The project
In 2022, Ukrainians began settling in Bristol under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. Good Faith responded by developing and coordinating a series of Welcome Hubs located in local faith and community venues. Four years on, this project has adapted to the changing needs of the cohort. What has remained consistent is that the Ukraine cohort deeply value distinct spaces of sanctuary, where they can connect with other Ukrainians and receive support in integration.
Welcome Hubs are distinct safe spaces for the Ukrainian community to connect. There are currently nine Welcome Hubs hosted in churches across Bristol with varying offers. Maintaining a strong Welcome Hub infrastructure is key to communicating an ongoing warm welcome, and offering an infrastructure for support, engagement and integration for new arrivals. As Ukrainian people have moved into the private rental sector, got jobs and built their own social networks, they can’t always regularly attend Welcome Hubs as they did at first. We have encouraged Welcome Hubs to develop and expand their offer of popular trips. This provides special opportunities for Welcome Hub networks to reunite and explore beyond Bristol. City-wide events also have a similar set of goals. These events also act as entry points for members of the Ukraine community who have not previously engaged with Welcome Hubs.
Impact in April 2026
44%
of Ukrainians in Bristol attend one or more of the nine Welcome Hubs
98%
of visitors would strongly recommend a Welcome Hub to a friend
“The welcoming atmosphere of the hubs gives me feelings of safety and support. It is a place where me and my son can meet other Ukrainians and have a relaxing chat with a cuppa, to share our pains with others and have a chance to get support. My son and I are isolated (no relatives, no friends), the hubs are really appreciated, and we always look forward to visiting them. It works for us as a kind of therapy which improves our mental health.”