We are shocked and saddened by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and our thoughts are with all those affected by the conflict. Wyre stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and it is our hope that the situation will be peacefully resolved as soon as possible. It is a tragedy to see people fleeing their homes for safety and we stand ready to play our part in providing assistance for refugees. We will be guided by central government should the Home Office establish a programme for refugees. As a mark of unity we will be flying the Ukraine flag alongside the Union flag across Wyre.
It has been heart-warming to see the local community come together as they always do, to raise funds and collect essential items for those in need.
Last year, we supported 80 Ukrainians seeking refuge in Wyre. Our role has been to check the homes of sponsors to make sure they are appropriate, to support the sponsors and their guests, to support local community organisations who are able to offer further help and to process payments to the refugees and their sponsors. The welcome and hospitality shown by our host families has been wonderful to see. The feedback from the guests, many of whom have been through incredible trauma, is that they are extremely appreciative of their host families, the council and the UK in general for supporting them through the crisis.
How you can help
We understand that many people will want to help and show support for the people of Ukraine during this troubling time. There are several organisations who are helping in the humanitarian appeal and who would welcome any support you can give. Anyone wanting to help may wish to make a financial donation to the appeal as this is the quickest and most direct way to make a difference.
Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal
The Disasters Emergency Committee is providing urgent humanitarian aid for families who are fleeing the conflict.
Your entire donation goes to charities, including the British Red Cross and Oxfam, who are on the borders where Ukrainians have fled - and on the front line in Ukraine itself. Your donation will help fund a wide range of vital support including:
- Providing food, first aid, clean water, shelter support, warm clothing, hygiene parcels and medicines
- Supporting hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Supporting fire fighters and civil protection units
- Training people up in life-saving first aid
- Helping families stay in contact with each other
- Educating people on the risks of explosives
- Repairing vital infrastructure
- Helping to repair homes, healthcare centres, and community centres
The most important thing that anyone can do to help out in this crisis is to donate money. The Red Cross says that cash donations are by far the quickest, safest and most direct way to help people in a humanitarian crisis. It doesn't matter how much you can afford to give – every single penny makes a difference. The information below shows how your donation could be spent.
The UK Government will match donations from the public pound-for-pound up to £20 million, meaning your support will go even further.
How your donation could help people in Ukraine
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£5: Could provide three sleeping mats for people forced to flee their homes.
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£10: Could provide a family with a month's worth of hygiene supplies, helping them to stay healthy.
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£40: Could provide blankets to ten people taking shelter.
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£100: Could provide 120 chlorine tablets, ensuring people have access to safe, clean water.
Donate to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal
UNICEF
UNICEF is especially concerned for the safety and wellbeing of children who have become separated from their families, working round the clock to keep families safe.
Donating items
Not everyone is able to give money, so the Red Cross has some great advice for people who would like to donate items. There are local organisations in the UK who are collecting things, such as clothing and blankets who often have links to partners organisations in Ukraine or in border countries. If you have items you want to donate they encourage you to:
- Look for any local charity that may be collecting
- Check what they need so you can donate the right items
- Ask if they can transport the items before donating to them.
Homes for Ukraine campaign
The UK Government has launched the Homes for Ukraine programme for individuals, organisations, charities and community groups who are interested in supporting Ukrainians fleeing the war.
If you are registering your interest in the Homes for Ukraine scheme, please also email Lancashire County Council at RITTeam@lancashire.gov.uk to make them aware of your interest.
For more information, read our housing for Ukrainian nationals page.
All children and young people arriving in England from Ukraine via the family route or the sponsorship route have the right to access education and childcare (for children below compulsory school age) whilst in the UK. For more information and how to apply visit the Lancashire County Council website.
Government advice
Visit the government website for support for family members of British nationals in Ukraine, and Ukrainian nationals in Ukraine and the UK.