MORE than 340 Ukrainian refugees have signed a petition protesting the shock redundancy of the manager of welcome hubs created to help them settle in West Somerset while war raged in their home country.

Kate Kennedy, manager of the Watchet and Minehead hubs and the driving force behind a local refugee scheme since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, has been ‘let go’ by Thrive, formerly the Community Council for Somerset.

Mrs Kennedy told the Free Press she was taking legal advice and had appealed for a re-think of the decision.

She said: “Whatever happens, I intend to continue supporting Ukrainian families in West Somerset, even if this means working independently.”

Mrs Kennedy helped welcome the first Ukrainian refugees to the district even before becoming manager of the Watchet and Minehead hubs in September, 2022.

She said: “The organisation was taken over by Thrive last July and it was decided my role was not necessary for their current programmes and that I should be made redundant.

“They intend to close the Minehead hub and meet in Watchet only every two weeks.

“In fact, Thrive management has only visited West Somerset once in the past nine months, and that was late January.

“There are six hubs in Somerset, but ours is unlike any other.

“It is more like an extended family, and the area has given Ukrainian families incredible support.”

Petition organiser Olena Yakoviuk said Ukrainians in West Somerset were concerned at how Mrs Kennedy had been treated and believed her continued presence was vital for the refugee community’s future.

Ms Yakoviuk said: “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.

“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.

“Her knowledge, experience and trusted relationships cannot easily be replaced.

“Her loss will create a serious gap in support and will negatively affect the stability, wellbeing, and mental health of many Ukrainian families in the area.

“We 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.”

Lesana, one of the first Ukrainian refugees to arrive in West Somerset, said: “I feel that I can call Kate Kennedy my second mum.

“There has been so much sincerity, warmth, and motherly care in everything she has done for us.”