{"id":981,"date":"2022-03-03T15:53:40","date_gmt":"2022-03-03T15:53:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jointpublicissues.org.uk\/?p=11925"},"modified":"2022-03-03T15:53:40","modified_gmt":"2022-03-03T15:53:40","slug":"how-can-we-help-ukraine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/standrewsurcrustington.org.uk\/?p=981","title":{"rendered":"How can we help Ukraine?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The tragic conflict in Ukraine has swiftly become a crisis on multiple levels. As well as the direct casualties of war, the humanitarian crisis within the country is escalating, as many are trapped in bunkers and underground stations without food and access to fresh water. Over one million people are estimated to have fled the country in search of safety, creating a refugee crisis of huge scale.<\/p>\n

This can feel debilitating for those of us at a distance. We wanted to draw together some of the ways we can be part of supporting those whose lives have been devastated by the conflict.<\/p>\n

Pray <\/strong><\/h4>\n

As people of faith, we believe that prayer has power. Even at a distance, we can continue to hold those caught in the conflict in our prayers, committing their safety to God, and pray for peace. Here are some resources which might help you pray for the situation as it unfolds:<\/p>\n

Prayers from Christian Aid<\/a><\/p>\n

Prayers from BMS World Mission<\/a><\/p>\n

Prayers from the Council of European Churches<\/a><\/p>\n

Prayers from the Methodist Church<\/a><\/p>\n

United Reformed Church Prayers for Ukraine<\/a><\/p>\n

Baptist Union call to prayer<\/a><\/p>\n

Regularly updated information from the European Baptist Federation is here <\/a><\/p>\n

Donate<\/strong><\/h4>\n

A number of humanitarian aid initiatives have been established to deliver immediate and urgent support to people in Ukraine and refugees in the surrounding countries. We have listed a number of these below. This is not an exhaustive list, and you may choose to donate with an organisation you already have a relationship with:<\/p>\n

The Disasters Emergency Committee is a coalition of over 15 aid organisations. Their appeal will be matched pound for pound by donations from the UK Government\u2019s previously allocated funds. Donate here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Christian Aid\u2019s appeal for donations<\/a><\/p>\n

All We Can and the Methodist Church\u2019s Urgent Appeal<\/a><\/p>\n

Donate through BMS World Mission<\/a><\/p>\n

In many areas, people are mobilising locally to collect goods to take to Ukraine and surrounding countries. It\u2019s important to note that whilst in-kind donations, of resources, clothes and essential supplies, can be a valuable way of helping, they can sometimes generate additional work and complications for those on the ground. For many organisations, financial donations are often most appreciated.<\/p>\n

Learn more<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Find out more about what is happening to refugees from Ukraine with UNHCR here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, the widespread use of social media and quick access to information can mean the rapid spread of misinformation. If you\u2019re unsure about the reliability of information you\u2019re reading, you can head to Share Checklist and go through their guidelines. <\/a><\/p>\n

Support <\/strong><\/h4>\n

Over a million people have already been displaced as a result of the conflict. These individuals and families need urgent support, and there are a number of ways we can help.<\/p>\n

Write to your MP: <\/strong>The UK has announced temporary visa concessions to allow the immediate family members of British nationals who usually live in Ukraine, and of Ukrainians settled in the UK, to apply for a free family visa to come to the UK. The only other current route is for people to apply to work, visit or study in the UK, if they are able to reach a neighboring country to apply.<\/p>\n

The Home Secretary also announced a new \u2018humanitarian sponsorship pathway\u2019, which will allow Ukrainians without family in the UK to be matched with individuals, charities, community groups and businesses to be sponsored to live in the UK. However, the details on this are still being worked out.<\/p>\n

At the same time, the government are pushing through the Nationalities & Borders Bill, which will severely impact Ukrainian refugees who are unable to access a \u2018safe route\u2019 to the UK.<\/p>\n

Write to your MP, to ask them to urgently make changes to the Nationality & Borders Bill and to widen safe routes by which refugees can come to the UK, in order to enable us to respond to the need of over one million people who have already fled Ukraine.<\/p>\n

Click here to download our template letter. <\/a><\/p>\n

Sign the petition:<\/strong> Hundreds of thousands of people are calling on Boris Johnson to open up safe routes for Ukrainian refugees to come to the UK. This petition by Freedom From Torture urges the government to make urgent changes to enable the UK to welcome Ukrainian refugees. Click here to find the petition. <\/a><\/p>\n

Rooms for Refugees: <\/strong>Refugees at Home is a UK charity which connects those with a spare room in their house with refugees and asylum who are in need of somewhere to say. You can find out more about ways to get involved with them here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Community sponsorship: <\/strong>Another way to support refugees in the UK is to be part of community sponsorship. Find out more through Reset, who will support you in exploring community sponsorship, here.<\/a><\/p>\n

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