Sandbags stacked against the front door of a brick house, with floodwater reflecting the house.

Local emergencies

Not every emergency leads to a national appeal. When one does not, we work with the organisations closest to it, so survivors still get help quickly.

How we support local emergencies

When an emergency does not meet the criteria for our own appeal, we support the local organisations raising money for the people affected. That is usually a community foundation or a local council.

We bring together the major giving platforms, charity regulators, national policymakers and first responders to agree one plan, so donors get clear information and money reaches survivors sooner.

Advice from our expert panels

We ask our expert advisers what survivors are going to need.

Our Mental Health Advisory Panel considers the mental health and wellbeing needs of the people affected. Our Survivors Advisory Panel, made up of people who have lived through emergencies themselves, sets out the practical problems families are likely to hit and what helped them.

That advice shapes how local partners plan and hand out their funds.

Emergencies we have supported

Minehead school coach crash
On 17 July 2025, a school coach crashed in Somerset. One child died and others were injured. We supported Somerset Community Foundation to raise and distribute money for the families affected.
Northern Ireland disorder
In June 2025, disorder broke out in towns across Northern Ireland. We helped raise awareness of Community Foundation Northern Ireland's Equity in Action Fund, which backs grassroots groups working against hate and false information.
Liverpool parade collision
On 26 May 2025, a motorist drove into crowds during Liverpool Football Club's Premier League victory parade. We supported Community Foundation Lancashire & Merseyside on fundraising and distribution, and advised the responders working with families.
Bicester Motion fire
On 15 May 2025, a fire at Bicester Motion in Oxfordshire killed two firefighters and a member of the public. We brought the responding organisations together so support reached everyone affected on the same terms.
Southport attack
On 29 July 2024, a man attacked children at a dance class in Southport. Three children died and ten other people were injured. We supported Community Foundation Lancashire & Merseyside on fundraising and communications throughout the response.