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We stand with Ukraine – ways to help

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We stand with Ukraine and show our solidarity with the people of Ukraine, Ukrainians in the North East and UK and across the world.

Find out some of the ways you can help support the people and organisations in Ukraine, as well as those fleeing the war and seeking refuge in other countries and the UK.

Donate cash

The advice from most official sources is that cash donations are the best way to support Ukraine, to enable organisations to fund the services and provide the humanitarian aid that is needed, where it is needed.

‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme

The Homes for Ukraine scheme will allow individuals, charities, community groups and businesses in the UK to bring Ukrainians to safety – including those with no family ties to the UK. People arriving under this scheme will be able to live and work in the UK for up to three years and access healthcare, benefits, employment support, education, and English language tuition.

Links to advice and guidance about the scheme:

This information has been provided by VONNE (Voluntary Organisations Network North East) who provides updated resources here.

UK Government rules and guidance for Ukrainians coming to the UK and in the UK

Click here to get the latest updates on the rules and advice for British nationals in Ukraine, family members of British nationals in Ukraine, the Ukraine Family Scheme for extended family members, those who do not have family in the UK and the Local Sponsorship Scheme for Ukraine and advice for Ukrainians in the UK.

Schools, children and Ukrainian arrivals

Language support for Ukrainian refugees in schools

If you are supporting Ukrainian families in your school Languagenut is offering free access to resources to any school to enable English to be learned with Ukrainian as a support language. Please email lucas@languagenut.com to get access.

Guidance for parents in Ukrainian about the English education system and supporting their children at school

The Bell Foundation has a series of resources (in 20 languages including Ukrainian and Russian) for schools and also parents of children who have English as an Additional Language (EAL). There is guidance on the education system, how parents can use home languages to support their children and also guidance for schools on how they can work with pupils who have EAL. Click here to access resources.

Speaking with children about the war:

Children can be anxious about what is happening, seeing the news and how it is affecting people. The UK’s Schools of Sanctuary network is sharing advice and resources about speaking to children about the war in Ukraine. Click here to find out more.

Advice for UK charities on supporting Ukraine and preparing for the impact of the war

How you can help refugees in Newcastle

Newcastle is a City of Sanctuary and has welcomed refugees and asylum seekers from across the world for many years. There is a coalition of organisations working together to support them in the city. We are expecting Ukrainian refugees to be arriving in the city and there are a range of ways that Newcastle residents can help: Click here to find out more about the opportunities to provide support, including things like:

  • offering a spare room or some accommodation
  • fostering a child
  • offering practical support;
  • linking in with local agencies already providing support – as a volunteer, providing financial donations or donations of much needed items, sharing information and understanding what is on offer to help people, lobbying and advocating as part of campaigns supporting refugees and asylum seekers

Newcastle City Council (Schools Effectiveness) is preparing a welcome pack for international arrivals with children, which will be shared as soon as it is available.

You can find out about other support services for refugees and asylum seekers in Newcastle on the Information Now website here.

Read and share accurate information

Ukraine is appealing for people to use verified sources of news and to share accurate information about the conflict. This official Ukrainian website lists a number of websites and social media accounts where you can find information and which share verified information:

President of Ukraine

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

Ukraine’s official social media accounts 

Embassy of Ukraine in the UK

Get involved in campaigns for fair rules

The UK Government’s Nationality and Borders Act is now law. People can still feed into their local MPs to influence how this is implemented.

Together with Refugees is a coalition of organisations big and small who believe in showing compassion for people fleeing war, persecution or violence. Members include grassroots, community and refugee-led groups, international development charities, trade unions and faith groups. The coalition was founded by Asylum Matters, British Red Cross, Freedom from Torture, Rainbow Migration, Refugee Action, Refugee Council and Scottish Refugee Council. International Newcastle is a member of this coalition.

We believe that how we treat refugees is about who we are. At our best, we are welcoming and kind to those facing difficult times. Together, we are calling for a better approach to supporting refugees that is more effective, fair and humane. Click here to find out more and how to get involved.