A word about Ukraine.... written by Hilary Finch
The Russian invasion of the Ukraine, Vladimir Putin's play for power is cause for huge concern. Bombing homes leading people to flee for their lives meaning there are thousands of people needing help. Refugees need help, the population needs help. The situation is developing from day to day and I can't say what will be happening by the time you read this, but please do keep abreast of the war, it's cause and effect and help where and when you can. Keep your eyes open for a volunteering opportunity, ways to donate especially medical equipment. Groups are popping up in different places with collections. Cash donations are best given through accepted channels such as the Red Cross Ukrainian Crisis Appeal, The United Nations Refugee Agency, Save the Children, Care and the International Medical Corps are some of the many opportunities to donate. We can only hope that this will not be a long protracted war, that some kind of solution will be found to make peace sooner rather than later.
How can you help written by Julia Widz Things in Ukraine are changing everyday, so it is important to keep up to date by regularly checking charities, news and social media to see what sort of help is currently needed. We've prepared a short guide on where to find information on how to help. Here is the list of a few local and national charities organising help: Bristol: Stand with Ukraine Bristol is raising funds and organising collection points around the city. UK: The Disaster Emergency Comittee is coordinating 15 UK aid charities and set up a Ukraine to aid Ukraine efficiently. The Brisish red cross is cooperating with the Ukraininan Red Cross. UNICEF is working to help children affected by the conflict. Another great way to find out how to help is by joining various Facebook groups. They have the most current infromation and news on various events, initatives around the city as well as the UK.
There was a number of groups set up such as: OFFICIAL Help from Bristol to Ukraine UK Acommodation for Ukrainian Refugees Rooms/Accomodation for Ukrainian Refugees among others. The easiest way to find those groups is by searching: "Help Ukraininan Refugees UK" or "Help Ukraininan People UK". The UK government has also set up a website with latest updates and information: https://ukstandwithukraine.campaign.gov.uk/ The UK government has also set up a "Homes for Ukraine" Scheme, where you can apply to become a host of Ukraininan individual or family. Thanks to this they will be able to apply for a visa and get admitted to the UK. There is £350 support for households hosting refugees under this scheme. There isn't much guidance on the Homes for Ukraine website on how to find refugees to help, however, it is advised to contact charities like Refugees at Home, Room for Refugees, Shelter 4 Ukraine, Reset. You can also find people to host on Facebook groups. Once you find someone to host you should be in touch with them directly, and fill visa applications with their and your details together. If you know ukrainian or russian and you would like to help, Bristol Childrens hospital is looking for translators. You may also wish to contact other charities like Stand with Ukraine or Bristish Red Cross and see if they need your help. Again, social media as well as newspapers are a good source to see who needs your help currently.
