A Facebook group has been set up for the community donation drive with details of local collection points, what items are needed and other up-to-date information. (Please note this Facebook group is not managed by Southend-on-Sea City Council.)

We continue to work with our partners to find the most effective ways we can provide support for the people of Ukraine at this time. Many of our residents and businesses have also said they want to help the Ukrainian people.

The Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator have urged the public to "give safely" to registered charities helping and supporting those affected by the invasion of Ukraine.

Cllr Anne Jones, cabinet member for communities and housing, said: “It is heart-breaking to see what is happening to the people of the Ukraine and it's natural for us to want to reach out and offer any support we can.

“There is a lot happening in our local community and as a council, we are doing what we can to offer support to those people who are working so hard. The UK Government is advising people to use registered charities, like the ones listed below to get cash to the aid workers on the ground, helping those people displaced by the fighting taking place in the Ukraine.

“If you’d prefer to use a local collection point, please make sure the items you donate are appropriate, in a good reusable condition, and that food items are in date. And to all those who donate, please let me thank you in advance for showing true Southend spirit in your generosity and kindness.”

We recommend anyone who wants to support should do so by donating money to recognised charities already working on the ground in Ukraine. These include:

Disasters Emergency Committee – Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal
British Red Cross – Ukraine crisis appeal
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – the UN refugee agency
United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) – Ukraine
Save the Children – Ukraine appeal
Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) – Help Ukraine Emergency Appeal

For more advice, go to GOV.UK: Ukraine – what you can do to help.

Tagged in:

Charity