THRIVE, the former Community Council for Somerset, has explained why it has dismissed a petition by Ukrainian refugees in West Somerset calling for their welcome hub manager to be reinstated.

Watchet’s Kate Kennedy has managed refugees services in the town and in Minehead since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

But, she has now been made redundant by Thrive, sparking a petition which has been signed by more than 360 Ukrainians.

A Thrive spokesperson told the Free Press: “We recognise the strength of feeling expressed and want to acknowledge the contribution Kate Kennedy has made in supporting Ukrainian families in West Somerset.

“She is clearly valued by the community, and we respect that.”

However, the spokesperson said its ‘Welcome to All’ service supported all migrants arriving in Somerset, not just those from Ukraine.

The spokesperson said: “While the number of Ukrainian arrivals has reduced over time, the number of people arriving from other parts of the world has increased and now represents the majority of those requiring support.

“Overall demand for support is rising, but it is concentrated in different areas.

“For example, in February, our Bridgwater hub supported 129 new clients, compared to just 19 across West Somerset.

“This reflects a clear shift in where need is greatest.

“Public funding for this work is largely directed toward people who have recently arrived in the UK and require intensive support, such as access to housing, healthcare, and education.

“Ukrainian families have been arriving in West Somerset since 2022, and many are now more settled.

“Support remains available to them, including through universal services and our community-based, village agent, support programmes, but the level and type of need has changed.

“In response, we have worked with partners and commissioners to adapt the service.

“This includes maintaining access in West Somerset, while creating a more flexible, county-wide team able to respond to new arrivals where demand is highest.

“The suggestion that support is being withdrawn is not accurate.

“Support for new arrivals in West Somerset will continue.

“This includes initial and six-month welfare checks for all new Ukrainian arrivals under the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme, delivered in person or remotely to ensure everybody is reached.

“Alongside this, support is available by phone, online, and through appointments, providing flexible access to a wider team with relevant experience.

“As with any publicly funded service, roles must be reviewed alongside changes in need.

“This has been a considered process over a number of months, including consultation and the exploration of suitable alternative roles.”

The spokesperson said due to confidentiality, they could not comment on individual employment matters, but could confirm that ‘a fair process has been followed and concluded’.

They said Thrive’s focus remained on ensuring that all migrants reaching Somerset received ‘the right support, at the right time, in the right place’.

The spokesperson said: “We would also welcome continued engagement with Ukrainian communities in West Somerset through our Somerset Diverse Communities programme, to ensure people remain connected and supported as needs evolve.”