Who we are

Blue and Yellow Cup is a vibrant community space designed to support Ukrainian refugees in the Oxfordshire area. Founded in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, our mission is to provide a sense of home and community for those who have been displaced.

This is not a place only to buy delicious coffee but somewhere to learn about Ukrainian culture, connect with new people and take part in lots of fund cultural events and activities.

Our founder Yuliia escaped from her home city of Chernihiv in Northern Ukraine as the first rockets were fired across the border from Russia at the beginning of the war. It is her experience as a refugee being far from home that inspired the need for the Blue and Yellow Cup cafe.

Statistics which are important to this project

• Around 174,000 people had moved to the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme and Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme as of 9 May 2023.
• As of 31 March 2023, 72% of adult arrivals under the Ukraine Family Scheme and Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme were women, and 29% of all arrivals were under 18.
• 50 Ukrainian refugees who took part in our survey shared that they feel lonely, like they were strangers in Britain.

What we're trying to do

Our mission is to create a welcoming space where Ukrainian refugees preserve their roots and develop language skills to enable them to integrate and embrace their heritage.

Hosting events for Ukrainian refugees in the coffee shop not only provides them with a welcoming space but also allows others in the community to learn about Ukrainian culture and connect with those who are new to the area.

Our service provides:

• A dedicated Ukrainian community hub, offering familiarity and a sense of home for Ukrainians abroad.
• Access to cultural items and events that celebrate Ukrainian traditions, fostering a sense of belonging.
• Various Ukrainian events for both Ukrainians and individuals from other nationalities interested in Ukrainian culture, providing entertainment and fun.
• Opportunities for individuals from other nationalities to support and engage with the Ukrainian community.

Why it's important

Ukrainians long for a sense of belonging to their homeland and seek a community where they can feel at home. Additionally, individuals from other nationalities interested in Ukrainian culture desire opportunities to experience Ukrainian traditions and values through exhibitions, concerts, and cultural events.

The data for research carried out by University of Oxford and migration observatory:

More than half (52%) of adults surveyed who entered the UK under the Ukraine schemes said they intend to live in the UK most of the time, even when they feel it is safe to return to Ukraine.

Of the roughly five million people who had left Ukraine for European countries as of 9 May 2023, 4% had gone to the UK.

How you can help

We need your support to continue providing this vital community service. Your contributions will help us:

• Organise cultural events and activities that celebrate Ukrainian heritage.
• Maintain and improve our community space to make it even more welcoming.
• Provide language classes and other educational resources to aid integration.
• Support our outreach efforts to connect with more Ukrainian refugees and community members.

Our budget for a pilot project

Venue: £300

Hiring musicians: £100

Equipment: £300

Coffee & food: £200

Personal expenses inc. travel: £30

Promotional flyers: £50

Event photographer: £100

Overheads 20%: £280

Total: £1296