Dear Leadership of Wirral Change,
Dear Chief Executive of Wirral Council,
Dear Representatives of the UK Government,

We, the undersigned members and supporters of the Ukrainian community residing in Birkenhead and the wider Wirral area, respectfully submit this urgent appeal regarding the proposed redundancy of two key Ukrainian support workers currently employed by Wirral Change.

This decision raises serious concerns due to the critical role these individuals play in supporting a highly vulnerable group of approximately 90 Ukrainian nationals, the majority of whom are elderly and have been forcibly displaced as a result of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

These support workers are not merely employees; they are essential cultural and linguistic mediators who provide indispensable assistance with integration, communication, and psychological adaptation. Their work directly contributes to:

- reducing social isolation,
- supporting mental health and emotional stability,
- facilitating access to public services,
- and enabling basic participation in community life.

Given the age profile and trauma experienced by many members of this group, the removal of trusted, native-language support would likely result in significant deterioration in wellbeing, increased dependency on emergency services, and further marginalisation.

We are particularly concerned in light of similar closures or reductions of Ukrainian support services in nearby areas such as Liverpool, which have already left many individuals without adequate assistance. The potential loss of support in Birkenhead risks creating a complete absence of structured aid for this community across the region.

We respectfully urge you to:

1. Reconsider the proposed redundancies of the Ukrainian support staff at Wirral Change;
2. Conduct a full impact assessment of the consequences this decision will have on vulnerable displaced persons;
3. Explore alternative funding arrangements or restructuring options that would allow these essential services to continue;
4. Engage directly with the Ukrainian community to better understand their needs before implementing any changes.

We believe that this request aligns with the United Kingdom’s broader commitments to humanitarian protection, community cohesion, and support for those displaced by conflict.

Failure to maintain this support infrastructure may not only undermine integration efforts but also contradict established principles of safeguarding vulnerable populations.

We sincerely hope for your understanding and immediate reconsideration of this matter.

Yours faithfully,
Arsentii Bazakutsa  / On behalf of the Ukrainian community in Birkenhead
arsentiysp@gmail.com