Support Ukraine

Information for Harborough residents who want to help

Funding and donations of money

The government has produced information on how people can support those who have been forced to flee their homes because of the conflict in Ukraine.

If individuals wish to donate money, there are a number of charities providing humanitarian relief in Ukraine.

Ukrainian flag

There are many organisations across the UK and internationally which have launched appeals, and people may wish to donate through these organisations instead. There are some simple steps to make to ensure donations are safe and being used effectively:

  • Check the charity’s name and registration number at www.gov.uk/checkcharity
  • 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

By giving to a registered, regulated charity, like the Disasters Emergency Committee, 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 ensure that people receive the help they need.

 

Donating items

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 the people who need help.

 

Information about government schemes, immigration and travel advice

Visit the government's website for guidance for family members of British nationals, UK settled persons and certain others to come to or stay in the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme.

The government has published Frequently Asked Questions about how the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme will work. The scheme will match people, charities, businesses and community groups to Ukrainians who do not have family ties to the UK. The scheme opened on Friday 18 March for visa applications from Ukrainians and immediate family members who already have named people willing to sponsor them.

People wanting to be sponsors who do not know anyone personally fleeing the Ukraine can register their interest in being a sponsor.

The email address for enquiries for Leicestershire is: homesforukraine@leics.gov.uk

People’s situations are very complicated. Be aware that in order for refugees to achieve secure futures for themselves or their family, they should only accept advice from an adviser accredited by the OISC (Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner). If you see people asking for help online then please direct them to the OISC website.

For information and advice on travel to and from Ukraine visit GOV.UK.

 

Social media - staying safe online

The UK Government, Ukrainian Government and others have been sharing messages of support on social media using the hashtags #StandForUkraine and #StandWithUkraine.

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

 

Latest visa data by local authority 

View the latest operational data, by local authority, on applications to come to or stay in the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme and Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine) - Ukraine Family Scheme and Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme: visa data 

 

Further information

Read about other ways you can help on the government’s website.