Supporting Ukrainian refugees through clothes and community 

Pershore Baptist Church has teamed up with others to set up a free clothing bank for Ukrainian refugees – and is keen to develop contacts across the country with people doing similar, or wanting to do so  

The church in Worcestershire began collecting clothes when it noticed Ukrainian refugees were becoming more regular visitors to its Community Cupboard, a food project set up during the pandemic.  

Over time it began to meet some of the host families and discovered they had been meeting other hosts and Ukrainians in coffee shops to offer support and friendship to one another.  

Hearing this, the Baptist church offered them free use of its building and refreshments to cut down costs. This was also an opportunity for people to look through the clothing that had been donated.  

One of the host families, Keiran Bingle, whose wife works in the local council offices, commented that it may be a bit degrading for the Ukrainians having to rummage through piles of clothing. He wanted to set up a free charity shop for Ukrainians in the area.  

Wychavon District Council subsequently donated use of its building to host the clothing bank. Called the 'Worcestershire Ukrainian Clothes Bank', it opens at different times in the week.  

The Ukrainian community get together still happens every Thursday afternoon at the Baptist church, alongside basic English speaking lessons offered by the general community of Pershore.  

Keiran (left) and Pershore minister James Martin (right) are now keen to connect with others interested in this response to Ukrainian refugees, and have recorded a video to explain more. 

James said, ‘Since the clothing bank has been established, we have received enquiries from Scotland, London, Wales, and the South Coast amongst many others, asking if there are similar things in their areas.  

‘It is clear that there is no established network of similar support, so Keiran and I are trying to develop contacts and links to be able to signpost people to the nearest support projects to them.  

‘We are also happy to talk to anyone interested in starting something similar in their areas.’ 

In the video Keiran explains how the clothing bank brings the Ukrainian community together: not only is it a place to acquire clothes, they can network among themselves and learn bits of useful information through a noticeboard.  

He added, 'If there's anything similar in your area around the country, or if somebody thinks this is a great idea and would like to start something up, do drop James or me a message, and we can give advice or build up a network that we can signpost other people to.’ 

James explained how the offering of the church building and refreshments had been a ‘tremendous blessing’ to all involved.  

‘The costs of visiting coffee shops weekly would have been prohibitive,’ he said. ‘It has also enabled Ukrainians to develop community together and to be a support network for one another and also for the host families.’ 

He highlighted how one particular family had spoken of the church being the first people to give them a welcome, other than her host family.

‘We became friends and would see Julia and her children attend our toddler group and church services. Communication was mainly via Google translate, but she was happy to have friends who cared about her and her family. She asked us to pray for her husband who stayed in Ukraine to fight, but had turned to alcohol because of all he was experiencing.’

Julia and her children have returned to Ukraine to be with her husband. 

The church has helped other Ukrainians find work and encouraged teenagers in their schooling. In this way many ‘have appreciated the kindness and support shown here at the church,’ said James – and that has not gone unnoticed. 

‘Ultimately, our work with the Community Cupboard, the Ukrainian support and the clothing bank has had a significant impact on the perception of our church in the community and wider villages.

‘People have wanted to join in with what we are doing, whether they have a church background or not, and we have a lot of good-will that has been generated in the community as a result.’

To find out more, contact Keiran at keiran.bingle@gmail.com or James at: james.pbcminister@gmail.com