The Support Scheme...How YOU can make a difference!

In the early hours of 26th April 1986, one of the four nucleur power reactors at the Chernobyl power station exploded. It is estimated that Belarus was the most directly affected, with up to 70% of the fallout contaminating it's land. Today it is still being affected by radiation contamination leading to birth defects and serious health issues. The immune systems of the people of Belarus are also detrimentally affected. It is not known how long the effects of Chernobyl will last, potentially many more years to come.

So, What is the support scheme?

The Belarus Fund set up the support scheme to do exactly what it says on the tin; support! Our aim is to offer a small amount of financial support to individuals/families/groups in need. Our objective in doing this; assist them, usually in the short term, with a particular need or project.

Who can become a supporter?

Anyone can become a supporter. The Support Scheme enables individuals, or groups of people, in the UK to support a child, a family, an older person or someone with a disability, living in Belarus. The relationship is with a named person(s) and can be much more than making a monthly donation. We will send you regular updates and photos of the recipient and you can write to them, send photos or small gifts.

How much will it cost me? And can my family join in?

In the scheme, there are individual donors and groups of donors. Anyone can donate as much, or as little (say £1 per month) as they wish. So you could support a particular project/family by yourself, or get your extended family involved and split the cost.

The funding given to the recipient is the rubel equivalent of £15. Each recipient has a local Belarusian volunteer who visits them and personally hands over the funds. If the recipient is vulnerable or housebound, the visiting volunteer will buy what is needed for them and deliver it.

What will you tell me about the recipient?

The charity receives regular updates on how people on the scheme are doing and we send a report and photographs (where possible) to the supporters twice each year.

Does all my money get donated?

Yes, every penny. The charity is run by volunteers and has no administrative costs or paid staff. This means 100% of each donation will go to the sponsored person in Belarus.

Can I send cards/gifts to my family?

Yes, we encourage and welcome donors to send birthday cards, Christmas cards and photographs of themselves, which we know are greatly appreciated.

What if my recipient no longer needs support?

Twice each year, a team of volunteers, at their own expense, go out to Belarus to see the charity projects and to visit people on the support scheme. We also meet the Belarusian volunteers to talk about how things are going and about changing needs and circumstances. Should your nominated family/person no longer need support, we can discuss new possibilities with you.

We already have a number of people awaiting sponsorship and we would love to hear from you.

If you, or a group of you, would like to support someone in Belarus as part of this scheme, then please contact Alan Bridgewater.