Southend-on-Sea City Council has lit its seafront lights in blue and yellow as a show of solidarity following the invasion by forces from the Federation of Russia.
The Mayor of Southend-on-Sea, says: “On behalf of Southend-on-Sea, we join others in condemning the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Witnessing this from afar over recent days has been harrowing and upsetting, and our thoughts and solidarity are very much with the Ukrainian people and our communities across our soon-to-be City, particularly residents who will have families directly impacted by this invasion.”
Supporting the Ukrainian people
We are working with our partners to find the most effective ways we can provide support for the people of Ukraine at this time. Many of our residents and businesses have also said they want to help the Ukrainian people.
The Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator have urged the public to "give safely" to registered charities helping and supporting those affected by the invasion of Ukraine.
We recommend anyone who wants to support should do so by donating money to recognised charities already working on the ground in Ukraine. These include:
Disasters Emergency Committee – Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal
British Red Cross – Ukraine crisis appeal
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – the UN refugee agency
United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) – Ukraine
Save the Children – Ukraine appeal
Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) – Help Ukraine Emergency Appeal
You may wish to join this community-led Facebook group. Please note this is not managed by Southend-on-Sea City Council.
For more advice, go to GOV.UK: Ukraine – what you can do to help.