Thousands of migrants are making their way across the Austrian and German borders. As greater numbers converge on gathering points such as Calais,conditions are expected to become increasingly challenging.
Members of the public have been asked to donate goods, money or services to help support the migrants. Below is a list of some of the charities and agencies which people can contact to offer their support.
Goal: Goal is the largest international NGO operating in Syria, where it has been since 2012. It has 650 staff inside Syria, which its director of communications David Leach says benefits 1 million people every month.
It has also collected 11,000 names to date for its #NowYouKnow petition, which calls on the EU to support refugees fleeing the conflict. Donations can be made through the Goal website.
Ireland Calais Refugee Solidarity: The Cork-based organisation has precipitated a number of offshoots in Tipperary, Dublin and Wicklow who are all attempting to give money and goods to migrants currently camped outside the French port.
A group of volunteers will set off on a convoy to Calais on September 29th, where they will stay for one week distributing items such as clothes, sleeping equipment, food and toiletries.
Drop-off times and locations for anyone willing to provide aid are often listed on the group's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/IrelandCalaisRefugeeSolidarity) along with the contact details of regional organisers. People can continue to donate to the GoFundMe page (http://www.gofundme.com/9zwfscys) which has raised nearly €53,000 to buy more equipment.
Other activist organisations which have popped up in Ireland recently include Help for Humans in Kerry (https://www.facebook.com/helpforhumansireland) and Waterford People to People Refugee Emergency Group (https://www.facebook.com/helpforhumansireland).
Irish Refugee Council: The council will be sending humanitarian aid to Budapest- the scene of contentious stand-offs between migrants and Hungarian officials at the central Keleti station- before the end of September. While many have moved on to Germany and its western European neighbours, others remain stranded in Hungary and local volunteers are struggling to meet demand. Donate at http://www.irishrefugeecouncil.ie/news-media/solidarity-with-refugees-how-you-can-help
Greek Solidarity Committee: Many continue to seek refuge in Greece, and islands such as Lesbos and Kos have been overwhelmed. Members of the Greek Solidarity Committee have been travelling to the islands to offer assistance, and anyone wishing to lend their support can contact the group's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Ireland4Greece).
Electric Picnic Calais Collection: Festival-goers who would like to donate tents or unwanted sleeping equipment can bring them to the Global Green in Stradbally over the course of Monday, and all items collected will be redistributed to migrants in Calais.
Pledge A Bed: Since setting up the website last week, founder Siobhán O'Donoghue has been inundated with thousands of offers of accommodation for refugees who may end up in Ireland. She is keen to stress that a pledge does not necessarily have to be a definitive commitment, and anyone who signs up can opt out. (uplift.ie/pledge-bed/)
Refugee BnB (refugeebnb.com) is also seeking people who are willing to host a refugee family for a period of one year from January 2016.
Red Cross Appeal: The organisation continues to accept online donations for its Syrian Appeal, and is providing on-the-ground support to displaced people in Syria and in refugee camps in bordering countries such as Lebanon and Jordan. Money raised goes to providing medical care, clothes, food and blankets. Donate at http://www.redcross.ie/ircdonate/
Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders): MSF currently has three search and rescue boats active in the Mediterranean. Humanitarian missions are currently ongoing in the conflict zones from which many of the refugees are fleeing. Donate at http://www.msf.ie/donate
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR): The agency is tasked with safeguarding the rights and well-being of refugees, and is heavily involved in helping thousands of displaced families to restart their lives.
It is offering shelter and food to those arriving in Europe as well as to victims of war in the Middle East, and runs a resettlement programme. Donate at http://donate.unhcr.org/gbr/general/
UNICEF: Donations go towards emergency measures such as food and water for struggling children. Donate at https://www.unicef.ie/GetInvolved/Donate-230.aspx?EmergencyId=61
Jungle Library: British teacher Mary Jones has set up a makeshift library in Calais featuring texts in a range of different languages. Books can be posted to the Big Green Bookshop, Unit 1 Brampton Park Road, Wood Green, London, N22 6BG.
Trócaire and Concern are qorking in Syria. Donate at https://www.trocaire.org/donate/make-a-donation?fund=Refugees%20Crisis%20Appeal and https://www.concern.net/donate/appeals/syria-emergency-appeal