BUILDING NEW FUTURES IN LINCOLNSHIRE

Connecting Ukrainian professionals and families to the people, resources, and opportunities they need to heal, rebuild, and thrive.

Who we are

We’re The Community Lab Initiative CIC — a heart-led, not-for-profit supporting Ukrainian families to rebuild, connect, and thrive here in Lincolnshire.

For those seeking a safe space to grow, we offer community, language, skills and creative support — always with warmth, dignity, and belonging at the core.

For those wanting to collaborate, we’re a trusted partner delivering meaningful, grassroots projects that create real impact — together.

Our work

  • Building Community Connection

    Group meetings to build community, share experiences, and access support.

  • Language & Employment Support

    ESOL classes, CV help, 1-to-1 job coaching, and workshops to build confidence and workplace skills.

  • Led by Experience

    Run by a Ukrainian-led committee, ensuring all services are shaped by lived experience.

  • Aid for Ukraine

    Fundraising for vital supplies for soldiers, hospitals, and orphanages in Ukraine.

Meet the team

  • Betty Berthebaud

    DIRECTOR

    The war in Ukraine marked a profound turning point in my life, impacting me both personally and professionally. Witnessing the unfolding events, I, like many in the UK, felt compelled to become a host. Since then, I have been involved in various support initiatives to improve the lives of Ukrainian families in the UK, including co-creating a Ukrainian support Facebook page, working at a Ukrainian Hub, and eventually establishing the Community Lab with Kelly.

  • Kelly Breislin

    DIRECTOR

    I’ve been working to support Ukraine and Ukrainians by bridging the digital divide—supplying digital devices to a team of aid workers through a charity in Ukraine. We’ve also extended this support to Ukrainians arriving in the UK, helping them access the tools they need to rebuild their lives.

    As an IT Engineer and shop manager at Sivill Service in Tattershall, I’ve seen firsthand how unused or unwanted tech can make a real difference. If you have old equipment to donate, please get in touch—it really can change lives.

    This work is what brought me to Betty and led to my involvement in the CIC. I truly believe that both the UK economy and UK companies will benefit from what we’re building together, while also giving Ukrainians the chance to reach their full potential. For me, it’s all about giving hope.

  • Anastasiia Ursova

    WEBSITE DEVELOPER AND ADMIN ASSISTANT

    I moved to England after the first couple of months of the full invasion. This war had a huge impact on all our lives, and for me, it was quite personal, involving family and friends who were fighting in their own ways — some on the front line, others living in basements under occupation.

    I had to start over, but I always keep in mind the cost. I am forever grateful to those who made it possible — our people who stood up and have been fighting for over two years.

    I believe that helping Ukraine in any possible way, while I have the chance to live in peace, is not just a question but my duty. We are all one nation, and we stand together for our freedom, no matter where we are.

    Thanks to Betty and Kelly, I have the opportunity to be directly involved and support my homeland. It amazes me how people unite around The Community Lab Initiative CIC and make a huge impact together.

    Slava Ukraini!

Maryna Yakubovska

“The Community Lab Initiative consist of people who will listen and help. They are a group of caring people who are looking for and finding real ways to help Ukraine - not with words but with concrete actions.”