Havant Borough Council has agreed to town twin with Yavoriv Raion Council in Western Ukraine, which will result in increased cultural links between the residents of both council areas.
Town twinning will help to enhance community cohesion and promote cultural understanding between both Havant Borough and Yavoriv Raion, giving an opportunity to share problems, exchange views and understand different viewpoints.
During a recent Cabinet meeting, Councillor Alex Rennie, Leader of the Council, said: “There have been a number of towns and cities across the country that have started to twin with towns and cities in Ukraine, showing support for them during their dark hour.
“I am passionate in supporting Ukraine and their cause, and I am keen to move forward with a Havant-Ukraine twinning association that can hopefully bring together some of our local Ukrainian community.”
The Leader attended the official twinning ceremony in Yavoriv on 22 November to commemorate the agreement.
After the ceremony, the Leader joined civic leaders and laid candles to remember the Ukrainian Holodomor and pay respects to those who lost their lives.
Havant is currently twinned with Landkreis Wesermarsch in Northern Germany. By expanding the twinning community to include Yavoriv, there are hopes of fostering future relationships with the Ukrainian community.
The borough already has strong links with many Ukrainian families, and supports those who have fled from Ukraine and are being hosted here.
Havant Borough Council hosts regular drop-in events, provides free English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes, supports the very successful Two Colours Ukrainian choir and works with various supporting agencies to help the transition into a new country.
If you want to offer support to Ukrainian families in need you can become a sponsor through the Homes for Ukraine scheme. To find out more information and to record your interest visit www.gov.uk/register-interest-homes-ukraine. Check out our YouTube channel to hear from those already hosting.
Alternatively, you can also send aid donations. Equipment for schools, such as laptops and books, are particularly important. If you have any donations, please email Alex.Rennie@havant.gov.uk