Ukraine:  showing our support in Grindleford, and how to help 

 
All of us have been shocked and distressed by the events in Ukraine.   
 
Derbyshire Dales District Council is flying the Ukrainian flag over the Town Hall and has asked villages to do the same.  With the expertise and help of a village resident we now have a flag, which will fly from the flagpole by the war memorial until better times.  I am, as ever, proud that Grindleford has worked together, to make this show of support happen so quickly for people suffering great hardship . 
 
As many of you will have seen, there is already a village response, collecting essential supplies for refugees.   You will find a box in the shop for any donations you wish to make.  They are looking in particular for nappies, baby clothes, coats, paracetamol, ibuprofen, hygiene products and socks.  You can also donate there and the money will be passed on.  
 
 
The UN estimates that more than 800,000 refugees have fled Ukraine and the British Red Cross says that without urgent action to protect services, large scale humanitarian implications are expected. Here is a suggested list of ways to support people should you wish.  

The  British Red Cross  has launched an emergency appeal to help teams respond to severe water shortages following damage to several water stations and pipelines during the invasion.
UNICEF  intends to stay in Ukraine and is focused on delivery of critical supplies to children and their families. These include blankets, warm clothes, hygiene, and health kits – it has also launched an appeal.
Non-profit organisation Global Giving, which uses funds from donations to help provide shelter, food, and clean water for refugees, health support and access to education, has launched an appeal called Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund.
International Committee of the Red Cross is fundraising for its teams to repair vital infrastructure, support health facilities with medicines and equipment, and support families with food and hygiene items.
Sunflower of Peace is providing backpacks to Ukrainian soldiers, citizens, and volunteers with first aid and medical supplies.
Ukrainian organisation Voices of Children provides psychological care to children dealing with the trauma of war and operates in villages and towns along the frontline in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. You can donate via their site on PayPal.
The Save the Children charity is helping to provide aid to children and their families – including hygiene kits, access to safe education, grants for families to pay for food and medicine.
Non-profit organisation Nova Ukraine has a donations page and provides humanitarian aid to vulnerable groups and individuals in Ukraine.
Save the Children also has a Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund to help Ukrainian families with donations used to help families meet their basic needs such as food, medicine and shelter.
Choose Love has launched an appeal with funding going to Ukraine, Poland, and Romania. It provides emergency medical care, food, shelter, clothes, legal support, support for the LGBTQIA+ community and mental health support.

https://www.animalscharities.co.uk/ukraine For more information about how to support animal welfare efforts.

Volunteers say their most needed items include batteries and flashlights, clothes, shoes, sanitary products, and bedding. 

If you want to volunteer, this might be a useful link for you 

https://www.refugee-action.org.uk/support-us/volunteers/

There is as yet no news about relaxations in visa requirements to bring refugees to the UK, other than those with families already here, but the Council is keeping a watch on developments and will keep you informed as things move forward. 

In the meantime I know we all stand together for Ukraine.  

Bob Wilson
Chair, Grindleford Parish Council 

Scroll Up