HURRICANE Irma has devastated parts of the Caribbean and volunteers from the Yate-based charity SARAID have headed out to the region to help.

But SARAID members have decided to make a difference at home too.

They have started a new domestic arm, which aims to help vulnerable people in the UK.

It’s still at an early phase so projects are generally focused in the Avon area, but the plan is to gradually extend its reach.

This fantastic team, which gained recognition from the United Nations in 2003, is funded entirely by donations.

It has no paid employees and no funding. Every penny goes towards their work on the ground. This is by choice.

As a non-governmental organisation, they have neutrality. There are some countries where in times of disaster, groups associated with the British government would not be welcome.

And they want to be able to provide help to everyone that needs it.

This is an amazing charity, well worth supporting. To donate visit: www.saraid.org.uk/index. php/make-a-donation