Like many of you, our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine as more Russian forces invade Ukraine.
As a platform that promotes conflict resolution, not aggression, with a vision to make the world a safer place, we hope that a peaceful outcome will be reached very soon before more innocent lives are lost.
As many members of the Get Licensed team have been displaced by war, including the conflict in Ukraine, we can relate to the grave situation developing on the ground and would like to offer our support in any way we can. To begin, we will be donating £2,500 to the British Red Cross who are providing humanitarian aid in Ukraine.
As it’s easy to feel helpless at this time, we would like to share three ways that you can also help right here from the UK.
1. Support local charities
There are several Ukrainian charities working on the ground.
Sunflower of Peace is a charity that helps paramedics and doctors and has been fundraising for supplies, which includes first aid medical tactical backpacks.
United Help Ukraine focuses on providing medical supplies and humanitarian aid and raising awareness of the conflict.
Voices of Children aims to help children affected by the war in eastern Ukraine, providing support through art therapy, psychologists, video storytelling, and other methods.
The British Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal to help Ukraine. The charity will be updating its webpage with news on the work its team is doing, and how support will be used to help people.
2. Support local journalism
English-language news outlets based in the country, such as Kyiv Independent and the New Voice of Ukraine, are covering developments on the ground as the conflict unfolds, using local journalists. The Kyiv Independent says it was created by journalists in order to defend editorial independence. This site on Twitter covers many local journalists in Ukraine that need your support to get the truth out there.
3. Write to your local MP
This can be a way to lobby the British government to place further sanctions on the Russian government and its associates. You can get in touch with your local MP via email or post to their constituency address. Instructions on how to get in touch can be found on parliament.uk.
Our thoughts are with all of those affected by the conflict, in both Ukraine and around the world.
Shahzad Ali and the whole Get Licensed Team
