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UK

Aid at Home in the United Kingdom

From time to time we have been asked to support the homeless and marginalised local children’s groups within the UK, whenever possible we contribute.

►Summer 2007 Floods

During June and July heavy rain caused serious flooding in East Yorkshire resulting in over 6,000 houses being damaged. 

Whenever there have been disasters in other parts of the world and Real Aid has launched appeals, the response from East Yorkshire has been fantastically generous.  So there was no hesitation in Real Aid launching a flood appeal to help with this home grown crisis. 

Within days Real Aid and East Riding of Yorkshire Council launched an Appeal.  From the money donated Real Aid immediately commenced making payments of £150.00 to those affected, the first phase was classed as our emergency fund.  The demand for help was almost overwhelming, in the first two weeks we took and made 6,000 telephone calls alone.  Many people who telephoned were very vulnerable, a few had no insurance, nowhere to live etc.  We visited as many of this group as was humanly possible and made additional payments.  In some cases we were able to offer other forms of support. 

The first appeal and subsequent monies from the Government boosted the now two separate Appeal Accounts to over £370,000.00.

As well as cash help GIK (Goods In Kind) was arriving and being delivered from our warehouse on a daily basis.  Washing machines, fridges, cookers, suites etc. were donated in their hundreds, all had to be tested and checked that they met safety standards.  These were then distributed to flood victims to help them over the next few weeks, or until their insurers made payment. 

The requests for help were constant over the first months after the flood.  This ranged from:-       

• Cash help

• Storage of furniture and goods

• Accommodation

• Requests for goods

• Advice

There were perhaps only one or two requests that we were unable to help with. 

Later we were able to establish a third fund of £250,000.00 to help those who were having to struggle with extra energy costs.  Today we still have some funds left in the Hardship Account and Energy Account; these will stay open until 1 April 2008.   

Other benefits we have been able to offer to flood victims include the free supply of energy efficient light bulbs, carbon monoxide detectors and power down energy saving plugs (additional £20,000.00 worth of help). 

Cleaning materials were directed from our usual overseas projects to help with the clean up.  These were free to all and distributed either from our warehouse or strategic centres around the County (additional £15,000.00 worth of help). 

The “on-cost” for postage, additional wages, and diesel came to an estimated £40,000.00.  The cost has been met from our own funds. 

Real Aid has welcomed the opportunity to act as we have during the crisis.  It has enabled us to connect more than ever with local people, statutory bodies and companies. 

Real Aid and East Riding of Yorkshire Council have agreed to work together on an Emergency Preparedness Agreement.  This would ensure that if a similar problem hits the region again we will be better prepared.