Refugee Crisis - What Can I Do?

At the moment many of you may have heard of the current crisis to hit Syria, causing 1000's of people to flee the country. The road to safety is one that is life endangering, with the bodies of people being seen to be washed up ashore. A life worth living is worth the dangerous path to reach, and though it is risking their life to get here, it would surely be suicide to stay.

I read a lot of ignorance on social media. "Why can't they go elsewhere?". "Why do they have to come to Britain?" "They just want OUR benefits".

They can go elsewhere, but Britain is safe, Britain is caring and supportive. They do want our benefits yes, they want healthcare, clean water, a safe place to rest their head. I certainly do not mind sharing what I give and have to ensure that they receive the most basic human needs.
The small amount in benefit they may receive is not their fault, they have not stolen it, our government has given it to them. Therefore, I strongly disagree with anyone who blames these people for getting only what they are entitled to.

I am proud to be British, incredibly proud. I am proud that being British means that we are in a position to help others. I am proud that being British means having lots of other cultures enriching our own. I am not proud to be British when my fellow countrymen believe that this country belongs to them and them alone.

I remember when reading the Life of Pi I read a quote, "We are all one nation under the sky" and this has stayed with me. We are not just Syrians and Brits and French and German, we are all human beings. I will never think its wrong for people to leave their birth country for a better life. If they can gain access to the country, it isn't their fault, they have just been able to better their own lives.

When I first started hearing about this on the news, I was immediately wondering what I could do to help.
There are various charities that you can donate to, including:

- Oxfam
- Save the Children
- Unicef
- Migrant Offshore Aid Station
- Aylan Kurdi Fund
- British Red Cross

If you want to send supplies, it is worth checking out CalAid for information on how to do so. Local Churches, etc, may also have set collections up.

If however, you are not in a position to give, please do not feel guilty. By simply talking about this and raising awareness, you are fighting to give people a better life. The minute we stop talking about this is when it gets brushed under the carpet.


A slightly different blog post today and I hope no one minds, but I had to talk about this crisis. I hope we can all come together and help anyone who needs it.

Thanks for Reading,

Eleanor Rose.