Volunteers from Southport Rotary Club have brought armfuls of donations to the new Ukraine United venture in Southport.
This brand new Community Space and Charity Shop is opening at 127 Eastbank Street in Southport town centre, run by members of the town’s Ukrainian community.
They have a long way to go, and are keen for any support to get up and running.
The front of the space will be a charity shop, selling good-quality clothes, toys, books, kitchenware, home décor and more.
The rear of the building is being converted into a community space where over 500 members of the Ukrainian community in the town – and those living elsewhere in the region – can come to learn English, form friendships, and enjoy 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.
On Saturday, 14 members of Southport Rotary headed to Ukraine United with bags of donations that can be sold in the charity shop, while giving their good wishes to those operating the venue.
Keith Mitchell from Southport Rotary Club said:
“We have always done what we can to support the families who have had to flee their homes due to the war in Ukraine.
“It’s a heartbreaking situation for them to be in, with still no end to the war in sight.
“We admire their courage, their resilience and their determination to open this new charity shop and community space to provide much-needed help to Ukrainian families in Southport and the surrounding areas.
“At this desperate time, our European neighbours deserve our support and our friendship.
“There is a large Ukrainian community here in Southport, with people living their lives as best as they can during a time of huge uncertainty.
“We are delighted to see that they have now got this new Ukraine United charity shop and community space, which will make such a positive difference to the lives of adults and children.
“We have been pleased to be able to do what we can to get them going, but there is still lots to be done!
“We will continue to ask them what they need and what we can do as they take their next steps towards getting this space ready.
“This project is being led by Nina Karestka, who is a very impressive woman, who does what she does in a very dignified and determined way.
“If anyone locally is able to lend a hand, they would be grateful for any support.”
Nina Karetska said:
“We have lots of things we want to do with our community space.
“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 almost ready, and we would really appreciate help spreading the word so that local people can perhaps donate items to help us fill the shop.
“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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