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How to help Ukraine

How to help Ukraine

It’s been reported one million Ukrainians have been displaced by the War, while tragically many have been killed. Here’s how you can help efforts on the ground

News of the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine has become increasingly desperate in recent days, and in the past week, hundreds of thousands of people living in Ukraine have been displaced.

With such harrowing scenes and stories emerging from the Eastern European state, many people want to know how they can help. Here are some ways to make a difference.

Donate

The Red Cross in Ukraine is looking for help in distributing aid and assistance to those on the ground and in need.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is accepting donations from the UK here, in order to help and provide shelter to refugees fleeing their homes.

UNICEF and Save The Children have opened their appeals to help children affected by the War in Ukraine, while Voices for Children, a charity that provides psychological support to Ukrainian children who have been traumatised by the War, is looking for donations too.

United Help Ukraine is a Ukrainian charity that “provides medical aid and humanitarian relief”, in addition to helping soldiers with rehabilitation post-war. You can donate to their PayPal here.

UN Crisis Relief, have opened a single pool for donations here, with the money raised going towards all UN operations to assist those directly affected by the War.

Where to donate items or clothes in the UK

Hundreds of charities, churches, and initiatives have opened their doors in the past week to accept physical donations of items, food, and clothes for Ukranians. Here’s where you can drop off items:

Leeds: Leeds Polish Catholic Centre

The Polish community in the UK has played a huge part so far in fundraising and sending support to Ukraine. The Polish Catholic Centre in Leeds is just one of many Polish churches that is currently accepting supplies. 

Their address is Newton Hill Road, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, LS7 4JE.

Glasgow:  Hindu Mandir Temple

In Glasgow,  there are many places of worship, businesses and community centres that are accepting physical donations. The Hindu Mandir Temple located in the West End of the city is currently calling for volunteers to help with managing donations for Ukraine.

You can find the temple here: 1 La Belle Place, Glasgow G3 7LH 

London: White Eagle Club

The Polish community in London is also leading donation appeals for Ukrainians. The White Eagle Club in Balham has been flooded with donations so far but is still looking for more supplies, specifically thermal clothes for refugees fleeing into Poland.

Check their Facebook page for updates on what they need, and their address is 211 Balham High Rd, London SW17 7BQ.

West Midlands: The Bearded Broz

The Bearded Broz are a community organisation set up in 2017 to help support victims of the Grenfell Tower. Since then they have assisted food banks, and various refugee appeals. They are now looking for clothing, specifically jackets and boots to be donated for their Ukraine appeal.

You can find them at Unit 8 Ashcourt, Crystal Drive, Smethwick, B66 1QG, and they are open Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm.

Bristol: Emersons Green Village Hall Collection

If you’re based in or near Bristol, an entire Hall in Emersons Green has been transformed to help with sending supplies to Ukraine.

Call outs for specific items are being made on the organisers’ Facebook page, so please check what they require before going.

You can find the Hall here: Emerson Way, Emersons Green BS16 7AP

Newcastle: Ukrainians in Newcastle

If you’re based in Newcastle, you can support efforts being spearheaded by the local Ukrainian community there.

They are looking for sleeping mats, warm heavy blankets, hot water bottles, thermal clothing and first aid kits, as well as painkillers, nappies and baby powdered milk.

The collection takes place between 5pm and 7pm each weekday this week, at Unit 23E of the North Tyneside Industrial Estate, NE12 9SZ

Use your voice

One way you can help the situation is to use your voice and platforms to call attention to the cause, and also to put pressure on your local MPs to encourage the government to lend Ukraine as much support as possible. You can find details of your local politician, and learn how best to contact them through the site They Work For You.

You can also use your social media profiles to amplify awareness, and to encourage your followers to join you in any petitioning or fundraising activities.

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