Like so many around the world, we're deeply saddened by the heart-breaking images and stories from the war in Ukraine. It is deeply distressing to hear stories of predominately women and children fleeing their homes and leaving loved ones behind to defend their homes and to see images of the devastating consequences of war.

As a Home-Start federation committed to friendship, community, families, human and children’s rights, we stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and with all those seeking peace and an end to this avoidable human suffering.

As people who always go above and beyond to support families, Home-Start staff, volunteers and friends will likely be feeling powerless and helpless in the face of this disaster. Here are some ways that you can help:

• We urge those able to do so to consider contributing to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal being led by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) - a coalition of humanitarian charities. https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal
• You can also donate to the DEC appeal here – where our corporate partners, the John Lewis partnership, have generously offered to match-fund contributions from customers and partners up to £150,000.

We know that this is also a worrying time for children as they see and hear the news.  For parents, carers, teachers and volunteers working with families, this selection of resources can support you to help children better understand the conflict and explore their thoughts, feelings and understandable anxieties:

• BBC Newsround has a selection of articles and videos on the conflict here https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround#more-stories-2 and this video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AB2yqtXkItk
• https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-involved/teaching-resources/newsthink-ukraine
• https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2022/02/25/help-for-teachers-and-families-to-talk-to-pupils-about-russias-invasion-of-ukraine-and-how-to-help-them-avoid-misinformation/
• https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2022/february/responding-to-the-crisis-in-ukraine/

The consequences of this war will be long-lasting and profound for families and children. In communities across the UK, we know that Home-Starts and other community-based charities will be there for displaced families, in the way that they have always been for so many families arriving fleeing conflicts around the world. We will continue to explore what else we can do, as a federation, to enhance our offer for displaced families and we continue to hold hope for peaceful and rapid de-escalation.

 

Peter Grigg,

Chief Executive, Home-Start UK