Tag: Red Cross

Scottish Government pledges £500,000 aid for Zambia

Red Cross emergency appeal funding

International Development Minister Christina McKelvie has pledged £500,000 to help contain a deadly cholera outbreak in Zambia.

The funding comes in response to an emergency appeal from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies (IFRC) for funding to support measures including contact tracing, vaccination and the supply of safe drinking water.

As of 27 January, 14,900 confirmed cases and 560 deaths have been recorded as a result of the outbreak, with all 10 of Zambia’s provinces reporting cases.

The IFRC reports this rapid escalation has put a strain on local health services and schools throughout the country have been closed in attempt to stop further spread of the disease.

International Development Minister Christina McKelvie said: “The next few weeks will be crucial to prevent this severe and rapidly growing cholera epidemic from escalating further.

“Particularly ahead of Zambia’s rainy season, as the majority of vulnerable communities have no access to clean water and sanitation facilities, which are essential to prevent the spread of cholera.

“This funding reflects the Scottish Government’s ongoing commitment to ensure Scotland fulfils its role as a good global citizen through international development and humanitarian work, as well as our longstanding partnership with Zambia.”

Rob Murray, Director for Scotland, British Red Cross, said: “Volunteers and staff from the Zambian Red Cross Society are leading the response to the cholera outbreak in the country, alongside the Zambia Ministry of Health, and this funding will help to carry out vital training for volunteers who will be at the forefront of the response in the affected communities.

“Speed is critical in dealing with an outbreak such as this therefore we are extremely grateful for the swift response and leadership the Scottish Government has shown in providing these funds.”

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Cholera outbreak spirals in Zambia: IFRC launches urgent CHF 4 million appeal | IFRC

Red Cross volunteers standing ready to support communities if storms cause disruption in Scotland

British Red Cross volunteers and staff are ready to support communities as Storms Dudley and Eunice approach Scotland. 

Met Office weather warnings have been issued for Wednesday and Thursday with 90mph winds possible in parts. 

Red Cross teams are based across Scotland and support communities as part of coordinated responses with local authorities, the emergency services, and the voluntary sector during emergencies. 

Just recently, volunteers and staff helped people affected by power outages following Storm Arwen, providing information, food and other essentials to vulnerable people who were in need.  

Anyone affected by the storms can contact the British Red Cross Support Line on 0808 196 3651 for emotional support. 

British Red Cross tips for preparing for floods 

Before floods 

  • Check for local flood warnings online or during weather forecasts and stay up to date with local radio and TV news.  You can also download the British Red Cross emergency app here. 
  • In a Covid-secure way, check in with vulnerable people to see what help they need and, if you are vulnerable yourself, let others know you may need a little help yourself. 
  • Buy or prepare sandbags, move vehicles to higher ground and prepare an emergency kit of items you might need in the event of crisis – a first aid kit, drinking water, a snack, a torch and some waterproof clothes might be some choices. 
  • Get hold of a battery or wind-up operated radio to stay in touch with the latest developments. 
  • Make sure you have all the medicines you need, especially if you have conditions such as diabetes or angina.  

During floods 

  • Don’t walk, swim or drive through floodwater and don’t walk on sea defences or riverbanks. 
  • Avoid contact with flood water as it can be contaminated with sewage and don’t allow children to play in or near it. 
  • Contact your local council.  They will be helping your community respond to this crisis and may have arranged emergency shelter. 

After floods 

  • Throw away any food that has been in floodwater. 
  • Boil tap water or use bottled water until you’re told your water supply is safe. 
  • If you’re struggling and need a little help call the British Red Cross support line on 0808 196 3651.

Scots could be kinder, finds Red Cross survey

  • 98% agree that if we all did one kind thing, the world would be a better place
  • 78% admit they could do more to be kinder to others
  • British Red Cross campaign asks us to make a difference with One Kind Thing

The majority of people believe we can all be kinder to each other, according to a survey of the public for the British Red Cross. Continue reading Scots could be kinder, finds Red Cross survey

Edinburgh charity seeks local projects solving loneliness with food

Food redistribution charity FareShare Central and South East, in partnership with Cyrenians, is seeking new charities and community groups across the city that could benefit from fresh, in-date surplus food. Continue reading Edinburgh charity seeks local projects solving loneliness with food

Rankin captures kindness shown during last year’s emergencies in London and Manchester

Renowned photographer Rankin has captured the extraordinary kindness shown by British Red Cross volunteers who helped in last year’s emergencies in London and Manchester. The UK terror attacks and Grenfell Tower fire caused significant loss of life, and led to one of the largest humanitarian responses by the British Red Cross here in the UK since World War Two.  Continue reading Rankin captures kindness shown during last year’s emergencies in London and Manchester

More aid for Lesbos

Scottish Government grants another £75k to help refugees

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The Scottish Government has announced an additional £75,000 grant to support the British Red Cross medical response on the Greek island of Lesbos. The contribution builds on the previous donation of £140,000 made available to the charity by the Scottish Government to provide humanitarian aid. Continue reading More aid for Lesbos

Time to get ready for Winter

‘No complacency’ message after two mild winters

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Two consecutive relatively mild winters appear to have made people in Scotland less worried about severe weather incidents, according to new research.

The research, commissioned by the Scottish Government and the British Red Cross, has found that 40 per cent of Scots surveyed said that they were concerned about emergencies caused by treacherous weather conditions, down from almost half of those questioned a year ago.

The survey also found:

• almost nine out of ten car owners believe they are prepared for an emergency, largely because three-quarters carry an ice-scraper and de-icer.

• seven per cent had experienced an extreme weather emergency in the past year, with higher levels in rural areas. Of these, two-fifths claimed they got together with neighbours to help them cope.

Launching this year’s ‘Ready for Winter?’ campaign yesterday, Scottish Government Transport Minister Keith Brown said: “If there is anything recent winters have shown us it is that Scottish weather is unpredictable.

“In the last five years, most parts of Scotland have been affected by severe weather ranging from snow and freezing temperatures to high winds and flooding, and we also saw the terrible impact of flooding in south-west England last winter. While extreme weather can happen at any time of year, winter remains the time of greatest risk.

“The unpredictability of weather patterns means we cannot simply hope that we will miss the worst of it. While we can’t stop the weather causing disruption, we can be well prepared to cope with it.

“Our annual winter preparedness campaign reminds us of this and the simple actions we can all take to get ready: in the home, before a journey, at our place of work and in our communities. This will serve us well not just throughout the winter months, but all year round and in a range of emergency situations.

“I’m delighted the campaign is again being run in partnership with the British Red Cross and will be supported by a variety of other partners across the public, private and voluntary sectors in Scotland.”

snowDavid Miller, Director of the British Red Cross in Scotland, said: “Making sure you are prepared now for winter can make a huge difference when extreme weather hits.

“At the Red Cross we know that severe weather, including snow and floods, can have serious consequences. However, with a few simple steps you can make yourself and others ready for the disruption it can bring.

“You can prepare an emergency kit for your home and car, jot down your emergency phone numbers and check on any neighbours, family or friends to see if they need any help. You can also make sure you know what the plan at your workplace is.

“Each year the Red Cross helps people across Scotland cope with the effects of severe weather and this winter, as always, we’ll be prepared and ready.”

COSLA President Councillor, David O’Neill added: “COSLA is delighted to once again be working in partnership with the Scottish Government and British Red Cross to launch the ‘Ready for Winter?’ campaign. COSLA would urge people to be aware of the simple measures they can take to make sure they are prepared should severe weather affect Scotland.

“COSLA is involved in reaching out to local councils throughout Scotland to ensure they have appropriate contingency plans in place to minimise the impact on public services should Scotland experience any form of severe weather this winter.”

Gaza: Call for action after school is shelled

British Red Cross launches Gaza appeal

gaza3UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond is ‘deeply concerned’ by the crisis in Gaza and is urging continued efforts towards ceasefire. Mr Hammond spoke as reports that at least 15 people have been killed and more than 200 injured in the shelling of a United Nations-run school used as a shelter in Gaza. The British Red Cross has also launched an appeal to fund vital help for people affected.

More than 600 people have died and almost 150,000 forced to flee their homes in more than two weeks of violence. As the conflict continues, 1.2 million people have no or limited access to water or sanitation.

Staff and volunteers from the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement have already been working around in the clock in dangerous conditions to help people affected.

Donations to the appeal will help them continue giving essential support, which has so far included emergency health care such as treating the wounded, sending ambulances across the Gaza Strip and bringing truckloads of medical supplies to hospitals. The Movement has also carried out vital repairs to water and sewage networks.

The Movement has also negotiated crucial pauses in the fighting, allowing civilians to evacuate some of the worst hit areas.

Katy Attfield, British Red Cross head of disaster management, said: “The violence in Gaza and Israel has devastated communities, and left many people in desperate need of help. Donations to the appeal will give them crucial support in the weeks and months ahead. Please give what you can.”

To donate to the appeal visit www.redcross.org.uk

redcrossappealVisiting Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories on yesterday and today (23 and 24 July), Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond met Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, and Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman.

The Foreign Secretary said: “The conflict in Gaza is taking a terrible toll. With more than 700 Palestinians killed, including more than 150 children, as well as the loss of more than 30 Israeli lives, it is beyond time to bring an end to this conflict and stop the bloodshed.

“I stressed to all those I saw my deep concern at the high numbers of civilian casualties and the humanitarian impact of the conflict. I underlined the need for all concerned to exert every effort to secure an immediate ceasefire to end the violence.

“With President Abbas, I expressed my concern for the heavy loss of civilian lives in Gaza, including many women and children. I reiterated the UK’s strong support for his leadership and thanked him for his own efforts to achieve a ceasefire. I stressed that, once a ceasefire is secured, there is an urgent need for a long term plan for Gaza.

“With Prime Minister Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Lieberman, I expressed my deep concern at Hamas’s rocket attacks and reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself. I urged that Israeli forces do everything they can to avoid civilian casualties, and stressed the need for a rapid conclusion to their ground operation in Gaza.

“With all, I emphasised the UK’s support for the US-Egyptian led efforts to broker a ceasefire, which remains the best means of ending the current violence and preventing further loss of life. For a ceasefire to be durable, there must then be rapid movement to address the underlying causes of the conflict, with a central role for the Palestinian Authority and a strong one for the international community.

“The current crisis underlines once again the need for a wider political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict which is the only way to secure a lasting peace.”

gaza2Commenting on the worsening situation, Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond said: “It is vital that the situation is brought under control and de-escalated as soon as possible, to prevent any more loss of innocent civilian lives, such as those in this latest incident.

“That involves restraint on both sides – the rocket attacks on Israel should stop, as should the Israeli shelling of Gaza, which has been heavily disproportionate. Israel has a right to seek security for its own citizens, but that should not involve the shelling of civilian areas.

“I am glad to see that the UK Government have now become active on this issue, with the Foreign Secretary’s visit to meet with both Israeli and Palestinian leaders. However, that action will only be effective if it involves frank dialogue, and as such the Foreign Secretary’s view that ‘Western opinion is becoming more and more concerned and less and less sympathetic to Israel’ is one that should be heeded by the Israeli leadership.

“As a Government we continue to add our voice to those in the international community calling for an immediate, longer term ceasefire to put an end to the violence that is causing so many civilian deaths and injuries. We also believe that the continued blockade of Gaza is exacerbating the suffering experienced by the civilian population people there and should come to an end.”

In the past 16 days of fighting, more than 750 Palestinians and 33 Israelis have been killed, with thousands more injured, according to official reports. With little prospect of peace in sight and the international community seemingly unable to intervene to stop the slaughter, those dreadful figures can only rise. 

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That appeal website address again:

www.redcross.org.uk