SPS lecturer’s voluntary work supports families affected by the Ukraine conflict
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Social Work lecturer Avril McIvor is supporting Ukrainian families affected by the conflict in their country through her volunteer work with the charity Chernobyl Children Lifeline.
Through the charity, Avril is supporting families fleeing the Ukraine conflict to Scotland. Since its inception more than 30 years ago, the charity originally helped children affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster but has since diversified its outreach to respond to the Ukraine conflict. Avril has worked with the charity since 2017.
Chernobyl Children Lifeline is made up of a network of social workers, local village councils, teachers, doctors and other groups and professionals, who support the delivery of aid services in the affected regions. This includes providing healthcare supplies, financial support, medical treatment and aid to children and families.
Avril said: “We all felt that we wanted to help and set about refocusing the group.”
They reached out to provide emotional and practical support for the families they had been working with previously, and in some cases provided financial support and sponsorship. The charity has helped numerous families flee Ukraine to Scotland or other safer countries where they can wait for their visa approvals.
Avril said: “This is very important to me as a humanitarian. If we cannot help others in dire need of the basics in life such as safety and security, then what is our purpose in life?
“Our compassion for others is at the core of life both in my personal life and work-life in social work. Children are our future and if we do not attempt to balance the atrocity of war with kindness and compassion then our future children and young people will only be left with the impression of a world that does not care.
“For me personally, I feel a sense of peace that I have supported and helped a family. With that comes a great deal of pride as I can see they are happier each day. I have learned a bit about myself, that I had forgotten, I can contribute to making a difference; even a small difference in a small group of people’s lives is huge.”
The Chernobyl Children Lifeline is a self-funded charity and would appreciate donations as it continues supporting families in Ukraine and families building new lives in Scotland.