Nairn woman hopes to offer help as war in Ukraine leads to humanitarian crisis
The unfolding humanitarian crisis as refugees flee the war in Ukraine has prompted a Nairn woman to plan a trip to Poland to volunteer her help.
Emma Thomas will head to Krakow on Friday in the hope of being able to be of service in any way during a short stay and also make connections with refugees potentially looking to come to the Highlands.
The 51-year-old, of Fishertown, is self-funding her trip but has also been given donations by friends and locals to use for refugees in urgent need.
Ms Thomas, of Fishertown, works for Inspiring Young Voices – formerly Highland Children and Young People’s Forum.
She says her trip is motivated by a lifelong drive for campaigning on human rights issues but is also realistic about the limitations of what she may be able to do.
"I am under no illusion that I may be of no use – but hopefully I may be of some use," she said.
"I think once I am there, I will be able to connect with charities, or individuals."
She has also registered with the UK's Homes for Refugees scheme but has heard nothing.
She says the way it has been set up is fundamentally flawed and she is very uncomfortable with the way Ukrainian refugees in a desperate situation find they are having to promote themselves on social media to find a host which can expose them to the risk of human trafficking and exploitation.
Ms Thomas, who lived and worked as a teacher in central eastern Europe for three years, speaks the Slavic language of the Czech republic.
She said human rights issues played a strong role during her childhood and had strong memories of the news of the Srebrenica massacre during the Bosnian war in which thousands of Muslim men and boys were killed.
"My mum who was a huge influence in my life said 'What are we going to do about it?' and went around collecting in Northumberland," she said.
"A lot of people see things on the news and say it is horrendous but then switch off and get on with life and I am not critical about that.
"But my mum was not like that."
Her trip to Poland will also coincide with what would have been her late mother's birthday.
"With my mum's influence and her birthday, I felt I was in a position I just didn't have to sit back," she said.
She has arranged to stay in Krakow until Monday (April 18) but also has the option to extend her stay until the end of the week.
She acknowledged she has some apprehension about the trip.
"My biggest worry is I will be in the way – that I will be more of a hindrance in which case I will leave," she said.
"But I hope to be of some help even in a small way, even with kindness, or emotional support.
"I just feel the need to do something."
She also hopes coverage of her journey will lead to contact with other people in the Highlands who have signed up to the scheme.
