I am receiving hundreds of emails each week from local people who want to do something, anything, to help the people of Ukraine at this terrible time.
The brutal attacks on residential areas by Russian forces, and the heart-breaking news stories of women and children, the elderly and vulnerable, having to flee their homes has made all of us look at our own lives and offer all we can to help those in need.
In the last couple of weeks, I know box loads of nappies, personal care items and medicines donated by local people have been packed up in shops and warehouses across Brentwood and sent by lorry to Poland. The Rotary Club of Brentwood held a street collection and in just two days raised just under £5000 for the charities it supports which will take aid directly to those who need it.
Brentwood Imperial Youth Band has performed in a concert organised by Brentwood Borough Council at the Brentwood Centre to raise more money. Brentwood Mutual Aid volunteers have been collecting money and goods to send to refugees as they make their way to places of safety across Europe.
Local families are being encouraged by the Government to provide a room for Ukrainian refugees, and the Ukrainian Family Scheme has been established by the Home Office to allow family members of British nationals, UK settled persons and certain others to come or stay in the UK. Those joining the Scheme will be granted leave for three years and will be able to work and access public funds.
If you would like to help, Essex County Council has put together information about all the volunteers and groups who are offering help of any kind and you can find more information here: https://www.essex.gov.uk/news/essex-stands-with-ukraine-what-you-can-do-to-help
We all stand with Ukraine.