Space @ The Broomhouse Hub and the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) on Tuesday welcomed community members and government officials to the premiere of the documentary Scottish Hands for Ukrainians: How the ‘Living and Working in Scotland’ Project Helped Ukrainian Refugees Rebuild their Life.
The film—directed by Serhii Leschenko, with contributions from the programme’s working group—highlights Space’s two-year-long Living and Working in Scotland Project, which helped Ukrainians rebuild their lives in a new country.
Hazel Lyons, Living and Working in Scotland Project Worker, said:
“The Living and Working in Scotland project has been such a success and one that I’m most proud of. I found out through talking to Ukrainians that their main barriers were confidence levels, mental health, and limited English skills, as well as little or no work experience in this country. So, I wanted to do something to help.
“I’m so proud of the Ukrainians I have worked with. They have achieved so much. I see that their confidence has improved, and they have made many friends through their interactions. Although the project has ended, we will stay in touch and hope Space will get more funding to run the project again.”
Basya Volodarskaya, Living and Working in Scotland Project participant, said:
“My life drastically changed when I came to Space to help as a volunteer photographer and videographer. I’m a military chaplain volunteer from Ukraine; I frequently went to the frontline. Because of that, I now suffer from panic attacks, intense headaches, migraines, and I walk with crutches; I have serious back and leg problems with constant pain.
“When I first met Hazel and her team, they welcomed me like family, I realised that even with my health issues, I am welcome here. They offer me care and psychological support. When I simply started showing up, they smiled at me from the doorway. I felt their genuine joy to see me, and I knew I could serve through my talents and gifts. I saw that I wasn’t alone—there are others here, too: people in wheelchairs, people with mental health struggles.”
Scottish Hands for Ukrainians details the challenges faced by refugees from Ukraine, forced to find sanctuary due to the ongoing war with Russia. It draws attention to their journeys—from arriving in Scotland after February 2022 to present day, having made huge strides to integrate into Scotland’s capital city, whilst preserving and sharing their own cultural heritage through things like the formation of a choir to sing traditional Ukrainian songs.
The film features several stories and interviews with refugees, as well as those who’ve helped them—including project workers from the learning and development team at local charity Space @ The Broomhouse Hub, which delivered the project.
Lyndsey Fischer, Space Learning and Development Manager, said:
“Space @ The Broomhouse Hub and AUGB Edinburgh formed a strong partnership based on a shared vision and an unwavering commitment to supporting Ukrainians who fled the war and settled in Edinburgh. The Living and Working in Scotland project was a huge success, empowering Ukrainians to develop skills for life and work, increasing their wellbeing, and a feeling a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.”
The highly successful Living and Working in Scotland programme supported 45 participants, many of whom entered employment or education, and reached other positive wellbeing destinations.