Hurricane Melissa: How can we help from the UK?
Hurricane Melissa is one of the world's strongest storms ever. Here are some ways that people in the UK can help recovery efforts in the Caribbean. We'll keep updating this online as things happen
Jamaica government
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has launched a dedicated platform to coordinate relief and rebuild communities.
Visit: supportjamaica.gov.jm - the only official Government of Jamaica site for hurricane recovery support.
The platform provides:
✅ A secure “Donate Now” option for individuals, diaspora and organisations
✅ An interactive shelter locator for those in need
✅ A transparent tracking system for relief resources
Black Curatorial
Black Curatorial have expanded their ‘Hurricane Beryl Fund’ into the ‘Caribbean Hurricane Fund’ to urgently support communities in the affected islands of Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Last year, they raised over £21K to mobilise resources and rebuild efforts, after Hurricane Beryl across the Caribbean region.
Initiated by Black Curatorial, this fund is organised by a collective of organisations based in the UK, including HOUSE OF DREAD, City Splash, Black Things UK, Kwanda and Black Eats.
To support, the link is: https://www.gofundme.com/f/CaribbeanHurricaneFund
White Ribbon Alliance UK launches emergency appeal for mothers and newborns in Jamaica
White Ribbon Alliance UK is working to support pregnant women, new mothers and babies affected by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica.
The charity - which campaigns for safe, respectful and rights-based sexual and reproductive healthcare - is working with local partners to deliver trauma-informed aid packages.
These include safe birth kits, hygiene and period-care bundles, plus newborn essentials. With an estimated 91,000 people in Jamaica currently pregnant or recently postnatal, the crisis has placed thousands at risk of unsafe conditions.
Donations directly fund hygiene and dignity kits for women, parents and children rebuilding their lives. You can contribute here.
Hope for Haiti launches Hurricane Melissa relief appeal
Severe flooding and landslides have devastated southern Haiti in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, damaging homes, clinics, and schools across the region.
Humanitarian organisation Hope for Haiti has launched an emergency appeal to provide medical care, essential medicines, and disaster relief through its clinic in Les Cayes and local partner networks.
Donations will help fund vital supplies and medical support for families rebuilding their lives. To contribute, visit: give.hopeforhaiti.com
Qualified counsellors and psychologists needed for diaspora-led recovery initiative
A British-Jamaican organiser has partnered with the Rita Marley Foundation to support communities in Jamaica still recovering from Hurricane Melissa. Through her Black River Film Festival, a fundraiser has been launched to assist students at Black River High School with uniforms, stationery, essential supplies and lunch support for those hardest hit by the storm.
Alongside the fundraising effort, the initiative is calling on qualified counsellors and psychologists in the diaspora to provide training and support - as reported by Sinai Fleary - to help communities address the long-term mental health impacts of the disaster. Those wishing to contribute or learn more can support the campaign via the project’s GoFundMe page.
Community action
A petition to the British Prime Minister
On Friday 31 October, the UK Government announced an additional £5 million in emergency humanitarian funding to “support the Caribbean region’s recovery from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa”.
This is on top of the £2.5 million that was pledged on Wednesday 29 October. £5 million was later announced, bringing the total to £7.5 million.
The funds will go towards rapid response efforts, including the delivery of shelter kits and other essential supplies to prevent injury and disease outbreaks across the “Caribbean region”.
However, it remains unclear how much of this support each of the affected countries will receive, including Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic.
If the allocation is to be shared among more than one nation then, as it stands, the aid does not amount to much.
So, there is a petition urging the British Prime Minister to mobilise greater emergency aid for Jamaica.
Support your favourite creators
In the digital age, small gestures can make a big difference. Simply watching, commenting on, or engaging with your favourite Jamaican, Haitian, Cuban or Dominican creators online helps channel revenue into their platforms - money that can, in turn, support local economies rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa.
If they’re active on social media, liking, subscribing or sharing their work can provide not only financial support, but also a much-needed boost to morale during this difficult time.
Events
AAA: Rebuilding the Rhythm: Unity, Recovery & The Future of Music - Sunday 29 March, London
Hosted by DJ Robbo Ranx, this charity music industry event in London will raise funds for the Sean Paul Foundation and Food For The Poor Jamaica, supporting communities rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa.
The seminar and showcase will also explore how the UK music industry and diaspora can help Jamaica recover, from touring opportunities to equipment drives for damaged studios and venues. More information here.
Charity night to support fishermen hit by disastrous Melissa - Saturday 11 April, London
A community charity event at St Luke’s RC Church in Pinner will raise funds for Jamaican fishermen whose boats and equipment were destroyed by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025. Guests are invited to enjoy Jamaican food and music while supporting efforts to help fishing families rebuild their livelihoods.
Organisers are also asking attendees to bring new or preloved costume jewellery for a donation table. Funds raised will go directly towards replacing damaged fishing gear, with a Rotary member in direct contact with affected communities, ensuring support reaches those most in need.
This is a rolling explainer. Updates will be added as developments unfold.