Key workers are on hand to support Ukrainian nationals who are looking to find employment and education in the UK

As Eurovision-fever hits Liverpool this week and thousands of people descend on the city, United for Ukraine key workers, Marianna and Okszana, have been invited to the Eurovision Village to join the celebrations and be on hand to support Ukrainian nationals who are looking to find employment and education in the UK.

Key workers Okszana and Marianna will set-up-stall in the ‘Discover Ukraine’ section of the Eurovision Village – it’s a dedicated zone celebrating Ukrainian creatives, with European food and drink on offer across the site. It makes it a perfect spot to catch the attention of the many thousands of Ukrainian refugees who’ll be attending the Eurovision events and the Grand Final itself.

United for Ukraine, set up shortly after the war broke out, aims to connect Ukrainian refugees with high quality employment, training opportunities, and support services in the region. The initiative is a coalition brought together at the request of leaders from the region, including North West Business Leadership Team (NWBLT), the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, The Growth Company, and with support from the NP11 group of Local Enterprise Partnerships and leading regional businesses. To date, the initiative has helped 201 people into employment.

The initiative offers a crucial point of contact through its two Key Workers. Their services and employment and education advice are truly making a difference – it’s a vital part in the refugee’s introduction to the UK. Okszana and Marianna, both formerly from Ukraine, provide the day-to-day support services for United for Ukraine andlisten to and advise Ukrainian refugees. Their inclusion in the Eurovision festivities is a nod to the unity of both British and Ukrainian nationals to support those who need it most.

As a thank you for their continued support and dedication for the Ukrainian community, on Saturday 13 May, their final day at the Eurovision Village, Okszana and Marianna have been invited to attend a special gala dinner at the Pullman, Liverpool.

Okszana Nepijvoda, Key Worker on United for Ukraine, said:

“I’m looking forward to spending three days at the Eurovision Village and I hope to meet lots of Ukrainians there and help them out. 

“I watch Eurovision with my family every year and I’ve always dreamed of attending the Grand Final. When it was announced it would be held in the UK, I knew I wanted to be there. It’s an indescribable feeling that’s difficult to put into words. I’m so grateful for the invitation – it’s something I’ll remember forever.”

Marianna Vaszilyiv, Key Worker on United for Ukraine, said:

“We’ll proudly be able to support our fellow citizens with their needs, such as employment and education. It’s also an excellent opportunity to promote United for Ukraine and establish new connections – creating and enhancing our network in the Liverpool City Region.

“Through Eurovision, it’s a great chance to showcase the beauty of Ukrainian voices and talents, as well as share our culture with the rest of the world. It’s a unique opportunity to demonstrate the bravery and resilience of our country.”

United for Ukraine will be represented at the Eurovision Village on Wednesday 10 May, Friday 12 May and Saturday 13 May.

For more information about the initiative and to share job opportunities, visit the website here.