The situation in Ukraine is devastating and urgent. Civil society organisations are on the frontline in the country, in its neighbours helping refugees, and around the world lobbying governments and raising funds.
Information for Charities and community groups
National charity NCVO has shared a helpful blog on how charities and civil society can support Ukraine. The war also impacts on UK charities and the blog also outlines these and how you can prepare.
'Mobilising the public response to war in Ukraine through partnership and collaboration'. thoughts from NCVO.
Charities have a vital role in supporting those arriving from Ukraine – ‘We encourage charities, informal groups, and local authorities to work collaboratively, strengthening the work of each other and channelling the willingness to help effectively’. NCVO blog
Organisations should follow NCSC advice and act on improving their resilience with the cyber threat heightened. New online learning helps small organisations get to grips with cyber security.
The Charity Commission has also issued a statement on the Ukraine crisis and its implications for charities., Guidance for charities and trustees responding to the crisis in Ukraine and is raising awareness of the risk of sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment of those in need of assistance.
ACRE has produced a briefing Support for Ukrainian refugees – the role of village halls.
How you can help - donations
Advice is to donate money if you can, which can make more of a difference more quickly than donating goods which need to be transported. On 1 March the Polish Embassy requested that people send funds to recognised organisations, but don't send material goods to the country. As the Ukrainian people face conflict and violence, they will need donations that will go towards humanitarian aid, psychological support and medical supplies for paramedics and doctors on the frontlines.
DEC (Disasters Emergency Committee) charities and their local partners are in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries providing food, water, shelter and medical assistance. You can help by donating to their Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. Large charities are pooling their resources together and the UK government pledged match funding. They have the expertise and experience to help in these situations through trusted channels. The British Red Cross emergency appeal to raise funds for food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water is part of the DEC Ukraine Appeal.
There are also a range of organisations that you can make a donation to, but the Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator have urge people to ‘give safely’ to registered charities helping and supporting those affected.
If you are looking for other ways to help London Plus are updating a document of useful links and resources (some are London based but many are national or international)
Two Ridings Community Foundation have shared information about directly supporting Ukrainian community foundations to support local people & communities as they need it
Our local Harrogate District of Sanctuary share when specific items are needed for families locally. Harrogate Clothes Bank accepts good quality clothes which are available free of charge for people in need, who can then choose items they want.
The Ukrainian Institute has also shared some ways you can support Ukraine.
100 Ukrainian leaders of civil society organizations have come together to urge leaders around the world to act on six urgent appeals.
How you can help - offering a home and support to refugees arriving in Harrogate district
The Homes For Ukraine scheme was designed to last for an initial 6 months. It is important to begin thinking about longer term housing solutions. The seminar hosted by Dr Krish Kandiah (Sanctuary Foundation) is now available on YouTube (in English and Ukrainian) with some encouragements, realistic appraisal and practical ways forward on housing beyond hosting.
On 14 March the Government announced the Homes for Ukraine Scheme for individuals, charities, community groups and businesses to volunteer accommodation. There are some FAQs on the Government website
The Homes for Ukraine scheme is open for applications from Ukrainians with a named eligible sponsor in the UK. This factsheet, which has been translated into Ukrainian and Russian, explains how Ukrainians can apply to the scheme before arriving in the UK.
USPUK Communities for Ukraine USPUK is a registered charity helping Ukrainians displaced by the war travel to the UK, working with the UK Government’s “Homes for Ukraine” scheme and awarded ‘Recognised Provider’ status by the government.
USPUK, along with partners Citizens UK, are on a drive to find new hosts and Lead Sponsors. The programme offers a fully supported ‘end-to-end’ process for Ukrainians looking to come to the UK, and for host families.
The Citizen’s Advice website has advice on Bringing people to the UK
This government Homes for Ukraine: sponsor guidance outlines important information for sponsors including responsibilities of sponsors and how sponsors may support their guests. There is also Homes for Ukraine: government guidance for councils.
City of Sanctuary have a helpful webpage Things to consider before applying to sponsor a refugee.
Reset Communities and Refugees is helping register and match refugees from Ukraine with sponsors across the UK. They’re a non-profit organisation set up in 2018 to help communities welcome refugees. They are accepting applications from those who have fled from Ukraine who wish to come to the UK on their Homes for Ukraine website. Other organisations such as Sanctuary Foundation are working in partnership.
Reset has created a Sponsor Toolkit for people wishing to welcome through the Homes for Ukraine programme. This toolkit is designed to provide an overview of the ways sponsors can support those arriving through the scheme.
Homes for Ukraine – making faster matches, an update from Reset’s CEO
Refugees at Home is a UK charity which connects those with a spare room in their home to refugees and asylum seekers in need of somewhere to stay. They need Home Visitor volunteers with a professional background in making home assessments - such as GPs, social workers, carers and occupational therapists.
You can also offer a spare room through Room for Refugees.
From safeguarding to trauma and from cross-cultural communication to community integration, a free online course from Sanctuary Foundation provides essential basic training for all those living, working or volunteering with refugees.
Harrogate District of Sanctuary have put together some useful links to help with sponsoring and hosting. If you are hosting in the Harrogate and Knaresborough area you can contact the charity to help co-ordination and support for guests when they arrive.
Harrogate Ukraine Support Network - A network of individuals and groups committed to providing some support to Ukrainian refugees in our district as well as the families that might be sponsoring or supporting them. The network is arranged by Harrogate District of Sanctuary and meets at Chain Lane Community Hub in Knaresborough.
Harrogate District of Sanctuary have set up a weekly drop-in and support meeting in Harrogate for Ukrainians and for sponsors, and those seeking support to become sponsors Refreshments are available. There will be opportunities to chat, meet others and share ideas and contacts, and other services will be offered depending on what people want.
The Harrogate Friends of Ukraine Facebook page for Sponsors, Ukrainians and supporters to share information has been set up by Harrogate District of Sanctuary in partnership with Community Links.
Harrogate and Knaresborough Ukraine Support Network Website for Ukrainian refugees living in the Harrogate district as a result of the war in Ukraine and for local families hosting them. The new site has information about activities and events, learning, skills and employment opportunities along with national and local information from first arrival to integration within our community. The website is supported by: Chain Lane Community Hub, North Yorkshire Council, Harrogate District of Sanctuary and Mind in Harrogate District.
Chain Lane Community Hub & Community Links run free learning and networking sessions at the Hub for Ukrainian guests. There is also a Knaresborough Friends of Ukraine Facebook page
Local Russian/Ukrainian speakers and anyone with ESOL qualifications/language teaching expertise are needed. If you are able to volunteer please get in touch with us at HADCA and we will help connect you.
The Ukraine project within Citizens Advice North Yorkshire supports Ukrainians arriving in the UK, their sponsors/hosts and family members throughout North Yorkshire. Their Helpline is 01757 600365 Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 17:00. They have posters translated into Ukrainian and Russian.
If you know anyone who is hosting Ukrainian guests or thinking of hosting, please encourage them to get in touch with the local support networks above.
You can watch a recording of the "Making it Work" webinar on supporting Ukrainians find work in the UK, with the option to select Ukrainian subtitles.
Vita Network have created a collection of practical and downloadable resources for refugees, hosts, host-communities, healthcare professionals, and advocates.
NACCOM has produced an updated series of resources for people and organisations interested in hosting refugees.
Dr Gill Martin, a psychotherapist specialising in refugee mental health, has compiled a very useful list of Host Guidelines shared on the City of Sanctuary website.
Solace has launched two new free e-learning courses aimed at those who want to improve their support for the emotional wellbeing of asylum seekers and refugees.
A series of useful resources for those hosting Ukrainian families with babies and young children.
Homes for Ukraine – Financial Matters: Talking about financial matters can be uncomfortable. With new guests in your home that you want to make feel welcome, this may be even trickier. This resource guide can help.
Psychological First Aid: Supporting Children and Young People a focus on children and young people’s mental health, with practical ways to help them cope and access the support they need during and after emergencies and crisis situations. The course has been produced by Public Health England, working with a wide range of experts and organisations.
Three Cultural Sensitivity Sheets have been produced by HealthProm as part of the VCS Emergencies Partnership; one in English, one in Ukrainian and one in Russian.
Were adding further details when available and there is also helpful information for host sponsors on the North Yorkshire County Council website.
Information and Support for Ukrainians coming to our district
Harrogate and Knaresborough Ukraine Support Network new website
The network brings together a range of partners who are working with Ukrainian refugees displaced by the war and their host families. The website provides a range of information about activities and events, learning, skills and employment opportunities along with national and local information from first arrival to integration within our community. These include social events, English lessons, health and well-being opportunities, links to volunteering and employment opportunities, information and advice on a wide range of relevant topics. Vist the website at https://friendsofukraine-northyorks.co.uk/
Government advice on moving to the UK if you’re from Ukraine
Check what you need to do before you travel to the UK and what to do after you arrive.
Welcome: a guide for Ukrainians arriving in the UK
This government guide is for Ukrainians arriving in the UK, including specific information for those arriving on the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
It covers what you need to know in your first few days, getting used to life in the UK including how to find a home, access essential public services, healthcare, find work and childcare and education services.
Homes for Ukraine: welcome guide for Ukrainian children under 18
An introductory welcome guide for children under 18 who are moving from Ukraine to England under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. The guide produced by the Government will be most helpful to those not travelling with or to join a parent or legal guardian and is available in Ukrainian, Russian and English.
On the North Yorkshire Council website there is welcome pack for Ukrainians arriving in the UK in Ukrainian and Russian
British Red Cross information for Ukrainians arriving in the UK
Barnardo’s Ukrainian Free Support Helpline for anyone fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.
0800 148 8586
The Helpline is open:
Monday – Friday 10.00am-8.00pm
Saturday 10.00am-3.00pm
Therapy with a qualified psychotherapist, advice on a range of issues and practical support. All services include access to interpreters in Ukrainian and Russian.
The British Red Cross has an information page for people from Ukraine, including the free British Red Cross support line: 0808 196 3651 (10am - 6pm daily with support line interpreters).
The Advice Ukraine Project UK is a group of volunteer legal professionals with immigration and asylum expertise. They are providing a free service to connect Ukrainian citizens (and others fleeing Ukraine) with free legal advice on UK immigration, visas and asylum from qualified and regulated lawyers.
The charity Solace provides mental health and wellbeing support for refugees and asylum seekers in Yorkshire and Humber region.
‘United for Ukraine’ has been set up by businesses and other partners across the North of England. This initiative provides a searchable list of vacancies for Ukrainian nationals with employers who have committed to providing good job opportunities in a supportive environment.
People fleeing Ukraine and arriving in the UK can claim benefits immediately.
Benefits for resettled Ukrainians - CPAG information about the rights to benefits for resettled Ukrainians escaping the war and the potential impact on the benefits and other entitlements of ‘hosts’ of resettled Ukrainians.
The Citizens Advice website has a section on immigration information.
Turn2us have improved the usability of their benefits calculator to make sure it is easy to follow for Ukrainian refugees. Changes included adding additional immigration and housing status questions, extra help text prompts and information for refugees who may need to seek further support from their local council.
Refugee Council Banking Guide for Refugees for people who have recently been granted refugee status in the UK (in English)
Online resources for learners of English as a second or additional language – updated by Nina Jolly on behalf of Harrogate District of Sanctuary from an original list by Leeds City Council.
Free English courses for Ukrainian Nationals from NYCC Adult Learning & Skills. Ideal for those aged 19+ arriving from Ukraine. No matter the starting level, teachers can help learners to gain essential English skills and knowledge for everyday life, communicate and make friends with others, look for work opportunities and feel welcomed into the UK. Courses run throughout the week.
Free online courses for refugees from The Open University, including learning English to information about working as a translator.
Free online learning resources for Ukrainians settling in the UK from Open University’s Open Learn, including courses on the English language and articles about mental health and wellbeing.
Free educational resources from Twinkl to support Ukrainian children and their families.
Dual Language Teaching Resources and Word Mats
Art Therapy Resources
Resources to support Mental Health and Well-being for younger learners
Resources to support Mental Health and Well-being for older learners.
Sunflower TV for Ukrainian refugee children - a dedicated ad-free YouTube channel which will show hit British children’s programmes dubbed into Ukrainian.
Charity Translators - Ukraine-related language support (including volunteer opportunities).
Free Ukrainian Phrasebook from Lonely Planet.
Time to be Out supports LGBT+ Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Ukrainian Displaced Persons Travel Scheme
To help Ukrainian nationals travelling to the UK, most public transport operators, including National Rail, are offering free onward travel to get to a safe place. The offer is valid across all National Rail train operators, light rail services and the majority of bus and coach services, with 48 hours from arrival in the UK to complete the journey.
Sim cards for Ukrainians now living or about to arrive in North Yorkshire. The sim card has unlimited free texts and calls in the UK or a Data Sim.
Emergency support put in place for people fleeing Ukraine and entering the UK with their pets.
A new safeguarding resource for Ukrainian speakers, “Talking to your child about online harm”, produced by the Marie Collins Foundation, supported by the Office of the Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner.
The Ukraine project within Citizens Advice North Yorkshire supports Ukrainians arriving in the UK, their sponsors/hosts and family members throughout North Yorkshire. Their Helpline is 01757 600365 Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 17:00. They have posters translated into Ukrainian and Russian.
Harrogate and Knaresborough Ukraine Support Network Website for Ukrainian refugees living in the Harrogate district as a result of the war in Ukraine and for local families hosting them. The new site has information about activities and events, learning, skills and employment opportunities along with national and local information from first arrival to integration within our community. The website is supported by: Chain Lane Community Hub, North Yorkshire County Council, Harrogate District of Sanctuary and Mind in Harrogate District.
Harrogate & Knaresborough Toy Library is offering refugees the opportunity of a year's free membership to borrow toys and free entry to play sessions.
Our searchable Where To Turn Community Information Directory for Harrogate district contains hundreds of local charity services, support groups and community activities. Both Harrogate District of Sanctuary and Ripon City of Sanctuary will be able to help with bringing people together for peer support.
We'll add further details when available and more will also be added to the North Yorkshire County Council website where there is information relating to North Yorkshire in Ukrainian, including Children & Families Services, Early Years and Schools.
British Red Cross have translated their heatwave checklist and First Aid advice during a heatwave into 8 languages including Ukrainian.
Keeping informed and getting involved
The Refugee Council is a UK based organisation working with refugees and asylum seekers, providing support and advice to refugees and asylum seekers, as well as support for other refugee and asylum seeker organisations. There are many ways you can get involved. The Refugee Council has put together a page of support and information for people affected by the crisis in Ukraine.
Refugee Action has supported refugees and people seeking asylum since 1981.
Migration Yorkshire produce migration news updates and they have a Ukraine Hub.
Our local members of the City Of Sanctuary network share information and ways to help on social media. City of Sanctuary have produced their own helpful guide with 8 ways you can support the people of Ukraine.
Please follow and support our local Harrogate District of Sanctuary
We are updating this page as well as including information in our weekly HADCA e-bulletins which you can subscribe to receive for free.
We made contact with Andrew Jones MP for Harrogate & Knaresborough who replied very promptly on 1 March and we are happy to share his response together with a link to his statement.
‘I wrote to the Prime Minister along with 40-or-so colleagues yesterday saying that I wanted us to give a generous and speedy welcome to Ukrainian refugees as well as supporting the countries directly bordering Ukraine to help refugees with their immediate needs as they flee the country.
I had a meeting with the Prime Minister later on yesterday and I took the opportunity to re-iterate the points in the letter. I think, and I am pleased if it is, that policy is developing in this way. The most pressing need is clearly regional now, but that is changing rapidly and so our policy must change with the situation on the ground. It should be changing in anticipation of what is likely to happen and not be ‘behind the curve’.
I have received a great many emails regarding this and wanted to reply to you personally and very promptly as I know how much you give to the volunteering community who do so much to support refugees when they get here. We are in precisely the same place and I am sure we are both horrified by the human misery this awful and inexplicable war has caused.’
North Yorkshire Council information
North Yorkshire has pledged to do everything possible to support the people of Ukraine in their fight against the Russian invasion and citizens forced to flee advancing forces.
The council have a webpage which is being updated with information for sponsors and for Ukrainians arriving in the UK. You can also read the information leaflet for Ukrainians arriving in the UK in Ukrainian and Russian.
Harrogate Borough supports the people of Ukraine
The then Harrogate Borough Mayor Councillor Trevor Chapman and leader of the council Councillor Richard Cooper raised the Ukrainian flag at the civic centre in Harrogate on 2 March 2022 to show the district’s support for the people of Ukraine and their condemnation of the Russian invasion.
Rotary Charitable Appeal for Ukraine
A huge thank you to everyone who supported the Harrogate Brigantes Rotary Club pop up charity cafes at St Peter's Church in Harrogate town centre. In just five hours, thanks to the generosity of the people of Harrogate, nearly £1600 was raised for Rotary’s Ukraine Appeal, approximately £1000 from the sale of food and drink and £600 in donations. Brigantes made this up to £2000 from members donations and Club funds for the the people of Ukraine through the Rotary International Fund.
Harrogate Brigantes Rotary Club, with the Yorkshire Society, raised over £5000 to support refugees from Ukraine, thanks to the generosity of their guests and sponsors at their Jubilee dinner at Cedar Court Hotel.
Looking after ourselves during scary world events
Scary world news can affect our mental health. After learning about global events that cause uncertainty, you may feel fear, anxiety or a loss of control over your own life and plans. You may worry for the safety of strangers, loved ones or yourself. And if you have lived through similar events in the past, it may bring up traumatic memories.
Mental Health Foundation have created some advice to help you cope and support your loved ones during these uncertain times.
Talking to children about what's happening in Ukraine can be really hard. The Schools of Sanctuary team have put together a resource to support you in helping your child navigate the news they’ve been seeing and how they feel about it.
National Youth Agency (NYA) resources help navigate conversations with young people about the crisis in Ukraine and conflict.
If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed our local Just B Hear to Help community support line and The Samaritans are here to listen.
This Easy Read news story is about the Russian army invading Ukraine and how other countries have responded.
Thank you to everyone across Harrogate District donating, supporting and standing up for Ukraine.
At HADCA we stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and all those against the war.
Last updated July 2023
