Meet the incredible Ukranians making Manchester their home

When war ripped through Ukraine, forcing millions to flee their homes, Oksana Nepijvoda knew she couldn’t stand by.

In the face of unimaginable loss, she turned her grief into action, establishing Sunflower Manchester to help those displaced by the conflict.

What began as a response to immediate needs has blossomed into a vital support network for Ukrainian refugees in Greater Manchester.

With compassion and determination, Oksana and her team have worked tirelessly to provide not just aid, but a sense of community for those who have lost everything. The charity is built on the dedication of volunteers who generously give their time and hearts to support good causes.

Sunflower Manchester

When the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, Oksana was working as a teaching assistant at Park View Primary School in Prestwich. The news of the invasion hit her hard. “When the war started, I couldn’t smile, and I was overwhelmed with tears. I left the school that day, feeling numb and unsure of what to do,” she recalled. But within just a few days of the war breaking out, Oksana’s resolve to help crystallised. “By the fourth day, after crying and struggling to understand what was happening, I realised I wanted to help in whatever way was possible.”

Oksana’s connection to her homeland ran deep. She had family scattered across Ukraine, some in occupied areas, and the feeling of helplessness was overwhelming. Driven by a desire to make a difference, she went to the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Cheetham Hill and introduced herself as a volunteer, saying, “Hi, my name is Oksana, and I’ve decided to become a volunteer and help Ukrainians in this war.” This was the beginning of her journey toward creating Sunflower Manchester.

Oksana’s initial efforts were focused on sending humanitarian aid to Ukraine. With the support of the local community, she and other volunteers managed to ship over 70 tons of goods to Ukraine within the first few months of the war. As the months passed, however, a new need arose—refugees fleeing the war and arriving in Greater Manchester. Many of these families had nothing but a few belongings, often carried in backpacks or plastic bags. “About 95% of them were women, many of them single mothers,” said Oksana.

The response from the local community was overwhelming. Donations flooded in—everything from furniture to children’s toys. But it wasn’t just material support that these families needed. Oksana quickly realised that the emotional and practical aspects of resettlement were just as crucial. “We were helping not only with clothing and food but also providing emotional support and guidance. People were often understandably in distress, trying to navigate life in a foreign country,” Oksana explained.

The Sunflower Shop

With the help of the Bury Council, Oksana and her team opened a free shop at the Prestwich Longfield Centre. This was a game-changer for many refugees, who could now come and collect essential items without any cost. “The shop quickly became a hub of support,” Oksana recalled. “Every week, families would come in, and we provided them with clothes, shoes, hygiene products, books, and toys—all donated by the wonderful people of Greater Manchester.”

Over the next year and a half, the Sunflower Shop helped hundreds of families. Many refugees visited regularly, seeking not just material goods but a sense of community and comfort. “They would come to us for practical help, but often it was the emotional support that they appreciated the most,” Oksana reflected.

However, as the situation evolved and refugees began to settle in, the need for the free shop began to lessen. Many had found homes, and jobs, and enrolled their children in schools. But for Oksana and her team, the mission was far from over.

A community centre for Ukrainians

After a year and a half of running the shop, Oksana realised it was time for a new approach. “We didn’t need a shop anymore as such. So we decided to turn it into what we now call the Ukrainian Sunflower Hub,” she explained. The hub is now a thriving community space where refugees and their families can access resources, support, and new opportunities.

Every Saturday, the hub hosts English classes and employability workshops. “We started with 30 Ukrainians, and now we have launched a new group joining us,” Oksana said with pride. The classes help participants improve their English and prepare for the job market, while workshops provide crucial skills like CV writing and job search strategies. “Some people who joined us are already working, but they’re in low-paying jobs like cleaning or kitchen staff. Back home, many were doctors or nurses, but they are doing what they can here,” Oksana explained.

Additionally, Oksana and her team have expanded the hub’s offerings to include fun and therapeutic activities. Every Wednesday, they run chess lessons for children, and they are soon launching dance classes for both children and their mothers. The idea is to create a safe space where families can enjoy activities that promote both mental and physical well-being.

Sunflower Manchester is launching dance classes for adults and kids to deal with anxiety. “Dancing is great for mental health,” Oksana said. “The children will have fun in their own class, while their moms enjoy salsa lessons. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.”

Sunflower Cultural Projects

Culture Vs War

The work of Sunflowers Ukraine, however, doesn’t stop at Greater Manchester. Oksana’s team remains dedicated to supporting those still in Ukraine. “We’re part of a project called ‘Culture Vs War,’ which helps fund Ukrainian hospitals and orphanages,” Oksana shared.
Recently, they sent 1,000 Christmas presents to children in orphanages and to families who lost loved ones in the war. They also work with 10 charities in Ukraine to ensure support reaches those in need.

Sunflower Manchester has been actively involved in the social life of the community in recent years. They have contributed to events such as Prestwich Clough Day, Prestwich Carnival, Christmas Day celebrations, the People of Steel screening event, the Independence Day Festival, and the Chinese New Year. The goal is to engage as many people as possible, spreading joy and a spirit of celebration to those who need it most.

One of the notable parts of the project involved sending large amounts of supplies to soldiers on the front lines and civilians who live not far from the frontline. “We’ve worked with women who have been cooking and baking food for the soldiers for three years now. These women live their lives dedicating their time and resources to helping,” Oksana said.

While Sunflowers Ukraine continues its efforts to help in Ukraine, the challenges for refugees in Greater Manchester remain. “The biggest barrier is the language,” Oksana said.

“About 80% of refugees struggle with the language barrier, and they are adjusting to a new culture, food, and way of life.”

Yet, despite these challenges, Oksana is filled with optimism for the future. “Over time, they are learning English. Many of them can now say simple things, like ‘thank you’ or ‘can I have a coffee’. It’s slow progress, but you have to start somewhere!”

A call for continued support

As the war in Ukraine continues to ravage the country, Oksana is quick to point out that the need for support remains urgent. “The initial wave of support was huge when the war started, but now, as time goes on, people’s attention fades,” she said. “The bombing in Ukraine is relentless, and the people there still need our help.”

For Oksana, the journey of Sunflowers Manchester has been both challenging and rewarding. She is deeply grateful for the support of the local community and proud of the progress made.

But the work is far from over. “Ukraine is too small to fight alone against one of the world’s largest armies,” she says. “We can’t win without the support of Europe and the world, but we continue to fight.”

Oksana and the Sunflower Manchester team are not just offering material aid—they are offering hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging to those who need it most. Their journey is a showcase of the power of community, resilience, and the belief that, together, we can make a difference.

The war is not over yet, and Sunflower Manchester, along with its dedicated team, still needs your support. We ask you to share information about them and reach out to learn more about how you can get involved by clicking here