How can we help?

A question about : How can we help?

Is there anything we can do to help all the unfortunate flood victims? I'm sure many people would like to offer help, perhaps even offering short term breaks for families and the elderly?

Best answers:

• I was wondering if I could offer to take pets - dogs etc - but I'm going away mid-August, and also how would I get the pet?
  Anyway, if anyone knows if the RSPCA have organised anything, then do let me know. Or if this would be of help, just post here.
  Jen
• I was wondering this myself. So many people won't have been insured. I don't have very much money but there must be even a little something I could do.
  If anyone has any ideas, let's hear them. Unfortunately I guess those who've lost the most won't have internet access which makes it harder.
• Can anybody suggest how we may find out what we can do?
• The RSPCA are involved with the emergency services. People in Hull and Doncaster who'll have to take rented acccommodation may not be able to take their pets with them and may need a 'foster parent'. The RSPCA should be able to advise. HTH
• www.dogpages.org.uk is usually there for rehoming but have seen requests and help offered lately in foster care for animals belonging to families caught up in the floods. There is a section to offer help on. I know there has been requests for all kinds of help from moving animals in flooded shelters, help moving stranded horses etc.
• Or a much better site than dogs pages is The Refuge
  Better yet contact local animal charities and offer short and long term help with fostering The oldies club (see sig) are full already and have no space for emergency foster dogs that are being referred to us because of the floods...
  So if anyone can foster an elderly dog please contact The Oldeis club through the links in my sig!
  Other ways to help would be to contact Red Cross... seems to me they are taking most action on getting aid to people affected.
• I was thinking about the kids- off for the summer, toys, books etc ruined, and parents will need to be clearing up, not entertaining. Would it be appropriate for people to organise the 'shoebox of goodies' scheme so popular at Christmas? People could make up a shoebox size package with some books, a few sweets, perhaps, a couple of toys, a game perhaps... It is bootfair season, afterall and there are always lots of cheap and cheerful things for kids there. I am such a book lover and can't imagine loosing all my books- even ones I had as a child!!
  Any thoughts, people?
• That is more on the lines that I was thinking of. It must be terrible for families with children, who haven't got their own things around them, especially during the long school holidays. It's all very well raising money.... but is it going to the really needy? and how long will it take before they actually get any help! I bet there are people out there who would be willing to offer accommodation (maybe those with 2nd homes) to help those in dire need!
• this is great I will keep my eye on this thread - like you say burns it is more practical help that is needed rather than necessarily cash. Again its hard to think of what I can do - I'm not even local to the flooding area - but the shoebox idea is a good one. Its frustrating that the shops are full of water and food here but there's no feasible way of getting it down to where it is needed and besides the supermarket lorries can do that better anyway.
• I was thinking about clothes and things too - those people without water can't wash any of their stuff and on the news there have been a few families who are struggling especially with baby clothes and keeping the kids clean enough - does anyone know if there are any charities collecting clothing and other such bits and pieces to deliver to the families that need them?
• I've had my ground floor flooded by a hot water leak - It is a real pain, but I'm sooo lucky not to be in the same boat as those knee deep in water. I too want to help as I've only had a taster of what it's like to have your personal possesssions trashed - at least I have an upstairs I can use!
  I live in London & don't know of anywhere I can donate clothes or even tins of food to - there must be someone out there able to co-ordinate this crisis - charity on this occasion really does begin at home - there are hundreds of people living in unbearable circumstances - love the shoebox idea - I'm sure we've all got games or toys we could donate - or even buy from charity shops to give to these people - after all, they've done nothing to deserve this!
  Any thoughts as to what can be done?
• I can offer temp home to a dog if needed, but has to be a !!!!! and a large breed, sorry but I've got to male Labs and one of them has got a thing about small dogs
  But besides that I can offer a nice comfy home, large garden and nice walks, also I'm home all day, so if anyone would like my help just let me know (I'm in Cardiff so not to far from Hereford, Glos etc).
  Also if anyone needs water or supplies for the above areas I can buy it here in Cardiff & meet you half way to pass over, again let me know if I can be of any help.
  Thinking of you all
  Babs x
• I do have 2 dogs already but they are both dog friendly, if there is anyone stuck needing somewhere for a dog to stay who is also dog friendly for a wee while let me know, if you can get them up here to Durham or someone can get them here. Same goes for small pets, could probably deal with anything but cats (Megan no like kitties!!!). We are also experienced reptile owners when it comes to snakes and lizards, I know someone mentioned on another site I use that due to the lack of power and house problems they'd had to sell theirs. If enclosure isn't huge would consider fostering these while people get themselves back on their feet. Like I have said only issue is the distance.
  PM me if you need any help with the above incase I don't get time to check back.
• I had a bright idea that other unaffected local councils or radio stations or churches or similar should 'adopt' an area in the floods to help with funds or rebuilding or cleaning anything thats needed. This could work in all local future disasters like this if it was organised now. It would cut out cowboys, get replacement stuff to an area where none was left, like plasterboard for example will be in very short supply in flooded areas but not elsewhere. I sent this suggestion to Jeremy Vine on Radio 2 but got no response. Just a thought!! But I don't know how to further this idea.