You'll of course seen the devestating news coming from Calais by now. The refugee crisis is not getting any better, and there doesn't seem to be an end in sight. As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, refugees in Calais are going to need a lot more help - they need YOU.
Here are the best ways you can help.
Donate to an NGO
There's plenty to choose from;
Save the Children distributes essential items like hygiene kits, diapers and food.
Red Cross Europe provides emergency health services.
Migrant Offshore Aid Station is dedicated to preventing migrant deaths at sea.
International Rescue Committee helps set up camps to improve living conditions.
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) provides basic necessities like water, tents, and healthcare.
Refugee Action helps by giving advice and support about the asylum process.
World Vision aims to provide food, water, shelter, education and counseling.
Get involved and help with smaller groups
The Worldwide Tribe in Calais is a travel blog that documents the stories of people in Calais. They are connected to a crowdfunding site JustGiving to raise money for clothing, food and shelter.
Glasgow Solidarity with Calais Migrants is a group planning to drive to Calais with supplies.
North East Solidarity with Calais Refugees has tasked themselves with buying food, bedding and warm clothing for the refugees.
Side by Side is a family in Thurrock joining the movement to help with basic humanitarian aid.
Association Salam is run by 19-year-old Tom McElholm who is driving to Calais with supplies.
Hummingbird Project drives regularly to Calais with nurses, legal aid and sets up food kitchens.
Coach and Horses Soho is raising £5,000 to give Calais migrants decent food.
Volunteer, donate and collect
Calais Migrant Solidarity is organizing aid from the UK to those stranded in Calais. Click here for details and here for the UK-based Facebook group.
Doctors of the World are providing care and advocating for rights to health.
Music Against Borders is appealing for people to donate musical instruments to Calais to give the refugees hope.
The Jungle Library is a makeshift library set up at the camp, and they need more books.
Folkestone United organizes protests and is taking goods to Calais this month.
Avaaz.org helps by lobbying local councils, providing language support and housing refugees.
Buy specific items for those who need help
Shoes and sleeping bags have been put on an Amazon wish list that has been set up to be delivered to Calais on 17 September.
The wish list is part of the appeal by #KentforCalais and #HelpCalais, who are hoping to extend it to Greece and Macedonia soon. They are in urgent need of warm clothes as the weather gets colder, and camping equipment.
Sign a petition (or two, or three, or four)
The Independent: petition for Britain to accept its fair share of refugees
Accept more asylum seekers and increase support for refugee migrants in the UK
80 Syrian war refugees are waiting in Calais for their rightful and legal asylum in the UK
Create a compassionate Euro-wide policy to deal with refugee migrants
Picture: Getty Images
Words: Kate Ng
