As millions of Ukrainian refugees have been forced to leave their country and their homes behind, the immediate and long-lasting tragic consequences of the Russia’s war continue.
At the heart of those responding to this humanitarian crisis, are civil society, non-profit service providers, social economy enterprises and volunteers, who have mobilised, coordinated and risen up to meet the many needs and challenges faced by those fleeing war.
Operating with limited resources and funding, these projects are delivering crucial services and support on a daily basis. Last week Social Platform spotlighted this vital work carried out by our Member Organisations, which too often can go unseen and unrecognised.
Here are the stories of three projects bringing solidarity and support to those who need it most.
Caring for mothers and children in Romania
“We forgot what was on the otherside, and immediately we were surrounded by warmth, benevolence and peace.”
From the first moment of arriving at the border, Save the Children Romania are there for women and children as well as extended families, to meet their essential needs and give humanitarian assistance. So far, over 180,000 people have been assisted by the programme, with 10,000 more entering the country every day.
At one of the most vulnerable points in their lives, this vital, immediate support is a lifeline to many families who have nowhere else to turn. Save the Children Romania has ensured that they not only provide essential products such as nappies, formula and blankets, but they have also recognised the need for Mother and Child Spaces and Counselling Hubs.
These spaces offer safe areas for children, mental health services, social work support and guidance on how to get kids into schools.
Supporting Ukrainians living with rare diseases
“Responding to this crisis was at the core of our mission and values”
The war means that many individuals and families living with rare diseases are cut off from life-changing and life-saving services. Around 2 million Ukrainians have a rare disease, a major healthcare challenge.
At the onset of the war, EURORDIS Rare Diseases Europe understood that immediate support was needed to help refugees living with a rare disease . In collaboration with partners in Poland, EURORDIS developed the project Razem z Ukrainą (Together with Ukraine). Working alongside 11 partners, this project helps provide suitable, adapted housing, access to medicines and essential equipment like wheelchairs, and psychological support.
As the circumstances of each patient is complex and specific, specialised healthcare is a must. This level of multifaceted, case-by-case support is often overlooked in funding programmes – but is invaluable to those living with a rare disease.
Community solidarity in Poland
“There were volunteers from all over the world in just one tent, coming together to help the refugees”
After experiencing how well the community could come together to respond to flooding and the Covid-19 pandemic, Spółdzielnia Socjalna Równość (Social Cooperative Equality) has become a strong coalition of social economy entities and private enterprises providing hot meals and support to those in need.
When Ukrainian refugees started arriving in Poland, the coalition rose to the challenge, organising welcome tents and mass catering, to ensure thousands of new arrivals received a quality hot meal. Available to refugees for 16 hours a day, Spółdzielnia Socjalna Równość is often a refugees’ first point of contact, providing much needed information and advice. The community has worked to make refugees feel welcome and at home, for example preparing special Easter packages and organised activities for children.
