In light of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine I have once again been impressed and encouraged by the generosity of North Norfolk people in wanting to help those whose lives are being turned upside down. Thank you so much
Going forward it's vital that this support is given in the right way. While the natural reaction for many is to gather supplies, the most effective way to help is to provide monetary donations. This way, the organisations best placed to do so can provide the right support to the right people, in the right places at the right time.
How to help - this is the best way (rather than donating goods right now) and is the advice we are being given by government and the Polish embassy
The Disasters Emergency Committee and British Red Cross have launched an appeal, with the UK government pledging to match - pound for pound - every public donation up to £20 million.
Donations are being used to:
- Provide food, first aid, clean water, shelter support, warm clothing, hygiene parcels and medicines. Over 30,000 food and hygiene parcels have already been distributed, along with food, warm clothes and other aid to around 8,000 people sheltering in metro stations.
- Support hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Support fire fighters and civil protection units
- Train people up in life-saving first aid
- Help families stay in contact with each other
- Educate people on the risks of explosives
- Repair vital infrastructure
- Help to repair homes, healthcare centres, schools and community centres
You can donate online via the DEC Ukraine Appeal page here. You can also donate via your banking app if your bank is part of the NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland or Revolution banking groups.
Humanitarian Sponsorship Pathway
The government is in the process of creating a humanitarian sponsorship programme which will enable local people to support refugees coming into Norfolk - further details on this will be released shortly.
The scheme will match people, charities, businesses and community groups to Ukrainians who do not have family ties to the UK.
Those who come under this scheme will also be granted leave for an initial period of 12 months and they will be able to work and access public services. There will be no numerical limit on this scheme, and we will welcome as many Ukrainians as wish to come and have matched sponsors. Making a success of the new humanitarian sponsorship pathway will require a national effort from the entire county, and I know many in North Norfolk are very keen to step up and help in any way they can.
More information on how this scheme will be implemented is due to be released. There will be lots for people who will want to help, but this must be well organised and is being finalised by the Department of Levelling Up, Homes and Communities.
Ukraine Family Scheme
Applying for the expanded Ukraine Family Scheme opens TODAY:
Immediate family members can already access, see link here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/support-for-family-members-of-british-nationals-in-ukraine-and-ukrainian-nationals-in-ukraine-and-the-uk
Call the dedicated 24/7 helpline: ☎️ +44 (0)808 164 8810. My office can help with this if you need further support.
