Responding to the Crisis in Ukraine

Worldvision refugee picture
Photo © World Vision.


Donations

The crisis in Ukraine is creating a humanitarian catastrophe, as all of us can see from the daily news reports. We are very grateful to be in partnership with World Vision who will receive our donations and handle the gift aid. A dedicated webpage has been set up.  Please make donations as you receive them so that they reach the people in desperate need as soon as possible. Be assured that every pound goes directly to those in need. World Vision is also part of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), whose appeal is supported by the UK Government.

Please click HERE to make your donation. 

Donation poster | PDF

Donate using WorldVision’s bank details using:

Reference: Ukraine Appeal

Account Name: World Vision UK Donor

Sort Code: 20-57-69

Account Number: 30008540


Suffolk Churches welcome Ukrainians

  • The UN estimates that 12 million people inside Ukraine will need relief and protection, while more than four million Ukrainian refugees may need protection and assistance in neighbouring countries in coming months.
  • Most of those fleeing are women and children, the elderly and the sick. Most are leaving with the few possessions they can carry.
  • Those left behind face an uncertain future. People are living with no food, no water, no heat, no electricity. They need urgent respite from violence and humanitarian assistance.
  • Despite the heart wrenching stories and distressing pictures coming out of Ukraine, there are practical ways in which we can all help to show solidarity and support with those most affected

Archdeacon Rhiannon King is co-ordinating our response for Ukraine and has prepared this information booklet:

Suffolk Churches welcome Ukrainians | 16 June 2022 | PDF

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul Taylor, former Headteacher at Framlingham College and a member of the Middleton PCC has kindly agreed to take a lead for our Ukrainian response, working alongside Archdeacon Rhiannon. Please do keep him informed of what is going on. 

Please email Paul Taylor (or call on 07768 074107) or email Archdeacon Rhiannon.


Sponsoring refugees

If you, your church or your company would be interested in sponsoring refugees you are encouraged to indicate your support for doing so by signing up for the Sanctuary Foundation. If you are an individual with a spare room and are prepared to sponsor an individual or family for six months you are invited to register using an online portal.  The Sponsors are being vetted and the Ukrainian refugees being required to go through security checks. The Sponsor will also receive a 'thank you' payment of £350 a month:

Government Portal | Weblink

Government F&Q | Weblink

The Church of England have summarised some considerations and the resource materials bring together advice on how churches can welcome people arriving from Ukraine through giving, longer-term practical support such as community sponsorship, prayer and advocacy, as well as links to other sources of information including safeguarding. Please use the following links:

Parish Toolkit | PDF

Safeguarding Toolkit for Clergy | Weblink

Safeguarding Toolkit for all | Weblink


Suffolk County Council Support 

Suffolk County Council has set up a multi-agency task group to coordinate the many requests to host refugees in the county. There are many areas where information will be required by both sponsors and those Ukrainians fortunate enough to come to Suffolk.  Currently information is available on the Suffolk County Council website:

Supporting Afghan and Ukrainian refugees | Suffolk County Council


Schools

The Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed their advice to local authorities and schools on the rights of refugee and asylum seeker children to access a school which is contained within this guidance available to download here.

For further information on school admissions for refugees please visit our Education website page here.


Ipswich Together

Ipswich churches are coming together to help Ukrainian refugees and to provide support as they are welcomed to the town.

Simon Barrington, Chair of the group, said the idea is to provide a single point of contact between the civic authorities, including the Local Authority, and the more than 80 Christian churches in the town, charities, and people of Ipswich.  For full information please visit their website here.


Our prayers

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell have condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine as “an act of great evil”. 

In a joint statement they said: “The horrific and unprovoked attack on Ukraine is an act of great evil.  Placing our trust in Jesus Christ, the author of peace, we pray for an urgent ceasefire and a withdrawal of Russian forces.  We call for a public decision to choose the way of peace and an international conference to secure long term agreements for stability and lasting peace".

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have also written a pastoral letter to the clergy and people of the Church of England, calling on them to pray for peace in Ukraine.  Click here to read the letter. 

Prayer for Ukrane graphic to download

You can find further liturgical resources on the Church of England website here.

Page last updated: Thursday 26th January 2023 4:07 PM
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