Message from Arkesden Parish Council

As we are all aware the situation in Ukraine is very upsetting and concerning. Our thoughts and sympathy are with everyone who is affected. We thought the following information might be helpful.
Parish Councils are not allowed to make donations of money to disaster appeals unless they directly benefit the parish and its parishioners. However, we can help by signposting how people can help:
• The best current Government advice is to donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee Appeal (DEC) via the website www.dec.org.uk
The DEC is co-ordinating the efforts of 15 agencies to help people who have fled Ukraine or been displaced to other parts of the country, following the invasion by Russia. The organisations involved know the situation on the ground and are able to source exactly what is needed.
The government has also launched its Homes for Ukraine scheme. See: homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk/.
This scheme will offer a route to those who want to come to the UK who have someone here willing to provide them with a home. It will enable individuals, charities, community groups and businesses to volunteer accommodation and provide a route to safety for Ukrainians, and their immediate family members, forced to escape their homeland.