Many residents in Kingswood will want to help refugees from the terrible conflict in Ukraine.

This is our best current advice on how you can do so.

• Donate money: The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), representing 15 of the largest aid charities including Red Cross, Save the Children and International Rescue, has set up a Ukraine Appeal www.dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal and donations are being match-funded by the government.
• Donate needed goods: Waterhouse Café will host a collection point for a list of specific goods, staffed by village volunteers. Further information to follow about what is wanted and when it will start.
• Trustworthy sources: If you are passing on news stories, do check first that they come from a trustworthy source.
• Accommodation: At this stage there is no coordinated scheme to provide accommodation for Ukrainian refugees, and only those with family links are allowed to apply to come to the UK. In case that restriction is relaxed, please consider whether you could offer accommodation to refugees.
• Show your support: We understand that Ukrainian refugees and those citizens still in Ukraine appreciate knowing that the world has not forgotten them, even if military intervention is not proposed. Why not show your support for them in whatever way you think most effective.

Bob Gunn (KVCA Chair) – Valerie Evans (KRA Chair)