The region's universities have been setting out their plans to support students affected by Russia's war on Ukraine.
In the days since Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine, North East universities have been putting together plans to help Ukrainian and Russian staff and students.
As people gathered in solidarity for Ukraine in Newcastle city centre at the weekend, one Ukrainian student said she was scared that she would have no home to return to after completing her studies in Newcastle.
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She added that she feared for the life of her family and had never called them so much to check on their safety.
Now the region's universities are offering staff and students a rage of support, including financial and wellbeing support to those who need it.
Newcastle University's Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Chris Day, and Professor Julie Sanders, the university's Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, wrote to all colleagues in light of the situation in Ukraine.
In their statement they acknowledged that there will be many people at the university affected by the events witnessed in Ukraine.
And they outlined the practical and wellbeing support available to staff and students at the university.
This included making funds available via the Student Hardship Fund and continuing to remain up to date with the fast-changing situation, as well as highlight opportunities for colleagues and students to help.
They also announced that the university's Executive Board is working to identify and address issues for those affected as a matter of urgency, working with colleagues across the sector, as well as with the UK government and local council.
And they informed staff that the Home Office has confirmed that Ukrainians who are on work, study or visit visas in the UK will have their visas temporarily extended or be able to switch onto different visa routes.
The statement said: "We have watched in horror as the terrible events have unfolded over the past three weeks in the wake of the Russian Federation's invasion of Ukraine.
"Alongside our friends and partners across the City, at Newcastle University we stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and support their right to be a sovereign, self-governing state.
"Our thoughts right now are with all those affected by the conflict - Ukrainian citizens having to flee their homes to ensure their safety and that of their families, and also Russian citizens taking a brave stand against the war, often at great personal risk."
The statement continued to outline ways in which people could help those caught up in the crisis, highlighting charities where people could donate money, if they can afford to.
Suggestions included the British Red Cross Ukraine Appeal, CARE International UK, International Rescue Committee, World Vision and Save the Children UK | International Children's Charity.
The university also said it was in close contact with student Sabbatical officers and will continue to highlight opportunities for colleagues and students to help as well as providing as much information possible about the rapidly changing situation and the support available.
The statement added: "As is always the case in times of crisis, the Newcastle community has come together to offer support and it has been heartening to hear from colleagues and students across the University who are organising events and fundraisers for those affected."
"Throughout the pandemic and again in the past few weeks, our community has continued to demonstrate a generosity of spirit and kindness for others which is testament to the core values we hold here at Newcastle and we would like to thank you once again for your continued support.", the statement continued.
Elsewhere in Newcastle, Northumbria University also outlined the support it was offering to its students who have been affected by the Ukrainian crisis.
They announced that they were offering support via crisis councillors and 24 hour support networks and one-to-one welfare support.
A Northumbria University spokesperson said: "The health, safety and wellbeing of our staff and students continues to be our number one priority.
"We are already offering guidance and support to individuals who may be affected by the situation, which includes access to 24hr support networks, crisis councillors and other one-to-one welfare support as needed."
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Durham University contacted its students who were studying in Russia as part of their course and asked them to return to the UK at "no detriment to their learning" or accreditation.
According to the Durham University's student newspaper Palatinate, several Year Abroad students were studying in Russian partner universities, including Tomsk State University and St. Petersburg State Transport University.
The university added that it is remaining in contact with students in Russia to help them make necessary arrangements to return to the UK.
A Durham University spokesperson said: "The conflict and developments in Ukraine are of immense international concern. We are an international University with a deep commitment to social responsibility and democratic values. We strongly condemn any acts of aggression and specifically the attack on Ukraine being carried out by the Russian government and armed forces.
"As an inclusive community we recognise that people across our University will be affected in many different ways. We would like to express our sorrow and sympathy for anyone caught up in the conflict. We know that members of our community will continue to treat one another with respect, even in these deeply distressing times.
"The safety of our staff and students is paramount. In line with our updated risk assessment, we have asked those of our students currently studying in Russia to return to the UK as soon as possible.
"We are in direct contact with them and are supporting them in the necessary arrangement to do so.
"We have reassured all students returning to the UK early from their year abroad studies that there will be no detriment to their learning outcomes or to the accreditation of this part of this course.
"In common with the rest of the Higher Education sector, we also considering the wider implications of this worsening conflict on other areas of our activity. Any decision to end existing activities or links would be taken as a stance against the deplorable actions of the Russian government. We continue to have a great respect for the Russian people and are appreciative of the many contributions made by Russian colleagues and students with whom we have worked.
"We are committed to supporting staff and students who are impacted by this worsening situation."
The university also shared links to the International Office and the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to help students access up to date information on the ever-changing situation.
The University of Sunderland said it was working to support its Ukrainian an Russian students, regardless of their location, whether they're in the UK or overseas.
A spokesperson for the University of Sunderland said: "The University of Sunderland is deeply saddened by the current situation in Ukraine and condemns unequivocally the Russian invasion of a neighbouring sovereign state.
"We are working to support our Ukrainian and Russian students, and any others in our University community affected by recent events, whether they are studying at our campuses in Sunderland and London, online, or with our overseas partners."
