The North East Autism Society has delivered vital supplies of laptops, computers and tablet to an autism organisation caring for - and teaching - children who've fled the war in Ukraine.
A convoy led by a County Durham councillor Carl Marshall and the charity's chief exec John Phillipson left Stanley on April 7 to travel, to the Polish city of Biala Podlaska - which is close to the eastern border with Ukraine. Filled to the brim with aid for the vulnerable fleeing the Russian invasion, there were four vehicles manned by 8 volunteers.
One of North East Autism Society's employees - who is Polish - helped set up the partnership with the Wspolny Swiat organisation which has been looking after young refugees with autism and ensuring their education continues.
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John Phillipson said: "Wspolny Swiat told us they are in need of second-hand laptops, computers and tablets to enable the refugee children in their care to have a little bit of normality at what is no doubt a very distressing and dysregulating time for them. Despite being in the grips of war, I cannot commend the Ukrainian government enough for the onus they have placed on maintaining learning for the millions of children now displaced from their homes, and if we can support this effort in some small way, then we will do everything in our power to do so."
John explained that following the Russian invasion, NEAS - which is based in Chester-le-Street - had "felt compelled" to help. He added: "While I wish the partnership [with Wspolny Swiat] had been formed under different circumstances, I am very much looking forward to continuing to work with them as they share our vision for creating acceptance and championing the voices of autistic and neurodivergent individuals."
Coun Marshall - who is the leader of County Durham 's opposition Labour group and a councillor in Stanley - said: "Having seen first hand the impact this aid is having in Ukraine and Poland, it was a no-brainer to organise another convoy, but what has really surprised and heartened me has been the outpouring of support from individuals, businesses and volunteers. It has been incredible."
"The North East Autism Society do some incredible work and when we heard they were collecting laptops and iPads for the school in Biala Podlaska, we decided to help them out, as the work their colleagues are doing in Poland is absolutely essential.”
"I can’t name everyone who has helped, but a huge thank you to everyone who has donated time, money, food, medical supplies, vehicles...the response to the pandemic proved to me just how important community is and the response to this war is a reminder of what communities can achieve and how generous people can be."
One of the volunteers on the convoy was Mark Stephenson, who runs North East-based public affairs company Stephenson Mohl. He added: "It is heartbreaking that we need to do this, but strangely positive too. What we are seeing, not just from the North East, but from around the world, is what the worst of humanity can do confronted with the very best of humanity.
"We must all keep listening, engaging and giving. The people of Ukraine depend on us all."
Have you been doing anything to support Ukrainians in the midst of the Russian invasion? Let us know in the comments below
