Mansfield Museum and Mansfield Palace Theatre have pledged to become a safe space of welcome for refugees and people fleeing Ukraine as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

They are offering chances for refugees to meet and socialise as well as take part in a creative heritage project to record their stories.

Every Thursday, the museum will host a Sanctuary Cafe, from 12noon to 2.30pm.Sanctuary seekers and refugees are being given a chance to meet for a cup of tea and a biscuit, board games and the chance to discover more about the history of Mansfield.

Ukrainians, and those housed locally as part of the Afghan resettlement scheme, will have the chance to share their experiences and heritage in a new project that will collect oral histories to preserve their stories, memories, feelings, and attitudes.

Mansfield District Council’s Cultural Services team is also offering other opportunities for refugees to integrate with the community by getting involved in volunteer and support group activities at the museum and theatre.

These include becoming a Welcome Volunteer as part of the theatre’s front of house team, which involves greeting customers with a smile and helping visitors to their seats.

Refugee women are also being invited to join the Creative Women Together project, which aims to give women who have experienced hardship a positive creative experience.

Sian Booth (above), cultural services manager, said: “You don’t need to be able to speak English to enjoy events in the theatre or explore the museum. Everyone is welcome.

“We have a culture of kindness here, and we understand everyone has a unique story to tell. We invite all our sanctuary seekers in Mansfield to treat this place as their home.”

Signs around the theatre and museum have been updated to include several languages.