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Everyone at Papworth Trust has been shocked and saddened to see the events unfolding in Ukraine. We are all somebody’s friend, child, sibling, parent or partner – and the thought of our European neighbours living through such unimaginable suffering is heart-breaking.
To support where we can, we’ve pulled together several useful links, along with the different ways you can support and help.
The Disasters Emergency Committee predicts that 18 million people will be affected by the escalating conflict in Ukraine, with 4 million people expected to flee their homes as the war continues. We know that many of our staff, customers and the local community are looking for ways to offer help – here’s some of the ways you can support Ukrainian people.
You can help by making a donation. If you want to donate money, there are several charities providing humanitarian relief in Ukraine.
The British Red Cross is working with the Ukrainian Red Cross Society and the International Committee of the Red Cross to provide practical help to those that need it the most. Donate to the Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal.
You can also donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, which is helping to provide food, water and shelter to those fleeing the conflict.
There are lots of organisations across the UK and internationally who have launched appeals, and you may wish to donate through these organisations instead. There are some simple steps you can take to ensure your money is safe and being used effectively:
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
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. A number of organisations have set up donation points allowing people to send clothes to Ukrainians. We’ve highlighted some in our local communities below:
Buffaload, an environmentally minded logistics network, has swiftly founded a charity, Ukraine Lifeline Appeal, converting its warehouse at Little Downham into a centre for Cambridgeshire’s humanitarian efforts. Lifeline Appeal have taken donations of essential items from major companies and from individuals, teaming up with Cambridge Search and Rescue to deliver the donations to displaced people from Ukraine. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for details on their eight drop-off locations and on how to volunteer.
The Newmarket community has organised a mass donation and collection effort. Their initiatives are ongoing and can be followed on their Facebook page.
Cambridge Ukrainians frequently posts about organisations collecting donations for Ukraine, taking everything from batteries to baby food. Collection points include Travis Perkins at Devonshire Road, TWI at Granta Park and Fancett Bistro on Mill Road – follow Cambridge Ukrainians’ Facebook page for further details.
The Cambridge Cat and Dog Rescue Support Programme has been specifically taking donations of pet food as well as mediating adoptions across the border
Suffolk Refugee Support – the local refugee charity is providing information and up to date advice on how to help refugees worldwide
Local organisations may also have volunteer opportunities, and invitations to donate clothes and other supplies. Your local voluntary action centre should be able to help you find any opportunities near you.
You can also help by welcoming a Ukrainian person or family into your home. The Government’s Homes for Ukraine Scheme supports people to offer a spare room, or separate self-contained accommodation, to Ukrainian refugee(s). Individual sponsors in the UK can be of any nationality, with any immigration status, providing they have at least 6 months’ leave to remain in the UK, so that they can provide at least six months’ accommodation. You can live in any part of the UK. To ensure a safe and suitable environment for people arriving from Ukraine the Government will be carrying out checks (background and in-person) on anyone who is a sponsor, their family and the accommodation that will be provided. For example, the accommodation should be safe and free from health hazards, be heated and give guests adequate access to bathroom and kitchen facilities. Checks will also be carried out on those arriving from Ukraine. If you rent your home, you should seek the permission of your landlord. If you are a Tenant of Papworth Trust and wish to think about offering accommodation within your home, then please ring us at the housing office to discuss further by phoning 0330 678 0008 (option 2). People will also need to check with their mortgage provider and insurance company, about whether they’ve got any policies which need to be factored in. It’s important you think through any possible implications for your tenancy, mortgage, lease and insurance before your guest arrives in the UK.
The most current information can be accessed through the Government’s ‘Homes for Ukraine’ information page and can be viewed here. There is also a set of FAQs that is being updated regularly and may answer some of the questions you have, which can be viewed here. There are several ways you can help support and sponsor a Ukrainian household if you do not already know anyone in need. A number of charities and non-government organisations are working to offer services to match potential sponsors and Ukrainian households seeking to come to the UK. These include Reset Communities and Refugees who are helping register and match refugees from Ukraine with sponsors across the UK. They’re a non-profit organisation set up in 2018 to help communities welcome refugees. We encourage you to consider this information carefully before deciding.
The UK Government, Ukrainian Government and others have been sharing messages of support on social media using the hashtag #StandForUkraine
Take care what you share! There is a lot of false information about the conflict circulating online – this is often called misinformation and disinformation. You can do your part to stop the spread:
Ask yourself – does this look right? Does this sound right? Does this information come from a source I recognise?
The SHARE checklist can help you decide if information can be trusted, before you interact with or share it on your social media channels
If you have friends and family in Ukraine and need information or support about what is happening, please contact the Ukrainian Embassy.
