Following the Russian Federation's invasion of Ukraine last week, the United Nations (UN) has reported that one million refugees have fled their home in the first week alone. The UN has predictied that as many as four million people could eventually leave their homeland, and that prediction could even be revised upwards.

As a result of this sudden disruption and displacement, there is an urgent need for assistance to help those affected in both Ukraine, and those neighbouring countries - such as Poland and Moldova - struggling to cope with the influx of refugees.

The Disasters and Emergencies Committee (DEC) - the coalition of fifteen of the UK's leading charities that coordinate appeals for emergency aid to people caught up in humanitarian crises - is appealing for urgent cash donations to help families fleing the conflict. DEC charities and their local partners are now in Ukraine and neighbouring countries providing food, water, shelter and medical assistance.

At North East Autism Society, we would like to support the response to this crisis, and we have created this appeal to help get assistance to where it is needed most. We have set a £1,000 target, equivalent to each member of NEAS staff donating just £1 to the cause.

Donations to this appeal will go directly to the Disasters and Emergencies Committee and will not be received by North East Autism Society.

Thank you for your support.