Ukraine
A statement from the Mayor
Following the outbreak of war in Ukraine, the Mayor of Barnet has thanked the residents and faith and community groups who have already done so much to help those affected and highlighted some of the initiatives currently underway in the borough.
Mayor of Barnet Cllr Alison Cornelius said:
“The people of Barnet are always willing to step up in a crisis, and the situation in Ukraine is no exception. I have been so impressed by everything our community has done so far, and I want to highlight just some of the examples of communities coming together to offer help.
“The Romanian Foodbank, managed by the Romanian Culture and Charity Together, has worked with local residents to collect donations, which will be distributed to Ukrainian refugees arriving in Romania.
“Over the course of the week, several local groups have been collecting essential items. Thanks to the generous offer of use of a plane, most of the goods collected will be flown from Stansted to Suceava in Eastern Romania on Saturday, with the remainder travelling by road. The donations will be distributed to those in most in need, in liaison with the Youth with a Mission charity.
“On Sunday, St. Mary’s church Finchley and the residents of Rectory Close collected the sum of £2,273.30 along with numerous other churches, synagogues, and other places of worship across the borough who are also collecting. The money has been funded towards a van and fuel which is now on its way from the Ukrainian church to deliver donations.
“A Polish school based at Bishop Douglas School has also collected donations (10 vans full), which are being sent to help Ukrainian refugees in Poland.
“Barnet Synagogue has raised £4,000 for Ukrainian refugees, and the community has collected an additional £2,000 of supplies to be distributed by Chabad of Poland. I am grateful to Barnet Synagogue who I know have been overwhelmed by the community’s positive response.
“I attended St Andrew’s church this morning where I was awestruck by people’s generosity. As well as second-hand goods, many people have also donated new items such as sleeping bags in bulk.
“The public response has been phenomenal, and I am so proud of these initiatives, and the combination of compassion and practical support, which is a hallmark of Barnet’s communities.”
Ukraine Crisis - Find out ways in which you can help those in need.
Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC)
The best way to donate to the cause at this stage is to make financial donations to the national Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), which is an alliance of 15 charities including Oxfam, Save the Children, and the British Red Cross, and coordinates responses to disasters and humanitarian crises around the world.
Every pound donated by the UK public will be matched by the UK government through its Aid Match scheme up to the value of £20million. This support will double the impact of the public’s own donations and will ensure that charities working on the ground can reach those in urgent need. The official guidance is to encourage monetary donations rather than goods.
You can donate here: https://donation.dec.org.uk/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal.
Homes for Ukraine scheme
The “homes for Ukraine” programme allows individuals, charities, community groups and businesses across the UK to offer a room or home rent-free to Ukrainians escaping the war, regardless of whether they have ties to the country.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homes-for-ukraine-scheme-frequently-asked-questions
Concerned about British nationals who need assistance in Ukraine?
Consular support is still available to British nationals through the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office helpline (open 24 hours, 7 days a week) on:
+380 44 490 3660 (from Ukraine)
+44 (0) 1908 516666 (from the UK)
Find UK Government advice about the situation in Ukraine.
Concerned about non-British family members in Ukraine?
The British Government has announced that British nationals and people of any nationality settled in the UK will be supported to bring family members to the UK. This includes immediate family members (under Family Migration visas) as well as parents, grandparents, adult children and siblings (under the Ukraine Family Scheme).
To check your eligibility and begin the application call the helpline (open 24 hours, 7 days a week) on:
From Ukraine: +44 808 164 8810 – select option 1
From the UK: 0808 164 8810 if you’re in the UK – select option 1
Concerned as a Ukrainian national in the UK?
The Home Office has agreed some temporary concessions to support Ukrainian nationals currently in the UK who are now unable to return when their existing visa expires.
If you are in the UK and need assistance, contact UKVI on:
0808 164 8810 – select option 2
Monday to Thursday (excluding bank holidays), 9am to 4:45pm.
Friday (excluding bank holidays), 9am to 4:30pm.
Need legal advice?
The Ukraine Advice Project UK offers free legal advice on UK immigration, visas and asylum by qualified legal advisors for Ukrainians affected by the crisis.
Send details of your circumstances and the advice you need to: ukraine@freemovement.org.uk
Find further information from Ukraine Advice Project UK
Home Secretary update on support for Ukrainians
The Home Secretary announced that, from 15 March, Ukrainians with passports will no longer need to go to a Visa Application Centre to give their biometrics before they come to the UK. Instead, once their application has been considered and the appropriate checks completed, Ukrainians will receive direct notification that they are eligible for the scheme and can come to the UK. Applicants will be able to give their biometrics once they are in Britain. https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/home-secretary-update-on-support-for-ukrainians
- If you do have goods to donate then contact Goods for Good as they have the infrastructure in place to get the right goods to right places. Goods for Good reporting that medicines, food and blankets are the most urgent items.
- London Plus have put together a list of existing resources
- The British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal has set up a central site for youth workers, youth groups and sector organisations with lots of useful resources to better discuss war with children, and supporting refugee and migrant children.
- Freemovement has produced a helpful resource bringing together advice on immigration Can Ukrainians take refuge in the UK? Immigration concessions and asylum policy - Free Movement
- A pro bono referral scheme for Ukrainian nationals on immigration matters was launched yesterday afternoon Ukraine Advice Project UK – Free UK immigration and asylum advice for Ukrainians and their families from qualified lawyers (advice-ukraine.co.uk)
- Work Rights Centre has produced a resource for those directly affected Solidarity with Ukraine | Work Rights Centre
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Local Sponsorship Scheme for Ukraine webpage
Following the invasion of Ukraine, the government is launching a new sponsorship scheme to make sure that Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their homes have a route to safety in the UK. The scheme will match people, charities, businesses and community groups to Ukrainians who do not have established families in the country, so they are able to come the UK.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-sponsorship-scheme-for-ukraine https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukraine-what-you-can-do-to-hel