**Coleen Rooney Highlights Unicef’s Critical Role in Supporting Ukrainian Refugee Families**
Coleen Rooney has spoken out about the vital assistance Unicef is providing for Ukrainian families displaced by the ongoing conflict, describing it as nothing short of a “lifeline”. The well-known media personality recently journeyed to Poland to witness first-hand the impact of funds raised through Soccer Aid, which have been channelled directly to support families forced to leave Ukraine amid the war.
During her visit, Rooney, 39, underscored the unimaginable hardship faced by those who have fled their homes, drawing parallels with her own experience as a mother. “It’s difficult to comprehend what these families have endured,” she remarked, highlighting that any parent’s instinct would be to escape danger in order to protect their children and secure safety.
In Krakow, Rooney toured the Spilno Hub, a resource centre operated by Unicef. This facility assists relocated families in finding accommodation and provides essential services such as legal advice, mental health support, and access to education. The Spilno Hub stands as a beacon of hope for families striving to rebuild their lives far from home.
Among those supported by the centre is Yuliia Karpenko, who, along with her sister and four-year-old daughter Anastasiia—known affectionately as Nastia—escaped Ukraine with only a single bag on a packed evacuation train. According to Rooney, Yuliia’s story left a lasting impression, especially her commitment to establishing a sense of normality and connection for her family in unfamiliar surroundings. Through Unicef’s help, Yuliia has not only learned Polish and found employment but has developed friendships with other mothers, while Nastia enjoys playtime and companionship with new friends.
Rooney emphasised how proud she felt witnessing the tangible difference charitable donations were making. “It was truly a privilege to meet Yuliia, see her resilience, and understand how donations are actively changing lives,” she shared. The emotional toll and uncertainty experienced by these families is significant, but initiatives like the Spilno Hub offer a critical element of stability and safety for those in need.
In addition to the Spilno Hub, Rooney also toured the Education Rehabilitation Centre, an institution tailored for young people with disabilities and funded through Unicef. There, she met Murat, a young autistic boy whose progress since arriving in Poland was remarkable. His mother, Kateryna, described a sense of hopelessness upon arriving in Poland; now, however, thanks to the support network around them, she sees a brighter future for her son and herself. Murat, who had previously been unable to speak, has begun to communicate—a milestone that fills his family with hope.
Unicef’s involvement is not just changing individual lives; it is fostering community support structures. Rooney described the Education Rehabilitation Centre as a calming and nurturing environment, praising the dedication shown by teachers and staff, who offer both practical and emotional support to children and their families.
This year, contributions made to Soccer Aid for Unicef will be matched up to £5 million by the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation. This doubling of donations further strengthens the charity’s ability to offer essential services to displaced children and families.
Reflecting on her encounters, Rooney spoke candidly about the children she met. “As a mother myself, I couldn’t help but see my own children in the faces of Nastia and Murat. To watch these children find moments of joy, even after such trauma, was incredibly moving,” she said. Rooney urged the public to continue supporting families who have lost so much, reminding everyone that every child deserves the security of a safe place to play and grow.
For those wishing to contribute, donations to Soccer Aid for Unicef can be made at socceraid.org.uk/donate. The ongoing war in Ukraine may have faded from the headlines, but stories like these demonstrate the enduring importance of providing relief and support to those forced to rebuild their lives far from home.