During a humanitarian crisis it can be hard to know who, or how to help, but Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders are a great place to begin.

They are independent and impartial, and provide help where it is needed most. Their current search and rescue operation in the Mediterranean provides vital post-rescue medical care, including resuscitation and advanced life support, to people fleeing violence and persecution.

You can help support this humanitarian effort by sponsoring me in the Poem-a-thon for Refugees, which will take place on the 5th December at Vout-O-Reenees, 30 Prescott Street, London E1 8BB.

Please feel free to join us, for as long or short a time as you like. Entry to the event is free. Time: 12 noon to 10 pm. I will be reading after 4pm.

All funds raised will go to support Médecins Sans Frontières and their work in the Mediterranean with refugees.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.