Over the past few weeks, the number of stories and photos flooding the news and our social media feeds about people risking their lives in an attempt to find refuge in Europe has made it impossible not to feel affected by the refugee crisis.
Yesterday pictures of Aylun Kurdi, a young boy washed up dead on the shore of Turkey after attempting to flee war-torn Syria with his family, were a wake up call which drove home the desperate need for more action from Britain.
More than 250,000 people have now backed* The Independent*'s campaign for Britain to take its fair share of people seeking safety in Europe. And now David Cameron, who was previously only poised to allow a few hundred refugees sanctuary in Britain, is expected to expand these numbers in the coming days.
But we need to take action now - here's four ways you can lend support.
Donate
There's an ever-growing number of charities and crowdfunding pages appealing for donations of clothes, tents, food and other supplies, as well as funds to deliver vital resources which are fast diminishing at the refugee camps in Calais and the Mediterranean. The British Red Cross has launched a major appeal for donations, and there's an increasing number of grass roots campaigns emerging on JustGiving. Calais Action is asking people to do anything they can to help and has a map of drop-off and collection locations.
Dawn O'Porter has joined the #HelpCalais appeal on Twitter, and while her Amazon Gift List initiative has now been frozen due to overwhelming support, you can also donate to her fundraising page for logistics, building and medicine supplies here.
Volunteer
If you are considering getting directly involved in offering support, organisations like petition site Avaaz are seeking volunteers. It has partnered with Citizens UK to launch a resettlement project which needs people to lobby local councils to increase numbers of refugees resettled in their area, as well as helping personally welcome them and host them. You can also join The Red Cross's volunteer scheme to offer practical support to refugees.
Protest
Join the Solidarity with Refugee march to Downing Street on Saturday 12 September. The protest starts at noon at London’s Marble Arch.
Join the discussion
Use your voice - spread awareness about the crisis by engaging on social media and online. Join in the discussion with hashtags like #HelpCalais and shout about campaigns like Migrants Contribute. You can also sign petitions like this one urging Britain to accept more asylum seekers.