How to help people affected by the war in Ukraine
Last updated: 21 March, 2022
People are fleeing their homes because of the war in Ukraine.
Community is more important than ever.
Let's stand in solidarity and show the power of co-operation.
Together, local communities, Co-op members, colleagues and customers can join people around the world to offer support.
Here’s how you can help.
Donate money
One of the best ways to help is by donating money, if you’re able to.
Co-op is supporting the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. DEC brings together 15 of the UK's leading aid charities to provide food, water, shelter, healthcare and protection.
You can donate in 2 ways:
Online
Donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Appeal
Text
Text ‘Coop’ to 70150 to donate £10 plus your standard network charge
Donate your Co-op member rewards
Members earn rewards when they shop with us.
Members can visit the Membership area of the Co-op app or website and choose to donate the balance they’ve earned in-store. Our charity, the Co-op Foundation, will pledge the value of any donations to DEC until further notice.
An incredible £260m has been raised so far for the DEC appeal.
Co-op members, customers and colleagues have contributed over £830,000. This includes a match donation of £100,000 from Co-op and a £70,000 donation from Co-op’s partner, the One Foundation. Thank you.
We're still urging people to donate if they can. The need is great and will likely carry on for some time.
Fundraise
As well as donating to large organisations, small community groups and individuals can raise money through donations.
For ideas, read about the UK children raising funds for Ukraine with haircuts, walks and bakes.
To get started:
read our fundraising guide
check this guidance for charities supporting Ukraine and how to set up a donation page on JustGiving
promote your fundraising activity for free on Co-operate and include a link to your group’s donation page
Provide a home to people
If you live in the UK and would like to sponsor a Ukrainian family to stay, register your interest on Homes for Ukraine.
Other organisations in the UK that work with volunteers to support refugees and asylum seekers include: Refugee Action, Refugee Council, Room for Refugees and Refugees at Home.
Support your wellbeing
This is a worrying time for everyone, especially those with friends and family in Ukraine and the bordering countries.
It’s important to look after your own mental wellbeing. Our charity partner, Mind, have shared tips to help deal with anxiety around the war in Ukraine.
We’ve put together a guide with 7 tips about how to look after your mental wellbeing. As well as ways to deal with grief and improve your mental wellbeing.
Stay informed in small doses
The UK Government, Ukrainian Government and others have been sharing messages of support on social media using the hashtag #StandForUkraine
Reading or watching the news can be a helpful way to stay informed, but it can also increase anxiety and fear.
Our charity partner, Mind, suggest ways to limit your news intake.
Join a peace protest
Find protests around the world that you can join to make your voice heard at standwithukraine.live
Share your story
Do you have a story about how your community has come together to support each other?
We'd love to share your story on our website to encourage other people to get or offer support.
