
©MattPercival/BritishRedCross
Responding to emergencies in the UK is at the heart of British Red Cross work.
Hundreds of Red Cross volunteers and staff have helped people affected by the Grenfell Tower fire since the immediate aftermath.
How has the Red Cross been helping since the Grenfell Tower fire?
British Red Cross volunteers have been helping people affected by the fire since the early hours of Wednesday 14 June.
Our initial response saw volunteers help those affected at four rest centres in the north Kensington area.
This involved providing practical and emotional support to those injured, bereaved or traumatised by the tragic events.
“It’s hard to describe the atmosphere”: Volunteer at Grenfell Tower fire rescue on how you can help https://t.co/1bvOPMqKoV pic.twitter.com/hTRotf5Ulb
— Stylist Magazine (@StylistMagazine) June 16, 2017
We then stepped up our role at the Grenfell Community Assistance Centre, providing services and support around the clock.
Experienced Red Cross volunteers were part of the team providing advice and support at the centre. At the busiest time, we had an average of 40 volunteers on site each day.
Since the fire broke out, we have deployed over 1,000 volunteers, who have supported over 1,700 people – this includes support through our support line, at the assistance centre, at Safe Spaces and through outreach work.
Are you taking over the council’s role?
Not at all. On Saturday 17 June we increased our role in response to the levels of need that were becoming apparent and a direct request from Gold Command.
The response is being managed by the Grenfell Fire Response Team, made up of representatives from central government, the British Red Cross, the Metropolitan police, London-wide local and regional government and the London Fire Brigade.
What exactly have you been doing?
From Wednesday 14 June:
- Red Cross emergency response volunteers from around the country were on the ground providing 24/7 practical and emotional support.
- We deployed trained psychosocial support workers who can provide more in-depth support and are experienced in extremely traumatic situations.
- Our volunteers worked with the local community to help sort donations.
- We launched a fundraising appeal.
- We have been staffing a helpline to provide people with support (details below).
Scenes from the #grenfelltower Community Assistance Centre. This is an extraordinary community that @BritishRedCross is proud to serve. pic.twitter.com/KheoHrByeA
— Mike Adamson (@MichaelAdamson5) June 18, 2017
From Sunday 18 June we stepped up our role to include:
- Expanding our support line to be the single point of contact for people needing help.
- Helping to coordinate the Grenfell Community Assistance Centre.
- Having a Red Cross volunteer trained to give practical and emotional support as part of the team for each household affected.
We also issued free wheelchairs, walking frames and crutches to support the needs of the local community.
From 28 June the Red Cross was asked to help turn some of the excess donated clothes into cash for people affected by the fire. We launched ‘Shop for Grenfell‘ which has raised £100,000 so far and will continue rise. Every penny will go to victims of the fire via our London Fire Relief Fund.
What is the London Fire Relief Fund?
The Red Cross started this fund to help people in need after the fire.
Hundreds of people have lost everything in the fire. By donating to our London Fire Relief Fund, you can help support those who have been left injured, bereaved, or homeless by this tragedy.
The London Fire Relief Fund has raised more than £5.75 million so far. Of this, £2.4 million has been transferred to the London Emergencies Trust (LET) which is making the grants to the most seriously affected people now.
The LET has awarded 76 grants totalling close to £1.5 million. A further 37 applications are currently undergoing checks.
People can donate by visiting our website or by calling 0300 023 0827.
Today, staff at #LondonBridge underground @jubileeline escallators are collecting for #GrenfellTower residents on behalf of @BritishRedCross pic.twitter.com/DBy7GKSF4s
— BTP London Bridge (@BTPLondonBridge) June 19, 2017
What will the money be spent on?
Donations will help to alleviate immediate suffering and ensure that victims and their families do not face short-term financial difficulties.
The London Emergencies Trust is co-ordinating and distributing all of the funds raised by the Red Cross and other major Grenfell Tower appeals.
People can apply for the funds via their key worker.
Will all the money go to the victims?
Yes. The British Red Cross takes the issue of donor funds very seriously and is always vigilant in making sure all donations reach those who are most in need.
The money raised will be used to assist the victims, their families and dependents. We will not take any of our administration costs out of the money raised – no staff salaries or such costs will be deducted.
Absolutely no administration costs will come out of the fund. All net proceeds will go to the victims and those affected by these terrible circumstances.
What’s happened to people’s donated items?
In the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire, the general public showed extraordinary generosity by donating tonnes of items. Now, there is more than enough for people affected by the fire with enough excess donations to cover three football pitches.
Starting on Wednesday 28 June, the Red Cross launched Shop for Grenfell to help turn some of the excess donated clothes into cash for those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.
To date we have sorted through around 93 tonnes of donated items. Around 76 tonnes are either in shops, in transit to shops or are being held for later distribution to shops. Around 16 tonnes of new product (mainly new clothing, toiletries and new bedding) have been sorted and isolated to be sent back on demand to the community. The distribution of goods is organised by Kensington and Chelsea council.
Every penny raised from the sale of donated goods labelled ‘Shop for Grenfell’ in Red Cross stores will go to our London Fire Relief Fund.
This is a great opportunity to ensure people’s generosity will support those affected by this tragedy.
Where can I get more information?
If you have an outstanding need or concern related to the Grenfell Tower fire, please contact the Care for Grenfell team on 020 7745 6414 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Alternatively email careforgrenfell@rbkc.gov.uk.
You can also find out more about getting the right support here.
If people are concerned about a family member they should call the Metropolitan Police Service Incident Room number – 0800 032 4539.
If you would like to support the victims, find out how you can do so.
Read more
- Grenfell Tower fire: ‘People must get the support they need after traumatic events’
- The Grenfell Assistance Centre has now moved to: The Curve, No 10 Bard Road, Nottingdale, West London, W10 6TP. People can access services and support provided by the response team from 10am to 8pm.
This blog was updated on 6, 14, & 21 July, 11 August, and 15 September 2017
Jun 21, 2017 @ 14:47:21
I have donated, but there does not seem to be any up-to date information about the amount that people have donated. Is this because if the Government/ Kensington Local Authority see how much ordinary people have donated, they will then reduce their contribution to the disaster?
Jun 22, 2017 @ 10:27:58
Hi Ann,
Many thanks for your kind donation, it’s greatly appreciated. Our London Fire Relief Fund has so far raised approximately £2.64m net. Public donations to our fund will have no bearing on Government funding for people affected by the fire.
Thanks
Sam
Jun 22, 2017 @ 15:37:29
The work the charities like the Red Cross does for victims of such terrible tragedies like this is truly inspiring. The work both of your employees, and incredibly volunteer support network has made such an impact on the lives of those affected by the fire. It’s eye-opening to see a listing of the work you’ve done in detail! Thanks very much for sharing, and for your continued work!
Jun 22, 2017 @ 21:56:33
‘ Evening,
I have been trying to email and enquire as to whether I can be involved in a collection bucket capacity.
I have worked as a volunteer for various disasters eg Earthquake in Japan a few years ago and the odd flood etc.
I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Thank. you
Kind regards
Mark Minshall.
Jun 23, 2017 @ 15:36:34
Hi Mark
Thank you for your message. Of course, we would be delighted if you could help us fundraise. Please email getfundraising@redcross.org.uk and state where you live to help us identify the local fundraiser who can help you with this.
Kind regards,
Laura
Jul 19, 2017 @ 09:28:50
Having made a previous query regarding distribution of the funds received to date. When and how will the victims receive the money, i.e., one off payments for each family affected, periodic payments, and as its is an ongoing collection, when will these funds be distributed and for how long? Information on ground still shows the victims are not in receipt of the funds. Clarification is required. Thank you.
Barbara Tatham
Jul 19, 2017 @ 11:25:38
Hi Barbara,
The London Emergencies Trust (LET) is responsible for distributing the money from the various funds, including our own. The Trust has so far released £158,000 in payments and are helping 40 people complete their claim forms. LET received around 50 applications in the last week alone, and 64 in the last fortnight. Not everyone is ready to apply just yet, but we are ready to help when they are. If you know of anyone who is eligible for funds or needs help applying, they can call the Red Cross helpline on 0800 458 9472. Payments are being made to those bereaved and injured, in three categories:
1. Next of kin:
Total payments made = £100,000 (£20,000 each to the next of kin of five people who died in the fire)
2. Hospitalised for one week or longer:
Total payments made = £30,000 (£10,000 each to three individuals)
3. Hospitalised for six hours or longer:
Total payments made = £28,000 (£3,500 each to eight individuals)
Hope this helps clarify the situation. Thanks.
Sam