Not for Profit
About
Sunflowers Kids Club
For Ukrainian Children in York
I am the Founder and Director of Sunflowers in York – a not-for-profit organisation that supports Ukrainian refugee children and families in York. In July 2022 I set up Sunflowers Kids Club – a nurturing space to help Ukrainian children and their families settle and thrive in York by providing emotional health and well-being activities, as well as integration support.
Since the Club opened its doors 3 years ago, our team of Ukrainian teachers and psychologists has supported for over 300 Ukrainians in York and surrounding areas.
In our Club children, age 0 to 17, have opportunities to learn, express themselves, enhance their emotional well-being, make friends and integrate into British society.
We believe that children’s emotional health is essential to their education, quality of life and ability to process change and trauma. Through trips, knowledge exchange, art, mindfulness, Early Years classes and more, we give children the opportunity to express themselves, find friends and make themselves at home in this beautiful city.
You can find out more about our Club on at Sunflowers in York.
Past cheritable endevours
I have previously worked with two wonderful charities, both of which have shaped the way my work has evolved in recent years. Both York Inspirational Kids and Ways to Wellbeing gave me a deeper understanding of different groups of people, allowing me to further tailor my offerings to support them effectively.
York Inspirational Kids
I have delivered mindfulness sessions to children with disabilities and/or additional needs, using a multi-sensory approach to help children stay engaged and have fun.
Using storytelling, props, movement and music, I was able to captivate children’s imaginations, teaching them mindful practices and breathing techniques to help them manage big emotions and feel more grounded.
You can find out more at York Inspirational Kids.
Ways to Wellbeing
Ways to Wellbeing is a service that focuses on increasing access to social prescribing in York. This project is one of the multiple services run by York Centre for Voluntary Services (CVS).
I carry out voluntary mindfulness group sessions for adults who would like to develop their mindfulness skills in order to support their mental health. These sessions, called ‘Breathing Space’, offer participants a space to learn how to be more observant of their thoughts and emotions; feel more grounded through a guided meditation. Participants really appreciate the social aspect of these sessions in a supportive environment.
You can find out more at Ways to Wellbeing.
What They Say
“I am very pleased that I made mindfulness one of those new experiences I tried during the pandemic, as I have found it to be of great benefit to my wellbeing and mental health.
Lena’s guided meditation and reflection during the weekly mindfulness sessions at ‘Breathing Space’ are a real treat for us all. I am sure that I am not the only person in the group that looks forward to Thursday morning! I am certain that these times have been an ‘oasis of calm’ for us all. Having experienced meditation with the group, I now spend some time each day meditating.”
“Sunflowers Kids Club is the only place in York where there is an opportunity for Ukrainian children from different towns and villages around York to meet. Here they can chat, play and get the necessary help and just have fun. It is also a place where mothers can get away from their everyday life, relax and chat. Many interesting events and meetings with different people are held here. Thanks to a good organisation, we travelled a lot and got to know the different landscapes of Yorkshire. I am infinitely grateful to Lena and her team for the organisation and work of the club!”