East Sussex-based legal services provider Expert in Mind is offering its office facilities in Bexhill on Sea as a collection centre for essential items being sent to Poland to help displaced Ukrainians fleeing the war in their country.
The company, which provides mental health expertise for the legal sector, has put out an urgent appeal for essential items donations, which can be deposited at its offices at High Weald House on Bexhill on Sea’s Glovers End between 09:00 and 17:00 BST from Monday to Friday. Any donated items are asked to be new, in date and unopened.
For Expert in Mind’s founding director, Zofia Ludwig, the appeal is one of personal significance. Her father was born in 1920 in what is now the modern Ukrainian city of Lviv, which at the time was part of Poland. He and his family were later displaced by Nazi bombing campaigns in 1939 during the Second World War. In a similar vein, Lviv today has been subject to intense Russian bombing in recent weeks, which has seen many of its citizens displaced yet again, 83 years later.
Speaking about the appeal, Ludwig told The Leaders Council: “We are using our office building as a collection centre for essential items needing to be sent to Poland to help displaced Ukrainians. I am personally invested in this as my dad was born in the modern Ukrainian city of Lviv, which was then situated in Poland and known as Lwów, in 1920.
“He and his family were themselves victims of war, displaced into hiding in the woods when their family home was bombed during World War II. As a child when you hear such stories it tends to go over your head, but as an adult realising that my father lived through what Ukrainians are living through right now really resonates with me. He was given a helping hand when he needed it and went on to lead an incredible life. His story inspires me to offer the same helping hand and try to do something to help those affected by this terrible situation.”
Items urgently needed as part of the Ukraine appeal include the following:
- Nappies
- Baby Food
- Sweets for Children
- First Aid Kits, Painkillers
- Dog and Cat Food
- Hand Sanitiser
- Torches & Batteries
- Sanitary Towels
- Soap, Flannels & Sponges
- Toothbrushes & Toothpaste
- Deodorant & Shampoo
- Razors & Shaving cream
- Warm Socks
- Thermal clothing
- Blankets & Sleeping Bags
- Wet Wipes
Ludwig said: “Even just one of the items we’re asking for can make a major difference to a Ukrainian family and we need all the help we can get in providing them. We do ask that any donations are new, in date and unopened, which can be deposited at our office at Unit G03, High Weald House, Glovers End, Bexhill on Sea, East Sussex, TN39 5ES.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has donated to our appeal so far and also thanks in advance to any who will be paying us a visit in the near future.”
Donations can be deposited at Expert in Mind’s East Sussex office at Unit G03, High Weald House, Glovers End, Bexhill on Sea, East Sussex, TN39 5ES, until April 22, 2022.
For further information, please contact Expert in Mind directly by phone on 01424 444130 or via email at office@expertinmind.co.uk.
Image by Aleksandr Kadykov on Unsplash
