As a humanitarian crisis unfolds in Ukraine, many people in the UK are looking for ways in which they can assist the suffering. TIGA has produced a guide to how the video games industry can help those in Ukraine.
The Government sanctions relating to Russia can be accessed here. If you have a question about trading with Ukraine or Russia the dedicated online service can be accessed here.
Donations
There are a number of charities providing humanitarian relief in Ukraine that you can donate to.
The Disasters Emergency Committee is an umbrella group for 15 of the UK’s leading aid charities. You can donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Appeal here. The UK Government will match public donations to this appeal pound-for-pound up to £25 million.
Other popular charities include:
- The British Red Cross has launched an appeal to help the Ukrainian Red Cross to provide food, medicine, clothing and shelter, as well as first aid training in bomb shelters;
- The UNHCR refugee agency is funding emergency shelters, repairs for homes damaged by shelling, emergency cash assistance, psychological support and warm clothing;
- UNICEF is helping to ensure families have clean water and food and that child health and protection services continue;
- Save the Children is providing cash assistance, food and other support to refugees crossing into Romanian and Lithuania, as well as in Ukraine itself;
- Cafod is providing beds, food, washing facilities and safe spaces for children, as well as transporting people to friends and family;
- The Salvation Army is providing temporary accommodation, hot meals, drinks and access to Wi-fi for those who are displaced.
There are lots of other organisations across the UK and internationally that have launched appeals. Here are some simple steps you can take to ensure your money is safe and being used effectively:
- Check the charity’s name and registration number using the search the charity register tool
- Most charities with an income of £5,000 or more must be registered, which means they are regulated by The Charity Commission
- Make sure the charity is genuine before giving any financial information
- If in doubt, ask the charity or organisation for more information
Donating essential supplies
A list of Aid Collection Centres in the United Kingdom is available here.
However, the Government advises that it is better to donate money through trusted charities and aid organisations, rather than donating goods. Money can be transferred quickly to areas where it is needed and individuals and aid organisations can use it to buy what is most needed.
Hiring Ukrainian Workers
Many Ukrainians have lost their jobs due to the war. Games businesses could consider offering remote jobs, relocation or visa sponsorship in response. More information on hiring Ukrainian refugees can be found here.
The Government has also launched a new sponsorship scheme to make sure that Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their homes have a route to safety. The scheme will match people, charities, businesses and community groups to Ukrainians who do not have family ties to the UK. Details of the scheme and how you can apply will be published shortly by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
Social media
The UK Government, the Ukrainian Government and others have been sharing messages of support on social media using the hashtag #StandForUkraine. Take action here.
Cyber security
The National Cyber Security Centre is not aware of any specific cyber threats to the UK in relation to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, the Government strongly encourages organisations and citizens to follow NCSC guidance on steps to take when the cyber threat is heightened. Visit the Cyber Aware website where you find practical steps and tools to help keep you, your family or your business more secure online.
More on the important work the video games industry is doing to assist Ukraine can be accessed here.