Ukraine Appeal Brings to Milton Keynes a Historical Exhibition on the Holodomor Previously Displayed in the UK Parliament
Created by the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, this English‑language exhibition explores the Holodomor of 1932–1933 — the man‑made famine imposed by the Soviet regime that devastated Ukraine and claimed millions of lives.
Ukraine Appeal and Sunflower Showcase Psychological and Educational Projects at the AUTGB Education Conference
Ukraine Appeal and the Education Centre “Sunflower” took part in the Autumn Education Conference organised by the Association of Ukrainian Teachers in Great Britain (AUTGB) in Leicester, where our team presented two psychological support programmes: “Telling My Story” for adults and “Me and the World” for children.
Ukraine Appeal and Sunflower Supplementary School Join National HOPE Campaign
Ukraine Appeal and the Sunflower Ukrainian Supplementary School are joining the national “HOPE – Help Other People Eat” campaign, led by AUGB and AUW, to honour the victims of the Holodomor and support families facing food insecurity today in both the UK and Ukraine. Our community is collecting non‑perishable food for the local Food Bank and raising funds for the “Bake for Ukraine” mobile bakery, which delivers fresh bread to frontline villages in Ukraine.
Ukraine Appeal Awarded the Youth Safe Practice Mark 2026
Ukraine Appeal has been awarded the Youth Safe Practice Mark for 2026, recognising our commitment to creating safe, supportive and well‑governed environments for children and young people. This accreditation reflects the high standards upheld across all our programmes, including the Sunflower Ukrainian Supplementary School, youth wellbeing activities, cultural workshops and community projects.
Ukraine Appeal Co‑Organises the Second Stronger Together Forum in London
On 24 September 2026, leaders of Ukrainian organisations from across the UK gathered in London for the second Stronger Together Forum. Ukraine Appeal participated as a co‑organiser, presenting its psychological support programmes, including Telling My Story for adults. Executive Director Viktoriya Shtanko spoke on identity, youth and education, highlighting the importance of personal recovery for the resilience of Ukrainian communities in Britain.
Heritage Open Days 2026: A Week of Ukrainian Culture, Memory and Community in Milton Keynes
Ukraine Appeal proudly concluded an extraordinary week of events for Heritage Open Days 2026, bringing Ukrainian culture, craft, memory and community spirit to audiences across Milton Keynes. Over 100 participants joined Ukraine Appeal’s programme and experienced Ukrainian heritage first‑hand — through art, craft, food, storytelling, wellbeing and performance. Throughout the week, visitors took part in workshops, exhibitions, theatre and heritage activities that showcased the richness, resilience and beauty of Ukrainian traditions.
Computers for school in Ukraine
Ukraine Appeal has delivered another high‑impact project supporting education in Ukraine. Through a collaboration with Professor Michael Mainelli, Z/Yen Group and Tech 4 Reuse, refurbished computers are being sent to Lyceum No. 2 in Pokrovsk, enabling pupils and teachers to continue learning despite the ongoing war. Building on this success, partners have committed to providing 40 additional laptops, strengthening our long‑term support for Ukrainian children and advancing our mission to deliver practical, life‑changing aid.
Ukrainian young people take part in Milton Keynes Armed Forces Flag Raising
Sunflower Ukrainian Supplementary School proudly joined the Milton Keynes Armed Forces Day Flag Raising, where pupil Melaniia Borysenko read the poem “Peace in Our Time,” symbolising unity, gratitude, and shared hope between the UK and Ukraine.
Ukraine Appeal Appoints Ife Thomas as Ambassador for Wellbeing Programme Supporting Ukrainians Displaced by War
Ukraine Appeal is proud to announce the appointment of a new Ambassador for Telling My Story, the charity’s pioneering mental health and wellbeing programme for Ukrainians displaced by war. Author, TEDx speaker, neurodiversity expert, and creator of the Three Mirrors Framework Ife Thomas has shared why she chose to become an ambassador for the programme.
Ukraine Appeal Launches Mental Health and Wellbeing Programme for Ukrainians Displaced by War
Ukraine Appeal has launched Telling My Story, a culturally informed mental health and wellbeing programme supporting Ukrainians displaced by war. Developed in partnership with Recovery & Wellbeing College at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL), the six‑week course helps participants build resilience, confidence, and community connection.
Vyshyvanka Runway Transforms Milton Keynes into a Living Artwork
Vyshyvanka Runway: The Code of Identity transformed Milton Keynes city centre into a vibrant living artwork created by the Ukrainian community. More than 100 displaced women and children crafted 30 embroidered tapestries representing all regions of Ukraine, turning the city into a powerful celebration of culture, identity, and unity. This unique street‑art installation by Ukraine Appeal highlights the resilience of Ukrainians in the UK and the strength of community, heritage, and shared memory.
Ukraine Appeal CEO Represents Our Community at the Royal Garden Party
Ukraine Appeal CEO Viktoriya Shtanko was honoured to represent the Ukrainian community at the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, a prestigious event recognising individuals who make a positive impact in the UK. Her invitation highlights the growing contribution of Ukrainians in Milton Keynes and the important work of our charity supporting families, culture, and community resilience.
Ukraine Appeal Shortlisted for MK Community Foundation Charity Awards
Ukraine Appeal has been shortlisted as a finalist in the MK Community Foundation Charity Awards 2026 in the Arts & Heritage category. This recognition highlights our cultural, educational, and community work in Milton Keynes and the positive impact we’ve made over the past year.
40 Years Since the Chornobyl Disaster: Remembrance Day in Milton Keynes (VIDEO)
Milton Keynes marks 40 years since the Chornobyl disaster with a community remembrance event honouring victims and promoting peace. Organised by Viktoriya Shtanko on behalf of Ukraine Appeal, Sunflower Ukrainian School, and the Ukrainian community in Milton Keynes, in partnership with the MK Peace Pagoda and The Parks Trust.
Ukrainian Saturday School “Sunflower” Receives Official Status from the Ministry of Education of Ukraine
The Ukrainian Saturday School “Sunflower” in Milton Keynes has been officially recognised by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine as an overseas educational centre. This status confirms that students’ Ukrainian‑language, literature and history studies will now be formally accredited in Ukraine, strengthening educational continuity for families abroad.
High Sheriff Honours Ukraine Appeal’s CEO
Ukraine Appeal Executive Director Viktoria Shtanko has received an honorary High Sheriff’s Award in recognition of her service to the community. During the award ceremony, Viktoria thanked the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, Pippa Kirkbride, for this significant recognition.
Supporting Ohmatdyt: How Our Community Turned Compassion Into Action
Ukraine Appeal and Ukrainian community in Milton Keynes donated £500 to support Ohmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv through a community‑led fundraiser and emergency appeal. Thanks to donations from our “Andriyivski Vechornytsi” charity performance, additional contributions after the missile attack on the hospital, and the commitment of our volunteers, essential medicines have now been purchased and delivered. This joint effort by the Milton Keynes Ukrainian community, Sunflower School, and our partners in Ukraine shows how compassion and unity can bring real help to children in need.
Ukraine Appeal Charity Delivers Christmas Hope to Children’s Hospitals in Kyiv
Ukraine Appeal CIO and the Sunflower Ukrainian School helped deliver 110 Christmas parcels to children in Kyiv hospitals, offering comfort during war and treatment. Prepared by the Ukrainian community in Milton Keynes, the gifts highlight the charity’s ongoing humanitarian support for families in Ukraine.
Andriivski Vechornytsi in Milton Keynes (PHOTO)
This December, the Ukrainian community of Milton Keynes, together with Ukraine Appeal, gathered for a fun and colourful celebration of Andriivski Vechornytsi — one of the most beloved youth traditions that has been part of Ukrainian culture for centuries. See photos from our vibrant celebration, uniting young people — and all who feel young at heart — through Ukrainian traditions, music, and festive fun.
Living Archive MK Features Ukraine Appeal CEO Viktoriya Shtanko in “A Museum for a New City”
Living Archive MK spotlights Ukraine Appeal CIO CEO Viktoriya Shtanko, whose story traces her path from Ukraine to Milton Keynes and the founding of a charity supporting displaced families. Her experience highlights MK’s welcoming community and the city’s growing Ukrainian heritage.