UPDATE The Government has launched the Homes for Ukraine Scheme which allows British people to open their homes to those fleeing the war in Ukraine. The first phase of the scheme opens on 18 March, and you can pre-register at the website here.
We’ve all been following the horrific news from the conflict in Ukraine and wondering how to help those affected, whether they remain stranded in the country or have joined the exodus of hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing.
If you can afford to, the most effective way to contribute is financially, allowing organisations on the ground in the region to best spend the money. Here are some of the charities and aid organisations which have launched appeals:
The Disasters Emergency Committee has launched an appeal to help families fleeing the conflict, providing food, water, shelter, healthcare and protection. The Government today pledged to match every pound donated, starting with an initial sum of £20m
Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal | Disasters Emergency Committee (dec.org.uk)
Save The Children is working quickly to assess what support children and families need and are ready to provide life-saving aid
https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/where-we-work/europe/ukraine
The International Committee of the Red Cross – together with its partners in the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – is active in Ukraine
https://www.icrc.org/en/donate/ukraine-0
The British Red Cross and its international fraternal organisations are helping provide essential food, water, medicines, warm clothes and shelter
https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-crisis-appeal
The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain are working with accredited and registered Ukrainian charities to provide medicines, food and critical services to support the most vulnerable to overcome the consequences and trauma of war
https://www.gofundme.com/f/helpukraine?qid=546c25e9bfc9c469b7f7a57691d3d7c4
The Embassy of Ukraine in the UK has set up a special global support fund
https://www.withukraine.org/
The council has announced that the Civic Centre in Morden will be lit blue and yellow at night for the foreseeable future in solidarity with Ukraine, while the council will fly the Ukrainian flag alongside the British flag from this weekend.
Merton has also announced that it is seeking to cancel a £1m gas supply contract with Russian supplier Gazprom and will be reviewing its pension fund’s exposure to Russian-based investments.