It’s been a while since our last newsletter in January, and since then we have been busy with existing and new initiatives supporting the RRN community, which we’re excited to share with you in this short project update.
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Over summer, external evaluations were undertaken for 3 of our programmes: Afghan ESOL provision, Ukrainian ESOL provision, and the Youth Discovery NEST project. The evaluations are overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating the unique benefits of each initiative, with several key recommendations to take forward as we continue to develop these programmes. Overall, the evaluations really give a sense of the warmth and welcomingness of our bespoke, small group programmes, how well they are tailored to the communities’ needs, the impact they are having on people’s confidence and wellbeing, and how they contribute to community building at the local level.
Amina, who participated in the Afghan ESOL classes, shared the impact the sessions have had on her: “The class gave me confidence, conversation is easier”.
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It’s been a while since our last newsletter in January, and since then we have been busy with existing and new initiatives supporting the RRN community, which we’re excited to share with you in this short project update.
Young Ukrainian Programme
Following a series of pilot drop-in sessions for young Ukranians in the Petersfield area in April-July 2025, RRN has successfully secured funding from East Hampshire Council to continue this initiative. We will be running 5 activity sessions between September and January for young people to take part in sports, practical skills, arts, and games once a month.
Youth Discovery Programme
Young people and their guardians have already shared positive feedback on the programme. One participant related how the activities help young people to settle in to their new home, while others emphasised how the sessions improve their wellbeing and sense of connection:
“[G]oing to London and seeing the tourist spots and things like that, helped me understand better the history of the country.”
“I feel relaxed when I see all my friends here and enjoy talking with each other and feeling confident when I talk in English.”
Fundraising campaign
RRN still needs support to continue our vital work of supporting newly arrived refugees families and our employment/volunteering programme. Thank you so much to those have already generously donated. If you haven’t yet, please consider donating if you are able, and share widely!
Thank you to everyone who donated to our Big Give appeal in June – this campaign was essential in enabling RRN to pilot programmes which respond to new local needs.
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We are incredibly grateful to our donors for their generous donations, and to our brilliant programme staff and volunteers for their support in implementing these projects to such high quality. We would also like to extend a big thank you to all our volunteers who continue to help us to support newly arrived families, prepare accommodation, assist with employment/volunteering, and so much more!
We are incredibly grateful to our donors for their generous donations, and to our brilliant programme staff and volunteers for their support in implementing these projects to such high quality. We would also like to extend a big thank you to all our volunteers who continue to help us to support newly arrived families, prepare accommodation, assist with employment/volunteering, and so much more!
Pictures from our Youth Discovery Project outings, and Ukrainian ESOL ladies group visit to Staunton park and end-of-year celebrations.