Update on Supporting Refugees from Ukraine

This is an update (from Philip Atkins) on Ukraine, and some information on charitable donations, resettlement and asylum in Staffordshire. See also previous post about “Homes for Ukraine Scheme”.

Financial Donations:

Residents wishing to make a financial donation can do so through a number of charities providing humanitarian relief in Ukraine. Residents can donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Appeal by visiting: Donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Appeal. Residents donating to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal will help DEC charities provide food, water, shelter and healthcare to refugees and displaced families. The Government has so far matched, pound-for-pound, £25 million of public donations to this appeal.

There are lots of other organisations across the UK and internationally who have launched appeals, and residents may wish to donate through these organisations instead of the Disasters Emergency Committee. There are some simple steps residents can take to ensure their money is safe and being used effectively, including:

§  Check the charity’s name and registration number using the search the charity register tool

§  Most charities with an income of £5,000 or more must be registered, which means they are regulated by The Charity Commission

§  Make sure the charity is genuine before giving any financial information

§  If in doubt, ask the charity or organisation for more information

Donating Essential Supplies:

One of the best ways to help is by donating cash through trusted charities and aid organisations, rather than donating goods. Cash can be transferred quickly to areas where it is needed and individuals and aid organisations can use it to buy what is most needed. Unsolicited donations of goods, although well-meant, can obstruct supply chains and delay more urgent life-saving assistance from getting through. Organisations across the UK are gathering essential supplies, such as clothes, first aid and sanitary products. Many charities and community groups will have lists of items they need. Charities with experience of responding to disasters are best placed to reach victims on the ground.

Welcoming Refugees:

Ukraine Family Scheme Visa: Guidance for family members of British nationals, UK settled persons and certain others to come to or stay in the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme can be found here: Apply for a Ukraine Family Scheme visa – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). The Ukraine Family Scheme allows family members of British nationals, UK settled persons and certain others to come to or stay in the UK.