People in the UK have now donated over £100 million to help refugees fleeing Ukraine, it has been revealed.
The money has gone to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), a government-backed fundraising appeal launched by a group of 15 UK charities.
These charities have clubbed together to provide aid to those fleeing their home country.
The impressive £100 million total – which has been accumulated over four days since the launch of the appeal – is said to include “generous” donations from the Queen, the Prince of Wales, and the Duke of Cambridge, as well as hundreds of thousands of members of the British public.
The amount raised is equivalent to more than £1 million per hour.
The DEC said the funds are already being used by charities in Ukraine and at its borders to give people food, water, medical assistance, protection and trauma care.
The DEC said the funds are already being used by charities in Ukraine and at its borders to give people food, water, medical assistance, protection and trauma care.
“This amazing show of support for people fleeing the conflict has meant that we have been able to start spending money straight away to help more people,” said Jo Kitterick, head of supporter engagement at the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development – which is one of the charities involved in the committee.
“I want to thank everyone who has donated to help us support them in their moment of greatest need,” she added.
Ms Kitterick said the charities part of the committee are currently setting up safe centres with beds, food and washing facilities inside Ukraine and on its borders.
Transport, information, psychological support, and child-friendly spaces are also being provided.
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) was set up amid growing concern for civilian welfare following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine after it was estimated that up to four million people could flee Ukraine due to the conflict.
Brits have now donated more than £100 million to the DEC providing aid to refugees fleeing Ukraine / Credit: DEC (via Twitter)
The DEC said that people fleeing Ukraine are in desperate need of food, water, medical assistance and protection.
Many refugees are being forced into hiding to stay safe.
“The majority crossing the borders are women and children arriving with only what they can carry,” the DEC added.
Giving an insight into the current situation from the perspective of someone on the ground, Andrew Morley – chief executive of World Vision International, who has recently returned from Siret on the Romanian border – explained: “We support children in countless crises across the world, including those I have recently visited such as Syria and the DRC, but I have never seen a more heartbreaking situation.
“All the children I met were crossing the border in tears, with pain and fear in their eyes.
“They were lost and scared.
“They need the basics, simple, practical help [and while] our staff have been present in this area for decades and there on the ground to deliver it, we need financial support to do this.”
The DEC said that people fleeing Ukraine are in desperate need of food, water, medical assistance and protection / Credit: DEC (via Twitter)
The DEC’s 15 member charities are – Action Against Hunger, ActionAid UK, Age International, British Red Cross, CAFOD, CARE International UK, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide UK, International Rescue Committee UK, Islamic Relief Worldwide, Oxfam GB, Plan International UK, Save the Children UK, Tearfund, and World Vision UK.
Appeals for public donations to the committee are currently being broadcast on various UK news channels, with every pound donated by the British public set to be matched by the government up to the value of £20 million.
The DEC has stressed that monetary donations are needed as opposed to specific items, which are often challenging to transport and not always relevant.
You can find more information and donate via the DEC here.
In case you missed the landmark announcement yesterday, it has been confirmed that social media is to be banned for under-16s in the UK.
That’s right – in what is said to be a bid to ‘give kids their childhood back’ and set ‘a new normal’ for future generations by kickstarting a cultural shift, the Government has announced that social media platforms will be banned from offering their services to under-16s – meaning less time for scrolling and more time for play.
The Government says it plans to use the same model for a social media ban as Australia, which was introduced back in 2024.
But what exactly does that mean? And what social media platforms are set to be included within the upcoming ban and which ones aren’t?
Well, according to the Government and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, the UK’s ban would capture user-to-user platforms, whose purpose is to enable social interaction, allow users to post their own material, alongside algorithms.
The Government has announced a social media ban for under 16s / Credit: Julian Christ (via Unsplash)
The ban will, therefore, include popular social media platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X.
But crucially, at this time, it is not intended for messaging services like WhatsApp to be included.
The Government says it is also planning to go even further than any other country, as on top of a blanket ban on social media, world-leading blocks on harmful functions – such as livestreaming and stranger communication with children – will also be blocked for under-16s, and will apply to a wider range of online services, including on gaming sites.
Restrictions on these functionalities will also be on by default for 16- and 17-year-olds to prevent what ministers are calling a ‘cliff-edge’ at 16.
And to go even further, the Government says it will be ‘looking in more detail’ at the potential to introduce overnight curfews and breaks in infinite scrolling for those under 18 – with more information to be provided on this next month.
“This is a decisive first step which marks a clear choice to put children’s wellbeing first and give them a healthy life online,” the Government said in a statement. “We stand ready to take further measures in the future.”
Speaking on the upcoming ban and further restrictions, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Parents want to keep their kids safe and happy, but the online world has made that harder than ever.
“I’ve heard first hand from families crying out for change and we will do right by them.
“That’s why we’re going further than any country in the world by banning social media for under-16s and putting wider protections in place to give kids their childhood back.
“This is a line in the sand. Tech giants had their chance and failed, but we’re stepping in to protect children, back parents and set a new normal for future generations.”
Five of the BEST places in Sheffield to watch the World Cup
Thomas Melia
Whether it's coming home or not, we've rounded up five of the best pubs, bars and cultural hubs in our home for you to watch the World Cup.
After getting eliminated in the quarter-final four years ago at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the England team are back with a vengeance as they gear up for the 2026 World Cup across USA, Canada and Mexico.
Just like every football tournament, there's always high hopes for our lads, and rightly so as this team has won once, placed fourth twice and reached the quarter-final stage a whopping 7 times.
This time round, the football frenzy is kicking off right in the middle of the British Summertime, and weather-depending we'll be enjoying a crisp pint or two with the sun beaming on us.
Failing that, we're sure there's plenty of indoor room at these five Sheffield spots where we can comfortably watch the match, and maybe grab a bite to eat too.
Where are some of the best places to watch the World Cup in Sheffield?
Riverside
Images: The Sheff
Self-appointed 'Friendly local pub' Riverside is located in Kelham Island and is hosting matches throughout the pub and to ensure everyone gets a good seat, they're showing England games in their function room and courtyard too.
It's no surprise that this notable South Yorkshire watering hole is screening as many football games as they can, as it's recognised for hosting all sorts of activites including a Cowgirls and Cocktails night recently with painting, limbo and drinks.
Known for its iconic neon sign which adorns the side wall of the pub that overlooks its accompanying beer garden, this Sheffield pub is encouraging footy lovers to make bookings to avoid disappointment, although walk-ins where possible will be welcomed.
Cambridge Street Collective
Images: The Sheff
If you didn't know already, Cambridge Street Collective is Europe's largest purpose-built food hall with a variety of bars and some seriously tasty scran being served up by 20 diverse kitchens.
In case that wasn't enough to tempt you, it's launching some deals just in time for this football celebration with £10 entry securing you a nice seat and a pint valued up to £7.
There's even £5 Pravha an hour before England match kick-offs, live DJs to give the space a more fan zone-esque feel as well as a retro footy shirt pop-up on Sunday 14 June from 12pm to 4.30pm.
Kapital
Images: The Sheff
This 'promised land of European drinking and dining' is obviously getting involved in all the World Cup action with free entry and no bookings required.
This booze-filled institution is even giving away free pints of Paulaner for you to enjoy during England's first match against Croatia through the link in their bio.
After a beer? There's definitely no short supply as you can grab a one litre stein. Prefer a cocktail? You're in luck as this Sheffield pub is pouring frozen margs too.
Also joining in on the generosity with a giveaway is Neepsend Social, who are offering a free pint for you and a mate during any of the upcoming World Cup matches.
Although not much is listed about their plans for the World Cup, considering this social club is always running a variety of events, it's more than likely they're getting involved in showing the footy.
This venue is walk-in only and dog friendly, meaning you really can bring everyone you know including your friend's nan's dog - pawfect.
BOX Sheffield
Images: The Sheff
This designated sports bar is obviously making the most of the World Cup celebrations, even hosting an orchestra take-over at their London Piccadilly location playing iconic anthems.
All their sites across the UK are getting booked up fast, so if you're after watching England with a few pals here, it's better to get this booked sooner rather than later.
Not in the mood for football but still up for a party? Their Sheffield location has a couple of karaoke pods available to hire too - We're sure 'Three Lions' will be on the playlist regardless.
Georgina Pellant -
7th March 2022 
