The new Ukraine United charity shop is opening in Southport town centre today (Sunday 1st November 2026).
The shop, at 127 Eastbank Street, will be open between 10am and 4pm, with all welcome.
It is being operated by local Ukrainian volunteers.
It will sell good-quality clothes, toys, books, kitchenware, home décor and more. Donations are welcome.
Nina Karetska from Ukraine United said: “This is a new space, a new beginning and a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together.
“Come and celebrate with us! We would love to see you.”
The volunteers are also busy converting the area to the rear of the building into a much-needed community space for the local Ukrainian families.
It will be a place where they can improve their English, connect with each other, and offer art and craft activities for children.
The full-scale Ukraine War started in February 2022, when Russian troops invaded.
Many families fled their homes to seek refuge elsewhere, with no idea when they will be able to return home – or if they will have homes they can return to.
The Ukraine United project is being led by Ukrainian mum Nina Karetska, whose daughter was just 8 months old when they left their homeland – she is now five years old.
Nina won the Sefton Diversity and Inclusion Award sponsored by Sefton Council at the Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards in 2025 for her tireless work organising the annual Ukrainian Day celebration at The Atkinson in Southport and for her other community work.
Nina, a talented photographer and artist, also organises other well-attended events that bring families together while also sharing Ukrainian art, food, dance, songs and culture with people locally.
Nina Karetska said: “Our idea is to create a welcoming, inclusive community hub – a place that offers practical and emotional support, English classes, cultural events, children’s activities, and wellbeing sessions. It will help families to integrate into local life while also preserving Ukrainian culture and identity.
“The centre will be open to everyone, encouraging friendship and understanding between Ukrainians and the wider Sefton community. It will host workshops, coffee mornings, and cultural exchange events, providing opportunities for volunteering and collaboration.
“We are trying to improve the space whenever we can between work, while trying to fund the work that’s needed through some of our wages.
“We would love to hear from anyone who can offer us any support, whether it’s through volunteering, or bringing in donations for our charity shop, or donating via our fundraising page
“Any donations will go towards the rent we pay on this building, towards the improvements we are looking to make, and the events we are keen to organise.
“There are around 500 Ukrainians living in Southport at the moment; there are lots of Ukrainian children who are being taught in local schools.
“We are very grateful for the very warm welcome we have received since we have been here in Southport.
“We really need this space. We need somewhere where we can all come together. People need support and we can help to provide that here.
“In the future, this will be a really good facility – we are very excited about the possibility of what it can be.
“Our charity shop is ready, and we would really appreciate help spreading the word so that local people can perhaps donate items.
“We are currently looking for good-quality clothing for women, men and children, shoes, toys, books, kitchenware, home décor and small electrical appliances in working condition.
“We’re doing our best to make this space welcoming for Ukrainians and the wider community, but we still have a lot of work ahead of us.
“Any support in sharing our news would mean a lot to us.”
- Ukraine United is at 127 Eastbank Street in Southport town centre. For more details email: southport.ukraine@gmail.com or visit: ukraine-united.co.uk
- You can donate via the Ukraine United fundraising page: Ukrainian Centre Southport
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