Help for the people of Ukraine

BVSC stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and along with our partners across Birmingham we will be doing all we can to help and support the humanitarian crisis.

We have collated some links to useful sources of information that may help you in supporting people of Ukraine.

What you can do

Making a donation

Many people in Birmingham want to do whatever they can to help, and one way is to donate.

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) is a coalition of 15 leading UK charities, has launched a collective appeal to provide emergency aid and rapid relief to civilians suffering during the conflict.

Leaders from The Polish Expats Association (PEA) in Birmingham, together with a partnership of community leaders (CEE) have set up a GoFundMe page to help refugees fleeing Ukraine gofund.me/7b070324

Homes for Ukraine scheme

You can also help by providing accommodation to those fleeing the war in Ukraine. Find out more about the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme, which opens on 18 March.

The following websites provide good sources of guidance and information:

Summary of Official-Level Briefing (Dept of Levelling Up)

RESET are the organisation leading on the design of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, and VCSEP understand that they require support in regards to appointing a head of safeguarding to support the team and development of the programme.

Citizens Advice Bureau Guidance on volunteers who wish to participate in Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Accessing Support, Information and Advice

Drop-in advice is always available at the Refugee and Migrant Centre with locations in Birmingham, Wolverhampton or Walsall. Contact information for all locations is available from their website, link above.

Updated information about Government announcements on Ukraine are available via West Midlands Strategic Migration Partnership UK.

Relate Birmingham are offering free phone chats for Ukrainians in England & Wales with loved ones at the centre of the current crisis. Bookings can be made via Relate's website.

Guidance for Ukranians arriving in the UK

Red Cross Guidance

The British Red Cross has produced advice guidance for Ukrainians arriving in the UK:

• Advice for Ukrainians arriving in the UK (English)
• Advice for Ukrainians arriving in the UK (Ukrainian)
• Advice for Ukrainians arriving in the UK (Russian)

Other useful websites

Migration: Policy & Practice supports the effective settlement of migrants and a positive integration agenda in Birmingham and the Black Country.

Ukranian Institute London lists various ways you can support the humanitarian crisis.

NCVO has published a guide for charities and civil society which includes: giving donations; supporting grassroots action; and campaigning.

Kent Council has produced some useful guidance

Engage for Ukraine Network

‘Engage for Ukraine’ is a network aiming to support organisations to provide a collective voice and shared action in response to the crisis. Find out more

We will be updating this information regularly. If you have anything to add to this page please get in touch, email: [email protected].

Latest

'Sharing the Cake' sessions return in June

The Community Development Hub will be hosting quarterly Sharing the Cake face to face events – food followed by learning and networking - supported by monthly 90 min zoom sessions in between.
Sharing the Cake

Quarterly Community Development Hub networking event.
New sanctuary scholarship scheme for students who have sought refuge in the UK

Aston University is launching a new sanctuary scholarship scheme for students who have sought refuge in the UK. Up to four sanctuary scholarships are on offer, due to a generous donation by prominent businessperson Matthew Crummack, currently chief executive of Domestic & General. They will be known as The Ernest Edward Scholarships in memory of the donor’s grandfather, Ernest Edward Crummack, who left school aged 12 to work in a coal mine.
Register your interest in volunteering with YMCA Heart of England

There are a variety of roles available from learning about rent arrears in our housing department to getting stuck in with our youth programmes. We have sites in Erdington, Aston, Northfield and Coventry, there's never been a better time to volunteer with us.

Household Support Fund open for applications

Support is available to households in Birmingham over the winter using funding from the government’s Household Support Fund.
Become a volunteer

Volunteering involves spending time, unpaid, doing something that is of benefit to others or the environment.
What we do

BVSC works to make a positive difference to the lives of people in Birmingham and we believe that the key to this is found in our communities.
The Weather Model

This model uses the weather as a metaphor for different elements of reflective practice.
Neighbourhood Network Schemes in Birmingham

The aim of Neighbourhood Network Schemes (known as NNS) in Birmingham is to help older adults in Birmingham to lead healthy, happy and independent lives in their own homes and communities.
Become a member

Become part of a growing network of voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector organisations in Birmingham.
Quality Standards
Birmingham Holiday Activities and Food Grant Programme 2021

Birmingham City Council has received grant funding from the Department for Education to coordinate a large-scale holiday activity programme with the inclusion of food for children and young people across the city this summer and over the Christmas period.
Promote your organisation
Covid-19 Vaccination Information and Resources for Communities

As part of the Covid-19 vaccination programme, we have compiled below different information and resources currently available with a specific focus on communities that may have experienced marginalisation.