We all want to do what we can to support the people of Ukraine due to the horrific attack on their country.
Charities, community groups, faith groups and social enterprises across Greater Manchester are all too aware of the support needed in Ukraine and neighbouring countries – and we support national and local appeals seeking to send donations to those places.
However, we are also aware that people are fleeing from the war and seeking refuge in Greater Manchester. We are therefore working together to put in place welcome and support, working alongside local authorities and those who are offering to accommodate people arriving from Ukraine.
To help this work we are launching the Greater Manchester Community Response Fund: Ukraine Crisis. Our fund has two components:
- A hardship fund to give small amounts of money to people arriving from Ukraine, if needed - distributed through trusted community partners
- Small grants to local voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations that are playing an active, practical role in providing support: to help cover the costs of things like transport, volunteer expenses, purchasing emergency items, etc.
You can help by donating via JustGiving: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/GM4Ukraine
All donations received will be split with 50% going to the hardship fund and 50% going towards local organisations which are making a difference. The funding will be overseen by the local VCSE sector infrastructure organisations: Salford CVS, Macc, Bolton CVS and Action Together, in collaboration with Europia and other partners, including: Caritas Salford, Caritas Shrewsbury, Foundation 92, Manchester City of Sanctuary, The Pankhurst Trust.
Other ways you can help
We’ve compiled a list of other ways to give help and support, including local and national appeals:
Appeals
DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal for those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. The UK Government will match pound-for-pound up to £20 million donated by the public to this appeal.
UK-Med's Ukraine Appeal to support their medical assessment team on the ground in Ukraine.
Europia's fundraiser for Ukraine to support both those in the country and refugees in Poland, Romania and Moldova.
Citizens UK Crowdfunder to support Ukrainian refugees to find safety in the UK.
British Red Cross Appeal to help the British Red Cross provide food, water, medicines, first aid, warm clothes and shelter.
Refugee Crisis Appeal from The Refugee Council, at the moment every donation made will be doubled up to a value of £250,000.
The Embassy of Ukraine to the UK has set up a special fund to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine's civilian population.
We also have links to time-limited local appeals:
Campaigns
Together With Refugees are a coalition of organisations that believe in a more compassionate approach to refugees. You can support their campaign in a range of ways.
Homes for Ukraine
If you want to offer a home to people fleeing Ukraine, you can become a ‘sponsor’ as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme. You can register as an individual or as an organisation.
Reset Communities and Refugees is helping register and match refugees from Ukraine with sponsors across the UK. You can register your interest in sponsoring a refugee fleeing Ukraine.
Resources
The Ukrainian Institute, London has produced a guide that explains what you can do to support Ukraine and Ukrainians.
The BBC have published this article that covers what people in the UK can do to help.
In kind donations
Understandably, many people have wanted to donate goods and supplies to be sent to people in Ukraine. We recognise this generosity, however at the moment practical and logistical constraints mean that we are only seeking monetary donations. Please do not send any goods or supplies. As people from Ukraine start to arrive in Greater Manchester we will work across agencies to understand what their needs are and if donations are required, we will put out very specific requests with further information.