Published on Monday 28 February 2022
Statement from Councillor Bobbie Dove, Portfolio Holder for Equality, Community Safety and Regulatory Services.
"The towns of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are a proud, multi-racial region, which includes people from Ukraine, who are very much part of our community.
Our hearts and thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, their family and friends living in our area, and all of those affected by the current crisis.
In an act of solidarity, BCP Council will be joining government organisations around the world to display the blue and yellow flag of Ukraine, at the Civic Centre in Bournemouth.
We will also be exploring other ways to express our support over the coming days and weeks.
I have personally been speaking directly with representatives from our local Ukrainian community to ensure we understand how we can help during this very worrying time.
Like me, I am sure you have been moved by the overwhelming response from people in our community to provide the essentials to our friends from the Ukraine.
May I extend our deepest thanks to everyone who has been working tirelessly collecting items for those who have been displaced and are fleeing from conflict.
I’d like to reassure Ukrainian nationals and those of Ukrainian descent in our community, that we will do everything we can to assist those who need our help and support.
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the conflict and we hope the situation will be resolved peacefully soon."
How BCP Council is taking action
BCP Council is yet to have formal discussions with Home Office colleagues about the situation unfolding in Ukraine as we await to hear what might be required of us locally as part of a national response.
As soon as the Government position is clear, we will do our upmost to engage and lend our support where we can.
In the meantime, our teams are working closely with and supporting the Polish community who are collecting items for people in the Ukraine who have been displaced and are fleeing from conflict.
We will also be working closely with the DLUHC (Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities) and the LGA (Local Government Association) to do everything we can to support those who need help and support and we will continue to monitor the situation.
In response to the crisis in Ukraine, BCP Council is also reviewing its contracts and pensions suppliers. A full statement on this can be viewed here.