UKRAINIAN families who have arrived in Worcester after fleeing war can join in a community event at a private school.

Royal Grammar School, Worcester will be opening its doors every other Friday morning from 11am - 12.30pm for Ukrainian families starting this Friday. 

A spokesperson from RGS Worcester said: "The new community event will provide Ukrainian families from across the Worcestershire area and beyond the opportunity to have their own space where they can listen and confide in each other over a cup of tea and cake, with the aim of building a supportive community network in the area.  

"During the event, RGS Worcester will be able to provide some limited translation support and key Worcester Support Services have been contacted in the hope that they will be able to send personnel to offer advice and guidance as required."

The event is being run by the Outreach and Partnership team at RGS and at the moment, pupils will not be involved due to many being on study leave for upcoming exams. 

The spokesperson from RGS added: "Translation support will be provided for conversations between Ukrainian families and their hosts families or however may be required to support conversations between those that attend.

"The person or people translating at the event is being confirmed."

Inspiration for launching this community-based event came from the successful fundraising and charity drive by RGS in which three team members drove to the Ukraine and Romania border to provide essential items for those in need. 

Steve Bradley, Keith Breese and Paul Green made the 1,750-mile journey to buy essentials with over £10,000 raised in their Ukraine appeal.

The staff members travelled to the border to ensure that the right items could be purchased and that the funds raised by the school could be put to good use directly where it is needed.

The staff members undertook this journey over the course of a week.

They left on Monday, April 25 and returned on Sunday, May 1.