integrating with the local community; further recognises and thanks local businesses, volunteer fundraisers, the National Lottery Community Fund, South Ayrshire HSCP and The Scottish Government Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund locally allocated through VASA, for substantial funding for this project; notes the Ukraine Community Centre in Ayr stands as a symbol of hope, resilience, and unity, offering a sanctuary for Ukrainian refugees in South Ayrshire to come together, share their stories, and support each other through the challenges of displacement and the ongoing crisis in their homeland; and, finally, reconfirms that the people of South Ayrshire, Scotland and the United Kingdom stand in unity and solidarity with the people of Ukraine.