Support for Ukraine

As a humanitarian crisis unfolds in Ukraine following its invasion by Russia, it’s understandable that you may feel increasingly worried about the situation and want to know how you can help.


Stay informed

One of the best ways to help the most vulnerable in Ukraine is by staying on top of what is happening on the ground, and learning more about how citizens are being affected by the conflict.

Make sure you are accessing reliable sources of information when keeping informed about the situation in Ukraine. News sources such as the BBC, Sky News, The Independent and The Kyiv Independent provide up to date information.


Staying safe online

The UK Government, Ukrainian Government and others have been sharing messages of support on social media using the hashtag #StandForUkraine.


Take care of what you share! There is a lot of false information about the conflict circulating online – this is often called misinformation and disinformation. You can do your part to stop the spread:

Ask yourself – does this look right? Does this sound right? Does this information come from a source I recognise?


Donate

Global charities operating in the UK and Ukraine are appealing for funds to offer aid in the humanitarian crisis.

Sean Ryan, media director of Save the Children, said: "The best way to help is to make a cash donation."

He said collecting supplies like blankets or infant formula means transporting heavy goods hundreds of miles, whereas cash can reach people quickly to buy what is needed.


Charities taking donations include:

  • Disasters Emergency Committee is an umbrella group for 15 of the UK's leading aid charities, is also running an appeal, donations to which will be doubled by the government up to a total of £20m.

  • The British Red Cross has launched an appeal to help the Ukrainian Red Cross to provide food, medicine, clothing and shelter, as well as first aid training in bomb shelters and, in the last few days, 15,000 litres of drinking water to villages in eastern Ukraine.

  • Unicef, the UN's children's charity, which is helping to ensure families have clean water and food and that child health and protection services continue.

  • Save the Children is providing cash assistance, food and other support to refugees crossing into Romanian and Lithuania, as well as in Ukraine itself.


If you cannot contribute a cash donation, check local areas nearby that are taking donations such as clothing, blankets etc.


How to look after yourself

After a two-year pandemic, the situation in Ukraine is a lot to absorb, and feeling overwhelmed is normal.


While it's right to think first and foremost about the impact on those caught up in the conflict, it's also completely normal to feel upset by what we're seeing in Ukraine.


This doesn't always lead to anxiety, but the NHS and Anxiety UK agree on some key ways to avoid it: eat well, get outside, put your phone down, connect with people, rest. These are all pretty basic pieces of advice, but when you're stressed, they can be difficult to do consistently.


Remove yourself from triggers and make sure you are taking the time to do something enjoyable for you, whether that’s sport, walking the dog or meeting a friend for lunch.


Experts agree that if you're feeling anxious, avoid doom scrolling - the act of spending an excessive amount of time consuming negative news. This is something we often do when faced with uncertainty, but instead of filling in the gaps with useful information, we can end up causing ourselves more anxiety.


The mental health charity Mind advises only looking at news and social media at certain times of the day, for a limited duration, and then doing something relaxing afterwards.


If you need any support during this time, speak to a tutor or a member of the Student Support team. Find out how to get in touch with a member of the Student Support team here.


For more information about coping with world events, visit the Student Life Information Hub.