[title]
Russian president Vladimir Putin has launched a full-scale attack on Ukraine, sending in military forces by air, land and sea. Ukraine is at war and people around the world are looking for ways to show their support for the nation. If you want to help the Ukrainians and you’re living in London, here are some practical things you can do.
Support Ukrainian charities
Donating money to charities working on the ground is probably the most effective thing you can do to directly help the people of Ukraine – helping to provide humanitarian aid, supplies for frontline doctors and paramedics, psychological support and valuable independent reporting.
Ukrainian charities, including Sunflower of Peace and United Help Ukraine provide medical supplies, while Voices of Children helps kids affected by the war. Find a full list of charities to support here.
Show solidarity by attending a protest in London
As the war goes on, protests are still taking place most weekends in London. Demonstrations pushing the British government to impose tougher sanctions against Russia and to provide more medical support for Ukraine have already taken place, with reports of several hundred joining rallies at Downing Street and outside of the UK Russian Embassy, as well as thousands congregating in Trafalgar Square.
Attending a peaceful demonstration can help to put pressure on the government to take action and is a visible way to show your support.
There’s a rally taking place outside Downing Street this Saturday (May 21) from 4-6pm, and a March of Mothers for the children of Ukraine kicking off at Marble Arch Speakers Corner on Sunday (May 22) at 1pm. Both are organised by London Euromaidan.
More protests are planned. Follow Ukraine Solidarity Campaign and London Euromaidan to keep up to date with London protests.
Write to your local MP
Contacting your local MP can help lobby the British government to address a particular issue, for example to welcome refugees from Ukraine, to place more sanctions on the Russian government or to send over more medical or military support.
Email your local MP or send a letter to their constituency address, asking them to raise the issue in parliament and to put pressure on the government. Instructions on how to do this can be found here.
Take part in the Homes for Ukraine scheme
The UK government’s ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme encourages ordinary people to sign up to sponsor refugees to live in their spare rooms.
So far almost 40,000 Ukrainians have arrived in the UK. Although the UK’s response to housing Ukrainian refugees has been slow-starting compared to some neighbouring countries, the Homes for Ukraine scheme finally kicked into gear in April. At the time the Home Office released figures saying that around 2,123 visas had been granted for refugees to come to London.
Last month, welcome hubs were set up at St Pancras station and Luton, Gatwick and Stansted airports to give much-needed supplies to the new arrivals, including food, clothing, sanitary products and £200 grants.
If you’re interested in taking part, find out more about the scheme and register your interest here.
Contribute to a London fundraiser
Attending a charity event or taking part in a campaign to raise money for humanitarian causes can be a different way to support the crisis from home turf. From charity concerts to clothing sales, fundraising lunches to film screenings, check out our round up of upcoming London fundraising events here.