Ukraine Crisis
Lyme Regis Town Council has joined other local councils and organisations representing local government in endorsing a statement from the political leadership of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), which strongly condemns the multiple attacks and violations of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.
The council is flying the Ukrainian flag from the Guildhall and the lights in the Langmoor and Lister Gardens have turned to blue and yellow in a demonstration of solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
We have set up an emergency fund of £2,000 to help meet the immediate needs of families when they arrive in the town and before they start work or receive funding. The fund will pay for essentials such as school uniform and travel expenses.
The council has also donated £2,500 to the British Red Cross and made buildings available to the community for donations of items, if they are required.
Local community response
More information about the local community response in Dorset can be found on the Help and Kindness website. It includes information about how to connect with the #DorsetTogether Ukraine Response network who are working together to support Ukrainian Refugees and Host families, and provide wider support to those affected by the conflict.
The #DorsetTogether Ukraine Response includes Dorset Council, NHS, Public Health Dorset, emergency services, faith groups, Volunteer Centre Dorset, Dorset Race Equality and other key organisations across the county.
A Ukrainian Refugee Suuport Group has been set up in Lyme Regis and meets every fortnight at the Baptist Church.
Refugee support
The refugee programme in Dorset is being managed by Dorset Council. They can help with information about the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, applying for a Ukraine family scheme visa, provide a welcome guide for those arriving from Ukraine, provide information about existing refugee settlement programmes, offer advice to sponsors and signpost to local community refugee support groups.
Donate money
There are many ways you can help with the situation in Ukraine and other refugees fleeing conflict areas. You can help families and children caught in conflicts by donating money or items to keep them safe, warm and fed.
The Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator advise you to give to a registered charity, to have assurance that your donations contribute to the right causes. You can check a charity’s name and registration number on the GOV.UK website.
You can safely donate to:
Other enquiries
Contact Dorset Council for general enquiries about their role in the humanitarian crisis, about services for Ukrainian refugees, or if you are a local organisations or group that is not currently part of the Dorset Together network who can offer additional support and help.
Call Dorset Council on 01305 221000 or email customerservices@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk