What can South Somerset do to help those affected by the conflict in Ukraine?

What can South Somerset do to help those affected by the conflict in Ukraine?

Released On 7th Mar 2022

South Somerset District Council stands with all those affected by the conflict in Ukraine. 

Council Leader Val Keitch said: "A terrible human tragedy is now unfolding before our very eyes and we must stand with the people of Ukraine. Our thoughts are with all those who are affected by this crisis. 

"Many residents in the district will no doubt be thinking about what they can do to help in terms of supporting the humanitarian response to this crisis.

"There are a number of national fundraising efforts underway through the Red Cross and other charities, and we are committed to helping in any way we can."

How can I help?

A number of UK charities are responding to the conflict in Ukraine. By choosing to support one of the below recommended charities you could help provide Ukrainian citizens with potentially life-saving essentials like food, water and shelter.

  • The British Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal to respond to the growing crisis in Ukraine. 
  • UNICEF is especially concerned for the safety and wellbeing of children in Ukraine. Its work helps to provide children and their families with access to clean water and nutritious food in addition to accessible child health and protection services.
  • The United Nations High Commissioners for Refugees (UNHCR) has launched an emergency appeal to send more resources, staff and aid to Ukraine's neighbours, who are taking in hundreds of thousands of refugees. 
  • The UK's Ukrainian Embassy has set up its own donation service, With Ukraine, meanwhile Polish Humanitarian Action is supplying hygiene products, food and blankets to those in need on the Ukrainian/Polish border.
  • London's Ukrainian Institute also has a round-up of support methods here.

Locally, 

  • School in a Bag works with two existing charity partners who are right at the forefront of the Ukrainian crisis - to get SchoolBags to families who have fled Ukraine seeking refuge in neighbouring countries. You can find out more about its work here - https://www.schoolinabag.org/campaign/ukraine-crisis-appeal/

Collection points

Collection Points in Taunton:

  • Compass Wellbeing @ 7, Belvedere Trading Estate, Taunton TA1 1BH (Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm)
  • Polish shop 'Stokrotka' @ 5A E Reach, Taunton TA1 3EN (Monday - Saturday 8am - 8pm, Sunday 9am - 5pm)

Collection Point in Bridgwater:

  • Hair and Beauty Gallery @ 44 Eastover, Bridgwater TA6 5AR (Monday - Saturday 9am - 3pm)

We will continue to update this page with any other collection points in the district or verified campaigns which you can support.

Give Safely

The Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator have urged the public to ‘give safely’ to registered charities helping and supporting those affected by the invasion of Ukraine.

By giving to a registered, regulated charity, the public can have assurance that their funds will be accounted for in line with the charity law framework. Established charities with experience of responding to disasters are usually best placed to reach victims on the ground.

People looking to donate to causes working in Ukraine and neighbouring countries, should make a few simple checks before giving:

1. Check the charity's name and registration number at www.gov.uk/checkcharity

2. Make sure the charity is genuine before giving any financial information

3. Be careful when responding to emails or clicking on links within them

4. Contact or find out more online about the charity that you're seeking to donate to or work with to understand how they are spending their funds

5. Look out for the Fundraising Badge on charity fundraising materials, this is the logo which shows that a charity has committed to fundraise in line with the Code of Fundraising Practice.

What will happen next?

The Government has announced an expansion to its Ukrainian Humanitarian Route, which will increase the number of people from Ukraine who are eligible to come to the UK to be reunited with their families.

As well as immediate family members, British nationals and people of any nationality settled in the UK will now be supported to bring parents, grandparents, adult children and siblings to the UK.

Normal requirements for salary or language tests will be waived. Essential security checks will take place, given the malign action being taken by the Russian state to infiltrate Ukraine but the Home Office will continue to accelerate these checks and process applications as quickly as possible.

People in the region who are eligible under this route are encouraged to call the helpline on 0300 3032785 or visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/support-for-family-members-of-british-nationals-in-ukraine-and-ukrainian-nationals-in-ukraine-and-the-uk

Updates can be found on the Government website and the materials are translated for Ukrainian and Russian residents - https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/russian-invasion-of-ukraine-uk-government-response

Read the article here