It’s one of the most pondered questions of our current times, and one for which there seems to be myriad of potential answers...from making donations, to nominating and offering up accommodation for those arriving in the UK after fleeing the conflict.
The recently announced ‘Homes for Ukraine’ programme is part of a national effort to help those in need, and is designed to allow individuals, charities, businesses and community groups to sponsor and house those who have obtained a Visa, for a minimum of six months.
Sponsored Ukrainians will be granted three years’ leave, and during their stay will be allowed to work and access public services, as well as claim financial support.
With the first refugees expected to arrive in the UK any day, the demand for hosts in Maidenhead and the surrounds only looks set to increase over the weeks and months ahead, and as an incentive to encourage more home owners to sign up to the scheme, the Government is offering £350 to help cover the costs food and energy bills.
Anybody interested in registering for the scheme, can do so now via the Government's website, with nearon 89,000 people in Britain already having taken this first step towards becoming a host.
Claire Osborne, who works from home running an online gift shop, is one such individual poised to help. She states 'we work from home and, as our children have flown the nest, we have enough space to offer accommodation to a family. Even though the bedrooms still have their “stuff” in, our 3 children are 100% on board with clearing their space of their childhood memories to make room for a refugee family in need to build some, hopefully, positive memories.'
Speaking on the matter of this unfolding humanitarian crisis, Geoff Tomlinson, Managing Director of Braxtons Estate Agent, has pledged that his organisation will do all it can to support locally-mediated efforts to deliver aid to the border. To this end, Braxton have currently donated to local fundraiser Ben Gibbs, who is filling his motorhome with supplies to take to those who have fled their home without belongings.
In terms of other ways to show support, there are several Ukrainian charities working on the ground, including Sunflower of Peace, which helps paramedics and doctors, and The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) – which is responding to the rising humanitarian needs.
On a local level, the community led group Maidenhead for Ukraine is also regularly sharing tips on ways to show support through donations and volunteering.