Seaford Town Council stands with the people of Ukraine and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time.

In addition, the Town Council is doing the following in response:

  • We are flying a Ukrainian flag in solidarity.
  • We are posting appropriate messages of support on websites and on social media.
  • Public wishing to support a relief effort are being signposted to recognised and appropriate charities (see below).

Seaford Town Council is also working closely with the Seaford for Ukraine support project, where community, church and civic leaders are working in partnership together to support hosts and their Ukrainian guests in Seaford and the local area. To keep up to date with this important project please visit and follow the Seaford for Ukraine Facebook Page.

Financial donations:

The Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) has set up a humanitarian appeal to raise funds to provide food, water, shelter and medical assistance to Ukrainian refugees and displaced people. To find out more about the appeal and make a donation follow this link.

For other donations, the following charities may be of interest. Any amount you can give will go a long way to helping those in need.

Homes for Ukraine: what to expect in 2023

A recent announcement from central government has set out plans for Homes for Ukraine in 2023. This update will see a package of further support for guests and their hosts who so generously opened their homes to those fleeing war.

In recognition of host's ongoing support amidst the rising cost-of-living, all sponsors will receive an increased ‘thank you’ payment of £500 a month for guests who have been in the country for over a year.

‘Thank you’ payments will also be extended from 12 months to 2 years, so that guests who may not yet be ready to move into independent accommodation can stay in sponsorship for longer where sponsors are willing and able to extend arrangements.

In cases where sponsorships can no longer continue, councils in all parts of the UK will receive help to house Ukrainians through a one-off pot of government funding worth £150 million to help mitigate homelessness, as well as a new £500 million Local Authority Housing Fund in England.

This housing £500 million fund will be reserved for councils in England to obtain housing for those fleeing conflicts (including in Ukraine and Afghanistan) and is expected to provide up to 4,000 homes by 2024, reducing the impact of new arrivals on existing housing pressures and eventually providing a new and permanent supply of accommodation for local communities.

We are also asking new potential hosts to come forward and apply to re-match existing guests through the scheme.

For full details on this update, please read the full press notice here 👇

Read full press release

 

The Ukraine Family Scheme:

The Ukraine Family Scheme allows applicants to join family members or extend their stay in the UK. To find out more information about this scheme please click here.

Visas

We know many people are frustrated that visas for Ukrainian guests are not being issued as quickly as they would like. Visas are entirely managed by the Home Office and we cannot give people any information about the progress of visa applications.

People are asked to contact the Government helpline on:

  • +44 808 164 8810
  • 0808 164 8810 (in the UK)

To find out more information about this scheme please click here

East Sussex County Council Update

Buddies Needed

Wanted: Empathetic Volunteers to support newly arrived people

The Refugee Buddy Project are looking for passionate volunteers to join their mission. The project helps newly arrived people find a home and start a new life.

To join the volunteering programme, you'll need:

  • knowledge and understanding of Hastings/Rother/Wealden and the local area
  • empathy and a willingness to learn and understand challenges faced by people seeking refuge
  • commitment of upto to 7 hours a month volunteering

By becoming a Buddy, you'll give invaluable support to a newly arrived person seeking refuge.

Find out more information

 

Yes - we speak Ukrainian (well, some of us)

We’re here to help both guests and hosts. Please advise them to call or email the contact centre with any questions or concerns, we now have Ukrainian speakers in the team, so we are able to communicate in Ukrainian as well.

If they have a general question about the scheme, if they need help with looking for rented property, guidance on looking for a job, or just don’t know who to ask, their first step can be to contact us and we can help them, or point them in the right direction.

They can email us ukraine@eastsussex.gov.uk or call our helpline on 01273 3237010 (10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday).

Pick Option 1 to speak to someone in English, Option 2 to speak to someone in Ukrainian. 

Contact us by email

 

Welcome guide for hosts published

We have now published our welcome guide for refugees in Russianas well as Ukrainian and English. We know that Russian is the first language of some people who have fled Ukraine. 

You can easily switch between all three language versions of the guide on our page. It offers advice on health, benefits and employment, banking, education, and more, as well as a welcome to East Sussex. We will keep it updated. 

The guide for hosts (which can also be printed) is online.

 

Financial help to access the private rented sector is now available for guests

We recently shared a guide covering housing options and private rented sector move-on support available to Ukrainian guests when finding independent accommodation.

The following guidance has been updated with new information about financial help now available to access the private rented sector. Read about it in our updated housing options guidance 👇

Read updated guidance

 

Advice for hosts when your guests are away for a while

There's new guidance out from the government this week about what hosts should do if their guests are temporarily absent from their accommodation. If they're away for more than four weeks, hosts are asked to let us know, using the contact email: ukraine@eastsussex.gov.uk

It's understood there are good reasons why guests will be away for shorter periods and the government guidance suggests hosts speak to them about these arrangements so everyone understands what's planned and how to manage it.

See the government guidance

 

Be aware of fraudulent letters

We are urging all hosts to be vigilant of fraudulent letters which are being circulated to Homes for Ukraine hosts. The Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities have confirmed that these are not from the Department.

For more information on how the Department hold and collect their data, click the link below.

For more information

 

Check what benefits your guests are entitled to

Hosts can point their guests in the direction of an independent, free and anonymous benefits calculator to check what guests could be entitled to. This will give guests an estimate of:

  • the benefits they could get
  • how much their benefit payments could be
  • how their benefits will be affected if they start work or increase their hours
  • how their benefits will be affected if their circumstances change - for example, if they have a child or move in with their partner

It's important to note that the benefits calculator is not 100% accurate and provides close estimation of their entitlement.

Benefits calculator

 

Staying up to date on benefits is a must

We want to ensure we help our Ukrainian guests who receive benefits keep their details up to date. It's important guests let the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) know of any changes in their circumstances so that they receive the right amount of benefits.

Changes of income, a new address, going abroad or starting a training course are just some of the things which should be updated with the DWP. This can help avoid having payments interrupted (or even being asked for repayment) if mistakes are discovered later.

Anyone receiving Universal Credit, can report changes on their online account A full guide to how and where to declare changes is on the DWP site.

See the full guide

 

Help for guests: A guide to renting

As our guests begin to settle into UK life and become more independent, many will eventually want to look for a flat or house of their own to rent. Below is a guide and checklist for guests in Ukrainian with some useful information to help them get started. 👇

The following guidance has been updated with new information about financial help now available to access the private rented sector. Read about it in our updated housing options guidance 👇

guidance 👇

Read updated guidance

 

Barnardo's Ukrainian Support Helpline

Barnardo’s has announced continued funding for our Ukrainian Support Helpline until April 2024. This is a UK wide Helpline to support families fleeing the war in Ukraine. Since March 2022, the Helpline has received over 35,000 contacts for support.

The Helpline offers advice and signposting, as well as practical and therapeutic support.

Tier 1: One off contact to offer emotional support, advice and signposting

Tier 2: A dedicated Advisor works with the service user over a number of calls to identify their support needs, ensuring that the holistic needs of the family are met. Advisors can refer service users to appropriate services and support them with practical needs. (Food, clothing, household items etc). Regular call backs can be arranged.

Tier 3 (Therapeutic support): In addition to Tier 2, a referral will be made to Barnardo's LINK service to offer virtual therapy to support with mental health and wellbeing. Sessions take place virtually online or via telephone. Sessions are available for children and adults, at a time that suits you.

The Helpline is open: 

Monday – Friday 10.00 am-8.00 pm Saturday 10.00 am-3.00 pm

You can freephone us on: 0800 148 8586

You can email us at: ukrainiansupport@barnardos.org.uk

 

Cafe Ukraine due to return to Eastbourne

A hugely popular hub for Ukrainians and their host families to meet and socialise at weekends is set to reopen in Eastbourne.

Café Ukraine is set to once again provide a safe and welcoming meeting place for Ukrainians with a support provision for language lessons, housing, work, education and general advice from outside agencies.

The Café Ukraine hub is due to restart on 2 September at the Lansdowne Hotel, Eastbourne between 10.30am to 12.30pm. It will then continue on the following dates:

  • 7 October
  • 28 October
  • 2 December

Café Ukraine Eastbourne first opened its doors on 21 May 2022 in response to the influx of refugees from Ukraine. However, it had to close in July when Our Lady of Ransom church was no longer able to offer its church hall every week after supporting the event for 14 months.

 

Hosts & guests are Invited to the Dover Cafe

The Dove Café, located at 19 Bexhill Road, St Leonards on Sea, is a communal space open to all offering a warm welcome and social opportunity for refugees and migrants, their buddies and their hosts.

Open every Thursday – Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm, the community café is a space for everyone in our community to come together and have lunch, play games, listen to music, and have a warm drink and bite to eat at truly affordable prices.

Citizens Advice - help for any problem you're facing

We can all face problems that seem complicated or intimidating. Citizens Advice believe no one should have to face these problems without good quality, independent advice.

That’s why they give people the knowledge and the confidence they need to find their way forward - whoever they are, and whatever their problem.

For any issues guests and hosts might be facing, we would like to remind them that Citizens Advice is a fantastic resource available for everyone to use, for free. Whatever help and advice they need, they can contact them for support.

View website

 

Help with the Cost of Living

We know that national increased living costs put many people in East Sussex under pressure.

There is help and advice on offer, for everything from heating and food to mental health and budgeting, and we've tried to collect useful information and links on our website. Please do take a look if some extra support could be welcome.

More on cost of living support

 

Guests: proving their right to work in the UK

Guests are reminded that they need to apply for a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) as soon as possible.

The stamp they received on entry into the UK provides evidence of their right to stay in the UK for the first 6 months only. They will need to extend their stay for up to the 3 years allowed under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

If they do not do this, they will lose their right to live and work in the UK and any benefit payments they are receiving will stop.

Guests can apply for their Biometric Residence Permit here. 👇

Start application

 

Host support and sharing sessions

BHT Sussex and Sussex Mediation Alliance are providing sessions to provide a safe space for hosts of Ukrainian guests to talk about their experiences and positive or difficult experiences they may be having.

The sessions will:

  • Be a chance to share your experiences
  • Hear about the mediation support on offer and how to contact us
  • Share ideas that may support host families resolve issues and access support

We will be joined by Dr Sharie Coombes, Trauma Informed Consultant at BHT Sussex.

This event takes place via Zoom on Wednesdays at 11am.

To find out more information, please email training@mediation-plus.org.uk

Look out for their next event via the link below.

Book your place

 

Ask your contacts to join our dedicated Homes for Ukraine Facebook group

We’d love you to share our free Facebook group as a one stop shop for information regarding the Homes for Ukraine scheme in East Sussex. The Facebook group is private and only members will have access to the group.

The group is somewhere you’ll get help and advice with any queries you may have regarding the scheme including:

  • Employment opportunities
  • Advice on housing
  • Activities taking place around East Sussex
  • Discussing hot topics with hosts and guests

As well as being part of a supportive community, it is also an opportunity to ask any questions directly to us, which we will always aim to respond to.

Join our Facebook group

 

1-2-1 advice sessions for Ukrainians and hosts with 3VA

3VA are providing advice and support for hosts on how to help your guest with issues such as:

  • finding privately rented accommodation
  • benefits
  • bills
  • NHS
  • English classes
  • employment

Hosts can also participate in meeting with Refugee Buddy Project representatives, who can match Ukrainians with local volunteers to help practice English, support people getting to know their new area and refer people for online English and Employability classes with their partnered organisation.

These sessions take place in:

Eastbourne

Every Monday from 9.30am - 12.30pm

Address: Leaf Hall Community Arts Centre, 51 Seaside, Eastbourne, BN22 7NB

Uckfield

Every Friday from 1pm - 3 pm

Address: Mayor's Parlour Room (located on the 1st floor), Civic Centre, Uckfield TN22 1AE

You do not need to book appointments with us and representatives of 3VA team will do their best to help you.

 

Moving Forward

Guidance for guests' living arrangements 4 to 6 months after moving to the UK is now available on the government website.

This guidance explains guests' options when they have lived in the UK for 6 months and includes links to more support.

We encourage guests to talk to their host about their future plans four months after their arrival in the UK, to give them plenty of time to decide and prepare for their next steps.

This information will be regularly updated.

Read guidance for councils

 

Free mediation training for guests

The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB), East Sussex branch, is offering a free 2 day face-to-face professional mediation training that specifically relates to homelessness prevention. This training will improve job prospects for 12 successful candidates and will alleviate pressures on hosts and guests who find themselves in difficult situations.

By the end of the course, they will be able to set up and run a facilitated resolution meeting between quests and hosts in dispute and build agreements between people in conflict with each other. It will equip them to be able to address conflict between guests and hosts at an early and informal level, ensuring that situations do not escalate to the point of requiring a more serious intervention.

AUGB are looking for 12 candidates who will speak fluent English and Ukrainian and have outstanding people skills. All candidates must commit to undertake voluntary mediation work on behalf of the Association for at least six months. They must make 2 days a month of their time available for this voluntary work.

Please direct guests to write to eastsussex@augb.co.uk to request an application form. They will also need to be available for a half an hour interview conducted in both Ukrainian and English languages.

Request application form

 

Joining the Associaton of Ukrainians

The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) is the largest representative body for Ukrainians and those of Ukrainian descent.

Anyone can become a member if they are interested in working with others to help support Ukrainians in the UK and in Ukraine. To join, please contact: 📩 eastsussex@augb.co.uk

📩 Contact AUGB

 

Free weekly english lessons for Ukrainians

Weekly lessons to help Ukrainians learn informal English are now available every Wednesday in Saint Leonards On-Sea.

They'll be able to practise their English conversation skills and gain confidence across various useful topics in a friendly and supportive environment.

To book a space, guests can call Shaza between 10am and 4pm on 07512459999.

These English language classes are organised by the Refugee Buddy Project, you can find out more about them here.

 

Is your guest looking for support into work?

The Sussex Community Development Association (SCDA) Employability Team are offering a range of programmes to support Ukrainians across East Sussex who are not in employment.

SCDA help people to find opportunities in volunteering, training, work experience, finding work and sustaining employment. Ukrainian guests in East Sussex can get free employment support and assistance with:

  • Job searching and matching
  • UK work culture training
  • CV writing
  • Mock interviews
  • Better off calculations
  • In house interpreters
  • Funded childcare to access this support
  • Signposting to other relevant assistance

For more information, email supportintowork@sussexcommunity.org.uk or call 01273 516347.

Find out more information

 

Youth employability service: Career Support for 16 - 18 year olds

‘YES’ is the Youth Employability Service for East Sussex which provides a free service to young people aged 16 to 18 years to help them get into education, employment or training. It offers career information, advice, and guidance to help young people plan their next steps, helping young people make a successful transition from school to college or employment.

If hosts have Ukrainian guests aged 16-18, they can find out more and refer themselves using the links below.

👉 To start a referral click here.
👉 For more information visit the website.

YES also share a weekly Jobs and Apprenticeships list with current vacancies.

They also have fortnightly newsletter giving information about training opportunities and events.

 

Download information leaflet

Employment support for young people in Wealden

'Wealden Works' are offering a programme to help people aged 16–24 living in the Wealden area to gain skills, employment and education.

Choosing a career, apprenticeship or further education course can be a challenging experience particularly for young people in rural areas. Their main aim is to provide professional career advice and personal guidance to create positive pathways for young people.

During the programme, participants will receive a mix of both life and work skills, including:

  • achieve accredited qualifications
  • employment opportunities
  • help producing professional CVs
  • introductions to local businesses
  • understanding of personal budgeting and independent living as well as various workshops.

This will help to ensure they have the life skills to move forward with living independently. To join now, please contact 📞 07741 271994 or 📩 vbowdler@wealdenworks.co.uk

Contact now

 

Job opportunities keep coming

Ukrainian guests who are looking for work  might be interested in some of the roles on offer with local councils. An online jobs fair held by Jobs Centre Plus this week published dozens of jobs: and they're listed here on Twitter:

#SussexCouncilJobs

East Sussex County Council has a variety of job vacancies available ranging from teaching, governance, public health and more. We welcome our Ukrainian guests to apply so if your guest is looking for a job, they can search our vacancies using the link below.

View jobs at ESCC

 

Guests looking for work - here are some remote jobs for Ukrainians

The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Eastern Europe has displaced millions of Ukrainians, with many seeking refuge in countries across Europe and the rest of the world. While necessities such as shelter, food, and medical attention remain the highest priorities, the dignity and stability of paid work can also be a source of hope and strength.

Fortunately, a wide variety of jobs for Ukrainian refugees and other displaced individuals can be performed wherever there is internet access.

The job site Monster now has a dedicated space for Ukrainians looking for remote jobs from countries across Europe.

Find out more

 

Does your guest need extra help with childcare?

We can help guests with their Childcare costs to remove the barriers preventing you from accepting a job offer or starting self-employment.

Guests may be able to claim up to 85% of their childcare costs if they're eligible for Universal Credit, Income Support, Job Seekers allowance or Employment and Support allowance and some other qualifying benefits.

Find out more information

 

BBQ at Ashburnham Place

Ukrainian families and hosts from across East Sussex are being invited to a fun afternoon in Battle that aims to bring everyone together to share time, make new friends, and enable hosts to connect.

The annual BBQ at Ashburnham Place event will include activities for kids and walks in the grounds of the English country house. All Rother Voluntary Action (RVA) asks is that you bring a cake or desert.

Last year, 250 people, including hosts, Ukrainian families and their friends, attended the event. RVA fund the event through the Homes for Ukraine scheme. 

The event is taking place on Sunday, 3 September between 2-5pm. For more information or to book a place email Susan at ukrainesuport@rva.com or call 07871603235.

 

Why not refer a child for free activities this summer?

Sussex Community Development Association are offering free positive activities to support the mental health and emotional wellbeing of Ukrainian young people in East Sussex.

School age Ukrainian children (4-16) referred to the programme will meet with a social prescriber to talk about what interests them and makes them happy. Through this social prescribing approach, the young people will be supported to choose an activity (such as learning an instrument, arts or sports) and try it out.

If the children enjoy the activity they can keep doing it, or try something else. Activities are usually after school but could be any time over the summer holidays. The social prescriber can also help the family find support if they need it. Referrals can come from parents, host families, support groups or schools.

Find out more

 

FREE holiday activity and food programme - bookings still available

Summer holidays can be a real challenge for families with school-age children. If your family receives benefit-related free school meals, take a look at the free sessions available through the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme.  There’s a whole range of activities including sports, arts, games, crafts, music and food too!

If you don’t receive benefits, you may still be able to secure a free spot as some place are offered to other eligible groups. Contact the HAF programme to find out by emailing HAF@eastsussex.gov.uk.

Book a holiday activity

 

Ukraine driving licence exchange

The Department for Transport (DfT) will now move to enact legislative changes to extend the length of time Ukrainian refugees can drive in Great Britain on their Ukrainian driving licence, from 1 year to 3 years.

This is in line with the Ukrainian visa schemes and will help thousands of Ukrainians to continue going about their daily lives.

Find out more information

 

Support with conflict resolution

Free mediation and one to one support is available for Ukrainian refugees and those hosting refugees under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. This service is provided by partners within the Sussex Mediation Alliance, covering East Sussex.

Guests and hosts can refer or signpost for support when there are issues between host family and guests or guests and the immediate community. Mediation support empowers people to find solutions that help them to repair relationships and identify mutually agreeable ways forward. The sooner people access support, the better.

They can contact the relevant service directly to make a referral or discuss a possible case, or they can speak to their Project Officer who covers the whole of East Sussex. Contact details:

Project Officer (East Sussex Wide) for info about the service.
Khadija Khan
📩 training@mediation-plus.org.uk                        📞  01323 442781

Lewes District referrals
Brighton & Hove Independent Mediation Service
📩 casework@bhims.org.uk                                   📞  01273 700812

Wealden and Eastbourne referrals
Mediation Plus
📩 neighbourhood@mediation-plus.org.uk             📞  01323 442781

Hastings and Rother referrals
Hastings and Rother Mediation Service
📩 neighbourhood@hrmediation.co.uk                   📞  01424 446808

Or for more information you they visit their main website 👇

Start application

Reporting concerns: emergency contact details

Keeping people safe

Families have a right to live in safety, free from any kind of abuse and neglect, and to be protected if their safety is at risk. We call this ‘Safeguarding’, and people can report any concerns they have about themselves or any adult or child.

The document Guidance on Raising Concerns about Abuse and Neglect gives information about signs of abuse and neglect. It explains what should be reported as a safeguarding concern.

Safety of adults

If anyone has a concern about an adult at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation, they should:

- 📞 in an emergency call 999
- Call Health and Social Care Connect (HSCC) on 📞 0345 60 80 191
- email 📩 HSCC
- make a report online at Report a concern about an adult.

Safety of children and teenagers

If someone is worried about a child or teenager who might be at risk of harm, they should:

- 📞 in an emergency call 999
- Call Single Point of Advice (SPOA) on 📞 01323 464 222
(Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm, Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm)
- email 📩 SPOA
- make a report online here.

Support for victims

Victim Support is here to help anyone affected by crime. They also offer help and support to families and communities who may be experiencing trauma from listening to the accounts of what people have been through in Ukraine and/or whilst fleeing the conflict.

If you think hosts and/or guests may be experiencing trauma from the conflict in Ukraine, please let them know they can find out more and get in touch via the Victim Support website.

They can also download the below guide on the different ways they can seek support 👇

Download Guide

Protecting Ukrainian guests from fraud

Working cash in hand work can be dangerous for people, especially those that are vulnerable, who do not understand the employment system or may be perceived by unscrupulous employers as desperate. Those that accept cash in hand work run the risk of being paid below the legal amount, being victims of modern slavery and have little protection regarding employment rights and health and safety protection.

All workers in full time, part time, temporary or casual work have a legal obligation to pay Tax and National Insurance. Employers are required by law to make the deductions from the employee’s pay and pay this to the government on their behalf.  Not to do so is considered 'PAYE fraud' and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs are becoming increasingly vigilant in this.

Employees who accept cash in hand payments risk losing employment rights such as Statutory Maternity Pay and Statutory Sick Pay and could be called upon to pay the back-dated Tax and National Insurance Contributions.

This could also have an impact upon your immigration status in the UK. Your ability to remain as a refugee, future possibilities of applying for indefinite leave to remain or even citizenship, if convicted of fraud, would be negatively impacted.

To protect Ukrainian guests from these types of fraud they should speak with either the Job Centre or with local organisations that support refugees into work. 

 

Top tips for dealing with bullying

With most children settling in well and being welcomed by their new friends and peers, we hope this information will not be needed by many. However, on occasion, parents can encounter issues with their child being bullied.

In these instances, Kidscape have provided some great resources with top tips to help parents and children recognise and tackle the impact of bullying.

Whether hosts or their guests' children are starting school for the first time or changing schools and they are worried about bullying, or they are going through a bullying situation and are unsure what to do, Kidscape are here to help.

These resources are also available in Ukrainian for our guests. 👇

View resources

 

Emotional support for Ukrainian guests

A useful guide around emotional support for refugees has been created by the National Health Service. This guide aims to give information to help guests understand what they might be struggling with - and information on how they can access our National Health Service (NHS) for help.

The information in this guide will provide them with details on common reactions to trauma and loss as well as guidance on how they can manage these difficulties. It also describes the types of treatments on offer. Information on how to access these services is provided at the end of this guide.

These services are free, and the resources are downloadable in Ukrainian 👇

Find out more

 

East Sussex hosts speak about their experiences

More than 600 host families across East Sussex have welcomed those fleeing the war in Ukraine into their homes. 1,000 Ukrainian guests have settled in the county since the launch of the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme in March.

Since the start of the war, many Ukrainians have fled with few possessions, leaving behind family and friends not knowing when they will be able to return.

Two Ukrainian families, and their hosts, tell their stories.

https://your.eastsussex.gov.uk/2022/07/16/east-sussex-welcomes-ukrainian-guests/

 

Facebook group for Ukrainians in East Sussex

East Sussex County Council has created a Facebook group for Ukrainians in East Sussex. This group allows us to communicate important and useful updates directly to our guests. 📲

These updates will include everything from community events, to job opportunities, language courses, offers and more.

If they haven't already done so, Ukrainian guests can join our group here. ⬇️

Join Group

 

Free bus travel on offer

Two bus companies that operate in East Sussex, Stagecoach and Brighton and Hove buses, are offering four weeks' free travel to Ukrainian refugees.

From Monday (25 April), Stagecoach passes can be collected from the local voluntary associations listed above in the payments item. The bus passes will run for four weeks from the day they are first used.

Brighton and Hove buses are also offering four weeks' free travel to Homes for Ukraine arrivals. To collect a travel pass, your guests should take their passport and visa to one of the company's offices:

1 Stop Travel Shop - 26 North Street, Brighton, BN1 1EB  Open Monday to Friday - 0830-18.30, Saturday - 0900-1730, Sunday and Bank Holidays - 0930-1600

Head Office travel shop - 43 Conway Street, Hove BN3 3LT  Open Monday to Friday - 0830-1700

 

How to ask for more information

We know many of you might still have questions. Please contact us if you do:

Telephone - 01323 724748 (10 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday).

Emailukraine@eastsussex.gov.uk

Free book box for children aged 5-9 years

An charity offer is available for each Ukrainian family to claim a free book box for young children. The box provides age appropriate reading materials, creative activities such as colouring books, paints and pencils, and a free tablet for learning.

To request their free book box for a child aged 5-9, guests can email Krysta at eastsussex@augb.co.uk. A limited number are available.

Send email

 

Seaford Community Appeals:

There are a number of local community volunteer groups are working tirelessly, collecting donations and raising funds to help refugees from Ukraine. If you would like to support the effort of these volunteers please click through the relevant links below. If you have an appeal you would like to feature please email the details to admin@seafordtowncouncil.gov.uk.

Sussex Removals and Storage:

Sussex Removals Ukrainian Donation Point Infographic

Sussex Removals  are sourcing and sending items directly to Ukraine. If any local residents would like to help this appeal urgent donations include food, hygiene essentials, infant and childcare materials. Sussex Removals are also accepting monetary donations which will go directly towards fuel and ferry costs and you can donate to that appeal  here. Items can be dropped:

- Sussex Removals and Storage, Trafalgar House, Quarry Road, Newhaven, BN9 9DD
- Butterfly Nursery, Meridian Centre, Peacehaven, BN10 8BB
- Bin Drops: Please see Sussex Removals  Facebook page  for updates

 

St. Peter's Church, East Blatchington:

Seaford for Ukraine fundraiser graphicSt. Peter's Church is running the Seaford for Ukraine Fundraiser. Donations will be used to create a fund for grants to help cover the cost needed to help people settle who are fleeing from Ukraine. For more information on this fundraiser, please click here.

 

Rotary Club of Seaford:

Seaford Rotary Club Members Fundraising in Seaford for Ukraine with QR code overlay for donations

Seaford Rotary  members have been busy taking to the streets of Seaford to raise funds for humanitarian aid for Ukraine with over £1000 collected. Seaford Rotary will be passing these funds onto the Seaford for Ukraine Fundraiser. For those who did not get a chance to contribute, the Rotary Rotary has set up a Crowdfunding Page  in aid of Ukraine through which the public can donate and for which the Rotary will match fund the first £10,000, click the link above or follow the QR code on the image.