Southampton Ukrainian Support Group is gearing up to hold the first of a string of weekly meet ups to help settle refugees arriving in the area.

The Saturday club, which is set to launch on Easter Saturday (April 16) at The Cricketers Arms in Woolston, will offer connections, youth activities, a tea and coffee morning, emotional support, translation, help with paperwork and signposting to essential services including Citizens Advice Bureau and city council services.

Attendees can join the group, which is made up of English, Ukrainian, Russian, Romanian, Polish and Czech volunteers, from midday to 2pm, with the recurring event taking place at the same time each week.

It is hoped that by offering one-to-one support to asylum seekers and refugees arriving from the horrors of Ukraine and creating a social community in the city, it will make the transition to the UK a bit easier.

Donations can be made to help with the start-up costs of the group at gofund.me/e6a61853