On Saturday, 19 July, 2025, Monmouthshire County Council met with the Monmouthshire Ukrainian Group in Chepstow (MUGiC) at the Upcycle Café in the town.
The community engagement event was well attended and allowed the group to discuss some of the issues and challenges they are currently facing.
People talked about specific needs, ranging from inclusion to community safety and bullying in schools.
Members of the MUGiC talked about:
- How they felt part of the local community
- Community safety
- Mental health
- The need for language classes
- Validation of foreign qualification is an issue – highly skilled individuals are unemployed or doing low skilled jobs
- The need for employment workshops focusing on CV writing, interview techniques, completing application forms etc
- The desire to organise trips which celebrate Welsh heritage and culture
- Support starting a business
Above all, many people are still uncertain about their futures in the UK.
Issues such as immigration status, completing education and continuation of medical treatment were all cited as reasons for uncertainty.
Monmouthshire County Council will analyse all the information from our engagement event and give feedback to the group on how we can support some of the issues and challenges.
Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, Angela Sandles, said: “Community engagement events like these are a great way to meet and listen to members of our communities.
“We will take on board the points made by the attendees at the Upcycle Café.
“We may not be able to help with every aspect, but we can certainly signpost to relevant professionals and organisations. We will look to help the group with project planning and cohesion events.
“I would like to thank the members of MUGiC for taking the time to meet with us.”
Tags: Chepstow, Ukraine