Grenfell Tower fire: This is what you can do to help

Getty Images Grenfell TowerGetty Images

At least 17 people have died and 30 people remain in hospital after a huge fire in a London tower block.

Many more people are still missing and rescuers say they do not expect to find anyone else alive in the remains of the 24-storey block.

The fire is believed to have started on the fourth floor and spread quickly.

London residents - including Adele and Noel Clarke - have been coming to the area in the west of the capital to offer what help they can.

@FourMee via Twitter Adele at the scene of the Grenfell Tower fire@FourMee via Twitter
Adele was at the scene of the Grenfell Tower fire
Getty Images Donated shoes sit in the Westway Sports Centre near to the site of the Grenfell Tower fireGetty Images
Volunteers serve food to people near Grenfell Tower
PA Woman handing out sandwiches to residentsPA
Getty Images A missing persons poster sits on a community centre near to the site of the Grenfell Tower fireGetty Images
A community centre displayed a note offering food and drink alongside a missing person sign

David Holdsworth from the Charity Commission advises donors to "check that they give to a registered charity in order to best support those affected, and also importantly to check with those charities what support they need - whether that is money, time or other essential supplies."

You can search the charity register online.

Storage

Most local charities, community centres and religious institutions say they are well-stocked in most supplies at the moment, although that could change and they will be updating people online.

The Westway Trust say that at the moment, they need storage boxes for food and clothes.

PA Charity bucketPA

Since the early hours of Wednesday morning, St Clements Church has been taking in "acutely distressed" residents.

"My main effort is to provide water, breakfast, tea and coffee and a toilet," says Reverend Alan Everett.

"We're planning for the rest of the day. We're providing lunch and supper and if necessary we're providing a place to stay overnight."

Newsbeat has also seen police officers helping carry supplies to temporary shelters.

Other churches and mosques are also offering aid.

Water, food and toilet roll

While a number of places are collecting items for residents' immediate needs, there are other groups planning for the future.

Rugby Portobello Trust, for example, wrote on its Facebook page: "There will be many people needing long-term support and supplies and to be most effective in supporting them, we're asking everyone to please hold off on dropping anything to RPT until we can put together a list of what is needed."

Blood

NHS Blood and Transplant say they are well-stocked in terms of existing blood donations.

"Our thoughts are with everyone affected in Kensington today," a spokesman told Newsbeat on Wednesday.

"We have all the blood hospitals need, thanks to our loyal donors who come to give blood throughout the year, and no urgent donations are required."

The organisation says it always needs regular donors, to ensure a ready supply of blood is available in a crisis.

Crowdfunding

A number of unofficial online crowd funds have sprung up, many of which have already raised thousands to help the survivors of the fire.

The Kensington and Chelsea Foundation also have a support fund for Grenfell Tower residents.

The Rugby Portobello Trust says money they have raised from cash donations has already started to be distributed among residents of the Tower.

They say they gave out over £2,000 on Wednesday to people who had lost their cards and possessions.

Legal aid

A number of lawyers are offering legal aid for residents.

Other lawyers have also said they will help.

Local support

Other people, charities and organisations have been offering shelter or access to phones and food.

A sign offering local gym showers for those who have been evacuated from their homes

Concerned family and friends

Signs in a window for donations
Getty Images We still needGetty Images

Anyone worried for loved ones in the blaze can contact the Met Police casualty bureau on 0800 0961 233.

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