Welcome
Welcome to the KentRelief website. We are a humanitarian charity with a current focus on Ukraine. Please feel free to browse the site to get to know what we do and who we work with. If you would like to get involved or would like any further information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, we have been providing support to Ukrainian guests as they arrive in the UK, including initial provision of essential items, and now also assist guests moving into their new homes as they settle into life in the UK (working in close coordination with Tunbridge Wells BC Homes for Ukraine Scheme).
Since February 2022 we have also sent over 100 tons of humanitarian aid to areas of need in Ukraine including food, medical aid and other key items.
KentRelief works with a number of partners both in the Kent area and in Ukraine to achieve our objectives. For more information about what we do please see
Refugees receiving aid at refuge in Odesa run by our partner Olga
December '24 Humanitarian Aid now in Ukraine. We are now collecting for our next aid run in April '25 - please donate
Our Dec '24 humanitarian aid is now in Ukraine. Some of the key items that have arrived include firefighting breathing equipment delivered to the Poltava Emergency Fire Services. We are now collecting for our next planned aid run to Ukraine in April 2025 - you can donate here or drop donations to our TN2 hub, Lakeside, off Greggs Wood Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN2 3LZ (open Wed's 14h00-18h00 and Sat's 10h00-14h00)
Our news
KentRelief's charity shop has now moved!
But we have not moved far - we are still in the Royal Victoria Place, now opposite HMV. Please come and visit our new premises and have a browse. Everything you buy supports our efforts to assist Ukraine. And we are looking for new volunteers to support us so if you think you can help please email us enquiries@kentrelief.org.uk
Our last humanitarian aid shipment
Our last humanitarian aid shipment departed on 14th December carrying over 14.5 tons of aid. After a stop in Lviv to drop aid to our partner Andrii's warehouse (for onward distribution to Odesa and Donetski), the truck then travelled onwards to the Dnipro warehouse of the Swedish NGO Operation Change. From there it was distributed to various parts of Ukraine.
In all the aid has been distributed to:
the charity 'The Path Home' supporting 'shelters in Odesa for people displaced from the Mykolaiv and Kherson regions
a refuge in Odesa for women and children who have been victims of rape and abuse as a result of the war in Ukraine
the charity 'Humane World' which supports homeless animals in Konotop, Sumy Region
a community of Bakhmut refugees now living in Cherkasy
we also sent essential firefighting breathing equipment to Poltava Emergency State Servies of Ukraine
the charity 'From Dreams to Reality' in Brovary who supports children and civilians on the frontline
and Operation Change itself received some of our aid which is being distributed to frontline villages in the east
…we are hugely grateful to Operation Change for all their support and assistance in getting our aid distributed - thank you!
Ukraine Independence Day Event 24th August 2024
KentRelief had a wonderful Independence Day Event in the Royal Victoria Place, at our charity shop on 24th August. The aim of the event was to both fundraise as well as to raise awareness that the war in Ukraine continues. Our wonderful local Ukrainians whom we support in the Tunbridge Wells area bought a selection of fantastic home made Ukrainian food to sell on the day, and there were traditional Ukrainian dress and Ukrainian live singing. In total we raised over £700, so a successful day all in all, as well as the chance to raise awareness for Ukraine. Thank you to all who contributed to this fantastic day, including all our volunteers who turned up to help.
Our lorry loading on the BBC
Did you catch our news feature earlier this year on BBC South East? It was great to have them film our February 2024 lorry loading day, showcasing the incredible support we've received from our community in sending vital aid to Ukraine.
It serves as a powerful reminder that the need for support in Ukraine continues. As the conflict drags on, it's understandable for the initial surge of compassion to fade. By keeping the situation at the forefront of people's minds, we can maximise the chances that a steady stream of assistance will reach those who need it most.
This media coverage allows us to share the dedication of our volunteers and the sheer volume of donations with a wider audience. Seeing the impact first hand can truly inspire others to get involved and join the cause. Together, we can make a real difference for the people of Ukraine.
You can contribute
Each donation enables us to continue and go further in our actions. If you would like to make a contribution, please visit our donations page.
