Bringing help and hope

Hi,

I don’t know about you, but it’s hard to believe it’s been three years since the escalation of conflict in Ukraine. It’s affected millions of people. Families have been forced to flee and torn apart, in many cases not knowing if their missing loved ones are even alive.

Anastasia has been living in that agonising state of limbo without her husband. Like many people in this situation across Ukraine, Anastasia went to the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) for help:

“When I contacted the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, they guided me where else I could turn, provided contacts, phone numbers and we received humanitarian aid. There was psychosocial support.”

Anastasia has been trapped in this daily reality of uncertainty and pain, all while trying to be the best mum to her son. To give parents and children a break from it all, our URCS teams run events and excursions, providing spaces for families, who are all going through the same process, to find comfort and strength in community.

“Despite the circumstances, kids stay kids. With the help of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, we managed to get away and change surroundings.”

I think Anastasia’s story shows how vital our all-encompassing support is – not only helping with the practical side of things, but also really taking the time to care for people on an emotional level.

There’s no denying that families, like Anastasia’s, have been completely shattered – but we’ve been working to pick up the pieces: in Ukraine, in neighbouring countries, and here in the UK.

We’ve only been able to do this because so many of our supporters generously donated to our Ukraine Crisis Appeal – if you were one of them, we are so grateful. Thanks to you, we’ve been able to help more than 22 million people in Ukraine and the wider region.

The thing is, an emergency like this – which has lasted for three painful years – brings a range of challenges. Schools, homes, and hospitals are still being rebuilt from the ground up. Many families are struggling to move forward; some communities still don’t have access to food, water, and electricity. Levels of anxiety and trauma are incredibly high.

These challenges are urgent and every day we’re working to meet the humanitarian need. If you’re able to donate to our Ukraine Crisis Appeal today, please do. It means we can continue to be a source of support and safety to anyone impacted by this conflict, and to more families like Anastasia’s who need somewhere to turn.

Thank you for your compassion.

Ami

Ami O’Neill
British Red Cross