In the last few weeks, it’s been harrowing to watch the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine develop, and has left many wondering what they can do to help the victims of the war in any small part from overseas. More than 18 million people are thought to be affected from this crisis in Ukraine, with a projected 4 million thought to be displaced by the war.
Here are some of the practical ways you can help and show solidarity from London.
How to help the people of the Ukraine from London
Give to the Disaster Emergency Committee
By donating to this Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, you’ll be contributing to the provisions of essential hygiene supplies, blankets, food, and more. Plus, the UK government have pledged to “match pound-for-pound up to £20 million donated by the public to this appeal”, so any amount could end up going a very long way. Visit the website to donate.
Donate key supplies at various collection points
Thousands of Londoners have already been donating anything they can to help provide for the people of Ukraine. If you think you have any key provisions – whether it be blankets, sleeping bags, wipes, helmets, tampons, or masks – that you could donate, find your nearest collection point to drop them off. Plenty of items are welcome, but those making donations have been urged to check what is accepted before dropping supplies off.
Collection points include:
- The Polish White Eagle Club (211 Balham High Road, SW17 7BQ);
- Lewisham Polish Centre (8 Waldram Park Road, SE23 2PN);
- Unit Six Cafe Stratford (6 The East Mall, E15 1XA);
- North London Collection Centre (233 Willesden Lane, NW2 5RP);
- Ukraine House, looking in particular for military and medical aid (154 Holland Park Avenue, W11 4UH).
Sign up to to the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme
This applies to the whole of the UK, and saw more than 88,000 people sign up to welcome refugees from Ukraine into their homes during times of crisis. By signing up, you’ll receive £350 a month tax free to a month, and you will help the displaced people fleeing from the war find a route to safety during this awful time. Find out more and sign up to the scheme here.
Attend a protest/march to show solidarity
Tonight, London lights up in solidarity with our friends in Ukraine. You are not alone. pic.twitter.com/EXu9obzpax
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) February 25, 2022
There have been a number of peaceful protests around Trafalgar Square and other parts of London which are a great way to let the government know that support must be shown to all those affected by the war in Ukraine. Protests will continue, and you can keep up with information about any upcoming ones online on groups such as the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign.
Next weekend (March 26), a march and vigil for the people of Ukraine is taking place, starting from Park Lane at 2pm, with the Yoko Ono’s “Imagine Peace” message displayed on the Piccadilly lights. Get full details here.
Head to or support a London fundraising event
These are sure to keep on cropping up, adding to the outpouring of support London has shown during this time. Notable campaigns have included the #CookForUkraine fundraisers hosted by chefs. Whether you’re buying a breakfast smoothie or heading out for a three-course meal, many restaurants have offered customers the option of adding donations to their bill.
Elsewhere, a night for Ukraine was held at the London Roundhouse last week — with performances from Bob Geldof and Ukrainian duo Bloom Twins, who helped put on the event. Refugee charity Choose Love also put up the beautiful butterflies from the Carnaby Street Christmas light installation for sale, in exchange for a donation to the Ukraine fundraisers.
Coming up at the Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth is Slava Ukraini – a night of music and poetry, showing solidarity and raising funds for those hit by the crisis. The line-up includes Ukrainian and British artists – baritone Yuriy Yurchuk, pianist Dinara Klinton alongside Ben Whishaw, Jonathan Pryce and Juliet Stevenson, and all net proceeds are to be directly donated to the Disaster Emergency Committee. Tickets are £25 and can be bought here.
You can also attend the concert “Russians Against War” by Russian rap artist OXXXYMIRON at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire on March 24, where all proceed go towards helping Ukrainian refugees. You can purchase tickets to the event here, and the show will also be livestreamed via Twitch, YouTube and Facebook, allowing people to donate online.
Here’s a list of some more charities you can donate to support those affected by the war in Ukraine
- Choose Love – a charity that raises millions to support refugees all over the world;
- British Red Cross – helping provide clean water, first aid, shelter and more;
- UNHCR;
- East European Resource Centre;
- Save The Children;
- Humanity & Inclusion;
- Work Rights Centre.
This article will be updated with more ways to help as they appear.