As the UK’s first city of sanctuary, Sheffield can take pride in its culture of going the extra mile to accommodate refugees and asylum seekers. However, with national policies and legislation becoming ever more draconian, it often falls on people and communities to help those arriving in the city feel welcome. In that vein, Abbeydale Road will welcome the soon to open Café Kalyna, as its latest resident.
“we want it to become a social hub, serving traditional Ukrainian food in a welcoming setting”
As the war continues, a growing number of people who have been forced to leave their homes in Ukraine are now living in Sheffield. A transition which would have been difficult to imagine just a few months ago, for those who have made the journey to South Yorkshire. As such, Café Kalyna has set out to provide social support to those experiencing this transition through creating a community café and forum. The non-profit enterprise managed to raise over five thousand pounds in just 28 days, to facilitate their opening.
Serving authentic food and drinks, the Café will provide employment opportunities for Ukrainian refugees in Sheffield, many of whom are facing financial challenges as a result of the war. In addition to the training and financial support these roles will offer, the Café seeks to create a resolute support network which is extendable to the entire Ukrainian community in Sheffield. Local resident Sally Mastin, who orchestrated the creation of Café Kalyna, shared with us some of the vision for what Café Kalyna will provide.
“It’s a social enterprise, and the aim is to employ Ukrainian people who have recently moved here because of the war. We’re hoping that the busier we get, the more roles and hours we can offer. On top of that, we want it to become a social hub, serving traditional Ukrainian food in a welcoming setting. We also have lots of ideas to host workshops, art lessons and English classes, going forward”.
As anyone in the hospitality industry well knows, there is a huge number of tasks and roles involved in operating a Café or restaurant. At Café Kalyna, Ukrainians now living in Sheffield as a result of the war have developed everything from the menu to the colourful artwork which stands out amongst the many shopfronts on Abbeydale Road. In addition to that, there will be artwork for sale created by Ukrainian artists, and regular fundraising events for the Ukrainian Red Cross Humanitarian Scheme or local Ukrainian charities for refugees.
Café Kalyna is soon to open at 448 Abbeydale Road.
To keep up to date with the Café’s opening, events and offers, follow them on Instagram @cafekalyna
If you’d like to get in touch, contact: cafekalyna@gmail.com
