READ MORE: Our explainer on what is happening in Aleppo right now.

When I first moved home from Turkey my mother asked me why the hell I was going jogging with my handbag. I explained it’s because the security laws in Turkey allow a soldier to stop you at any time, search your bag and demand ID. If you don’t have it, they can take you away.

Refugee children in Syria. Image via Getty

Want to help but not sure how?

People wanting to donate money should go to The White Helmet Brigade. They are the bravest most selfless people I have ever met. The run towards the bombs every day and into the burning buildings. They have the money to leave Syria but they don't because they don't want to leave anyone behind. They want to help the people in besieged areas who can't get out.

Natasha Exelby is an Australian journalist living and working in Turkey for the country's state broadcaster, TRT World. She has worked very closely with the Syrian people in her time there.

Feature image via Instagram/Natasha Exelby