Islamic Relief remains committed to engaging in and supporting UK crisis response initiatives. We have responded to a number of emergencies across the UK including the Grenfell Tower Fire and York and Cumbria floods in 2015.
Grenfell Tower Fire Response
Following the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower in West London in June 2017, Islamic Relief responded immediately by sending a team to assist and support the local community and authorities on the ground. Our staff and volunteers distributed 6,000 bottles of water and clothes within the hour. As the tragedy unfolded, we remained on site, providing the necessary help and support to survivors and local people.
In addition, Islamic Relief also made funds available from the Global Emergency Fund to help those affected by this disaster.
We held a series of live appeals, in partnership with leading Muslim charities here in the UK, raising tens of thousands to support the relief efforts. These efforts have been formally collated as part of the Grenfell Muslim Response Unit (GMRU). As a member of this coalition, we have provided funds and strategic support towards:
- A dedicated emergency telephone helpline
- Emergency accomodation
- Bereavement, burials and emotional support
- Legal advice
- Assistance centres and case workers
We will continue to support the survivors with ongoing and holistic support, as part of the GMRU, for as long as required.
York and Cumbria Floods Response
When floods hit the county of Cumbria and city of York in 2015, Islamic Relief volunteer teams from across the UK joined forces with local organisations to support those affected. Volunteers worked tirelessly to fill thousands of sandbags and provide vital protection to homes at high risk of flooding in York. In Cumbria, where the flooding affected many homes and left families stranded without necessary supplies, we supported local efforts to distribute food and household goods. Our dedicated volunteers also helped families clean up their homes when the floodwater receded.
As a member of local resilience forums around the UK, Islamic Relief remains on call, committed to helping people in their hour of need, whenever that need may arise.