To whom it may concern,

We, the undersigned members of the local Ukrainian community, wish to express our strong concern regarding the potential redundancy of Kate Kennedy.

For the past four years, since the creation of the local support hub for Ukrainians, Kate has played a central role in helping individuals and families settle, integrate, and rebuild their lives. She has personally supported many of us with housing, employment, education, healthcare, and navigating life in a new country during an extremely difficult time.

Beyond practical support, Kate has provided vital emotional support that has significantly helped the mental health and wellbeing of many Ukrainians who have experienced the trauma of war and forced displacement.

Additionally, her warm and welcoming attitude is deeply important to our community. Many of us have lost not only our homes, but also family members and relatives. Kate has shown exceptional compassion, finding ways to support each person individually, and in many ways she has become like a member of our extended family. She is exactly the kind of person we wish to see continuing in our support hub.

Kate knows our community personally. She understands our circumstances, challenges, and needs. Her knowledge, experience, and trusted relationships cannot easily be replaced. The possible loss of her role would create a serious gap in support and would negatively affect the stability, wellbeing, and mental health of many Ukrainian families in the area.

We respectfully ask that all possible options be explored to retain Kate Kennedy in a role that allows her to continue supporting the Ukrainian community she has helped build and sustain.

Her contribution over the past four years has been essential to the successful integration, confidence, and stability of many Ukrainians, and we strongly believe her continued presence is vital for our community’s future.

Signed by members of the local Ukrainian community: