Everyone wants to do their bit to support those who have been forced to flee their homes because of the invasion. Here is how you can help. #StandWithUkraine
Financial donations
If you want to donate money, there are a number of charities providing humanitarian relief in Ukraine.
Donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Appeal
The UK Government matched, pound-for-pound, £25 million of public donations to this appeal.
Make your donation safely
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:
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Check the charity’s name and registration number using the search the charity register tool
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Most charities with an income of £5,000 or more must be registered, which means they are regulated by The Charity Commission
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Make sure the charity is genuine before giving any financial information
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If in doubt, ask the charity or organisation for more information
Donating essential supplies
One of the best ways to help is by donating cash through trusted charities and aid organisations, rather than donating goods. Cash can be transferred quickly to areas where it is needed and individuals and aid organisations can use it to buy what is most needed. Unsolicited donations of goods, although well-meant, can obstruct supply chains and delay more urgent life-saving assistance from getting through.
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.
Charities with experience of responding to disasters are best placed to reach victims on the ground.
Apply to be a sponsor
The government will be launching a new sponsorship scheme to make sure that Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their homes have a route to safety.
The scheme will match people, charities, businesses and community groups to Ukrainians who do not have family ties to the UK.
More details on the scheme can be found on Homes for Ukraine. There is a full Q&A for the scheme HERE. The link to the visa appliaiton form for the scheme is HERE. If you do not have a named person in mind to sponsor, you can register with the charity RESET here who are working with the UK Government matching refugees with sponsors.
The Association of British Insurers has published some advice for insurers on how taking in a refugee might affect home insurance policies. You can read that HERE.
Social media - staying safe online
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:
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Ask yourself – does this look right? Does this sound right? Does this information come from a source I recognise?
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The SHARE checklist can help you decide if information can be trusted, before you interact with or share it on your social media channels.
Universal Credit
The UK Government has now announced that people fleeing Ukraine will now have access to universal Credit and jobs support on day one of their arrival in the UK.
- Due to Putin’s abhorrent invasion of Ukraine, we are helping as many Ukrainians as we can to come to the United Kingdom, and we want to make this process as simple as possible for those arriving here.
- That is why we are laying emergency regulations today so those arriving can access Universal Credit and support from Work Coaches to find jobs from day one. We are also providing translation services and face-to-face assistance to those who need it.
- This will allow those fleeing the unimaginable horrors in Ukraine to rapidly get the support and help they need and move forward with their lives immediately.
You can read more about the support HERE.
Cyber security
The National Cyber Security Centre is not aware of any specific cyber threats to the UK in relation to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However we strongly encourage organisations and citizens to follow NCSC guidance on steps to take when the cyber threat is heightened. Visit the Cyber Aware website where you find practical steps and tools to help keep you, your family or business more secure online.