"Local churches are strongly placed to take practical action and many are already doing so but urgently need resources to do more."
Any money given will go to areas of the greatest need to assist the local work of providing temporary accommodation, food and essential goods, a listening ear and counselling support to those traumatised by recent events.
Donations will also go towards local projects setting up emergency payments for those facing hardship, and also to support practical activities such as the provision of volunteer teams to redecorate homes, buildings being used for storage, meeting points.
The Chief Executive of the CUF (Church Urban Fund) Fran Beckett, said: "CUF has a strong track record of nearly twenty years of getting money to where it's most needed in our poorest communities, working through projects on the ground with good local knowledge. They will make sure donations get quickly to the areas where they are most needed whether in cities, towns or beyond."
Although Church Urban Fund is operated through the Church of England, it is for people of all faiths and none.
"Every community that has been hit by flooding has an existing Church facility through which help can be given. In the poorest communities in our land, churches are already working to alleviate poverty and hardship," said Beckett.
"The effect of the flooding introduces a new series of tasks and challenges, but donations to the fund can help in a very real and meaningful fashion."
Also supporting the appeal, the Bishop of Lichfield, the Rt Rev Jonathan Gledhill said: "The flooding this summer is a disaster for many in our country and in our region. This fund is a chance to show how we care for our neighbours. Those who have been unfortunate enough to have lost everything will be immensely helped and encouraged if they can be supported in practical ways by those of us who have not been flooded out.
"I support the Archbishop of York's launching of the CUF Disaster appeal fund to alleviate the affects of the flooding and suggest that we publicise it in our churches.
"The new CUF is for rural as well as urban areas and will be used to help people of all faiths and none."
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Donations to the CUF Disaster Relief Fund can be made in 3 ways:
1) Call 020 7898 1667 to donate by telephone with your debit/credit card
2) Go to www.cuf.org.uk and click the 'Donate NOW' button for secure on-line giving
3) Post a Cheque or CAF voucher (payable to CUF) to Church Urban Fund, Church House, Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3AZ, with a note to say that your donation is for the CUF Disaster Relief Fund'.
