Together with Dorset Mind we've set up some support and social groups for our Ukrainian guests. These informal groups offer the chance to ask questions, meet new friends and take part in some relaxation techniques.
Free gym memberships
BH Live has pledged support to Ukrainian guests, with free Ukrainian Refugee memberships available.
Ukrainian refugees will need a relevant ID, government letter or biometric resident's permit to apply for membership.
Everyone Active are also offering a free 12 month membership to Ukrainian refugees.
English language resources
The Skills and Learning Adult Community Education provider for Dorset have a webpage dedicated to showing how Ukrainian nationals can enrol onto free English lessons. It also features a tool to translate the whole page into a number of different languages (including Russian, Polish, Ukrainian) and also provides further useful links.
200 free minutes for the Beryl Bike Scheme
Beryl Bikes are offering 200 free minutes to all refugees aged over 16 within the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area.
To claim the free minutes, refugees with will need a smart phone to download the app and add a credit or debit card to the account. Bikes must be locked at the end of their use and returned to a bike bay. If they are not locked and returned, a charge will be applied to the card on the account.
The minutes can also be used on scooters, but there is an unlocking fee that would be charged to the card on the account.
To apply for the 200 minute bundle please email resettlement@bcpcouncil.gov.uk with ‘Beryl Bikes’ in the email. Include the name and address of the person requesting the offer. Once the team have confirmed the applicant's refugee status, a code will be sent to them by email for them to add to their account. We aim to respond within five working days, however during peak times the team will be prioritising the settlement of refugees.