Not for Profit
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 charitable endeavours
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’ 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.
Testimonials
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.”
“I have been doing the mindfulness sessions for over 3 months now and it has become a big part of my life. Lena provides a safe space where we can openly talk about our feelings in these difficult times and support each other with them.
She creates beautiful meditations using visualisations that help us to come out more calm, strong and confident. She also teaches us about being more observant about ourselves and the world around us, to try and avoid judgements.
I noticed that I feel more calm and focused, my mental health has improved despite the uncertainty of covid-19 outbreak and I use the techniques she taught us in my day to day life. I often remind myself of powerful images she created for us and that brings me back to being more grounded even if things get a bit difficult. Thank you Lena!”
© Lena Henderson 2021
(+44) 07701073750, York