Support for Ukraine

Below are some links to the various appeals and helplines for Ukraine plus some employment support networks.

Employment and Homes

• UK & Ukraine Political, Free Trade and Strategic Partnership Agreement – this agreement between the UK and Ukraine, enables business visitors to stay up to 90 days in any 12-month period, and Contractual Service Suppliers & Independent Professionals can stay up to 12 months if they are employed by organisations with a presence in the UK. According to the trade deal, the UK Government is generally unable to offer a guaranteed stay longer than 12 months, however with the new schemes it might be possible, and this is under review.
• The Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine) allows Ukrainian nationals and their family members to come to the UK if they have a named sponsor under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. Questions and answers on how the Homes for Ukraine scheme will work is available here.
• The Family Visa route allows Ukrainians with relatives in the UK to apply for a visa. The requirements for a minimum salary and English are to be removed, these visas last 3 years.
• The Refugee Employment Network is looking to partner refugees with businesses to access appropriate, fulfilling, paid employment or self-employment: – https://refugeeemploymentnetwork.co.uk/
• Advertising Aid is an EU platform connecting Ukrainian friends with the EU creative industry and job opportunities within the sector: https://adaid.eu/en/

Humanitarian Support

• Local donation centres for items including warm clothing and bedding have also been springing up across the UK (check social media for ones in your area) One such is the White Eagle Club at 211 Balham High Road, SW17. Donations there will be sent overseas as aid to Ukrainian refugees fleeing the country. The venue is open Monday 28 February 10am-1pm, Wednesday 2 March 3pm-8pm and Friday 4 March 10am-5pm. Volunteers say their most needed items include batteries and flashlights, clothes, shoes, sanitary products, and bedding.
• 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 Peaceis 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.

Animal Support

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