The Sunflower Social Club is a community initiative by the Former Players Club. What started as a local initiative in Watford, has since blossomed into a wider support network, supporting families and even still in Ukraine.
Predominantly serving the residents of Hertfordshire, the Sunflower Social Club has extended its reach to offer aid, guidance, and solace to Ukrainian families with support and cultural insight to their welcoming hosts. This support spans crucial aspects of their lives, encompassing housing assistance, employment opportunities, language proficiency enhancement, therapy resources, and a weekly drop-in social club at St Mary’s Church Watford.
The Sunflower Social Club “Hearts in Ukraine and Ukraine in Herts” art exhibition was launched in Parliament, and will run for a week.
Dean Russell MP, who supported this exhibition as a joint initiative with Luther Blissett OBE DL, expressed his pride in being part of such a significant event.
Dean commented, "I was delighted to help arrange this important art exhibition in the UK Parliament. The Sunflower Social Club “Hearts in Ukraine and Ukraine in Herts" exhibition is a testament to the resilience and unity of our communities. It showcases the incredible work being done to support our friends from Ukraine. It is an honour to stand alongside the Sunflower Social Club and Luther Blissett OBE DL and his partner Lauren Fox in championing these initiatives that promote inclusivity, compassion, and solidarity."
Dean would like to extend his thanks to Sir Mike Penning MP and James Sunderland MP who both kindly spoke at the event.
During the evening, there was a live link to Ukraine which really made the event poignant and reminded everyone of how important the bond between the two countries really is.
The exhibition features a stunning array of artwork inspired by the experiences and dreams of the Sunflower Social Club’s “Ukraine artist in residence - Iryna Bazinskya a young mother of 3 whose story is truly remarkable, even magical. She had life changing surgery eight years ago and during recovery, discovered she could paint. Recovering from her surgical trauma released her creativity. Ira has strong visions about what her artwork should be and paints from the soul. Her home is in occupied Ukraine where she was told that her home had been bombed; the only thing remaining was a mirror she had painted and has replicated for the exhibition. The mirror was entirely unscathed.
The exhibition also serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of community and the capacity for individuals to make a positive impact to the lives of others. Following on from their successful conference in February, the Sunflower Social Club will bring together educational experts from Ukraine directed by Alina Medynska who has flown back to the UK just for this event. She will provide a live link to Ukraine to discuss the importance of the new Sunflower Academy which will enable Ukraine children to maintain links to their cultural heritage and children in Ukraine to know that they are not forgotten.
Luther Blissett OBE DL, former England football international whose charity Former Players Club has been the driving force behind the Sunflower Social Club, remarked, "The Sunflower Social Club is more than just a place; it is a symbol of hope and friendship. This exhibition reflects the journey of many individuals who have embraced these families, forming bonds that transcend borders and language. We are pleased to have Dean Russell MP's support in showcasing the art and stories that highlight the beauty of this connection."
The Sunflower Social Club Hearts in Ukraine and Ukraine in Herts exhibition in the UK Parliament is a testament to the resilience, compassion, and solidarity that communities can cultivate when they come together in the spirit of shared humanity. This exhibition exemplifies the positive impact that grassroots initiatives can have in fostering unity and providing support to those in need.
NOTES FOR THE EDITOR
About Sunflower Social Club: The Sunflower Social Club is a community initiative that was established to support displaced Ukrainian families arriving in Watford and the wider United Kingdom under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. Through a range of services, including housing assistance, employment support, language skills enhancement, therapy resources, and social gatherings, the Sunflower Social Club aims to provide a network of support and friendship to those in need. Learn more here www.sunflowersocialclub.com
Former Players Club cic was founded by Luther Blissett and his partner to continue the community spirit created in Watford by the late great Graham Taylor OBE. It creates projects that provide peer support and underlines values that were critical under Taylor’s management. From men’s Health, supporting the Armed Forces to the Sunflower Social Club.
