BVSC stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and along with our partners across Birmingham we will be doing all we can to help and support the humanitarian crisis.
We have collated some links to useful sources of information that may help you in supporting people of Ukraine.
What you can do
Making a donation
Many people in Birmingham want to do whatever they can to help, and one way is to donate.
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) is a coalition of 15 leading UK charities, has launched a collective appeal to provide emergency aid and rapid relief to civilians suffering during the conflict.
Leaders from The Polish Expats Association (PEA) in Birmingham, together with a partnership of community leaders (CEE) have set up a GoFundMe page to help refugees fleeing Ukraine gofund.me/7b070324
Homes for Ukraine scheme
You can also help by providing accommodation to those fleeing the war in Ukraine. Find out more about the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme, which opens on 18 March.
The following websites provide good sources of guidance and information:
Summary of Official-Level Briefing (Dept of Levelling Up)
RESET are the organisation leading on the design of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, and VCSEP understand that they require support in regards to appointing a head of safeguarding to support the team and development of the programme.
Citizens Advice Bureau Guidance on volunteers who wish to participate in Homes for Ukraine scheme.
Accessing Support, Information and Advice
Drop-in advice is always available at the Refugee and Migrant Centre with locations in Birmingham, Wolverhampton or Walsall. Contact information for all locations is available from their website, link above.
Updated information about Government announcements on Ukraine are available via West Midlands Strategic Migration Partnership UK.
Relate Birmingham are offering free phone chats for Ukrainians in England & Wales with loved ones at the centre of the current crisis. Bookings can be made via Relate's website.
Guidance for Ukranians arriving in the UK
Red Cross Guidance
The British Red Cross has produced advice guidance for Ukrainians arriving in the UK:
• Advice for Ukrainians arriving in the UK (English)
• Advice for Ukrainians arriving in the UK (Ukrainian)
• Advice for Ukrainians arriving in the UK (Russian)
Other useful websites
Migration: Policy & Practice supports the effective settlement of migrants and a positive integration agenda in Birmingham and the Black Country.
Ukranian Institute London lists various ways you can support the humanitarian crisis.
NCVO has published a guide for charities and civil society which includes: giving donations; supporting grassroots action; and campaigning.
Kent Council has produced some useful guidance