 Over the Christmas and New Year period, from 24th December to the 2nd January, many services will take a break or operate reduced hours. This will include the Homes for Ukraine contact centre such as our email (ukraine@eastsussex.gov.uk) and our phoneline, and there will be a pause in our newsletters too.
We will provide you with a list of emergency or ‘out of hours’ contact numbers in our next newsletter, but if you have any concerns about accessing services for you or your guests, please let us know early to we can ensure you have the information you need. Specifically, if you are expecting your guests to arrive during the Christmas or New Year period, please let us know in advance so we can help you make sure you have what you need.
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The NHS in Sussex is calling for anyone who is yet to get their COVID-19 Autumn Booster to come forward and ensure their health is better protected during the festive and New Year period.
The protection from vaccines reduces over time so the booster is being offered to those at greatest risk from COVID-19 to increase their protection during the winter months when viruses spread most easily.
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The Sussex Mediation Alliance are holding support sessions for hosts in East Sussex in the next few weeks.
These sessions will give hosts and opportunity to meet other hosts in East Sussex as well as a space to talk about their experiences and any difficulties they may be facing.
If you'd like to book a place on either date, please contact:
📩 admin@mediation-plus.org.uk for booking details.
Further host sessions and new guest sessions will be available soon.
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 In recent years, scams have become more and more sophisticated, particularly when it comes to targeting people online and through mobile devices.
Scams can come in many forms, but all are designed to get hold of your money. They do this by getting you to reveal your personal details, stealing your information, or even tricking you into handing over your money.
As we move into the festive season, and with the cost of living, it's possible more people are likely to encounter scams, therefore it's important you know how to recognise them, and how to protect yourself.
What is a scam?
A scam is a deceptive (and usually illegal) scheme or trick used to cheat someone out of something, usually money.
How do I avoid scams?
There are lots of things you can do to avoid scams, more details on this are outlined in the downloadable guide below. The first thing to remember is don’t give away or share your details, or money, until you are sure it is safe to do so. Other things to you should be aware of are:
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Verify any unexpected contact. When answering phone calls, letters or emails that look unfamiliar, make sure you verify the identity of the company or person you are talking to. You can do this by looking at the contact details given in official paperwork or on their website to check if the person approaching you is legitimate.
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Keep operating systems and virus protection software up-to-date.
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Make sure all your accounts have strong passwords.
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Don’t make any advanced payments until you are sure the company you’re dealing with is legitimate.
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If you’re unsure about a of company, you can look them up on Companies House to find out their background, or search for reviews online.
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Use safe and secure WiFi connections and avoid public WiFi.
How do I report a scam?
If you've been scammed, there are organisations you should report the scam to.
Don't feel embarrassed about reporting a scam – scammers are clever and scams can happen to anyone. Reporting a scam helps track down and stop scammers. This prevents other people from being scammed.
If you’ve been targeted by a scam, even if you’re not a victim of it, report the scam to Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133, and use the online reporting tool.
For further details about recognising and reporting scams, we have put together a guide to equip you with information on what to look out for, and how to protect yourself. Please read more below 👇
 Last week we shared a guide covering housing options and private rented sector move-on support available to Ukrainian guests when finding independent accommodation.
Financial help is available from Sussex Community Development Association (SCDA). Guests can apply for help with:
- Deposit and holding fee
- One month’s rent in advance
- Six months guarantor agreement between the landlord and SCDA
- Help towards the cost of furnishing a property
The financial support is a grant made available to landlords, letting agents or suppliers, as opposed to guests directly.
They must have found the property first before sending their application to SCDA.
Find out more about the process and application on their website 👇
 In the coming weeks, many Christmas events and activities will be taking place across East Sussex. Here's what's going on:
Hastings Country Park Visitor Centre, Fairlight
Use nature's own bounty to create your own Christmas decorations.
3 December 2022 - Open 10:00 - 11:00
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St. Leonards, Hastings
In aid of Macmillan, a Christmas market at Bannatyne.
5 December 2022 - Open 12:00 - 18:00
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Create your own Christmas wreath at Hastings Contemporary.
10 Dec 2022Open 11:00 - 13:30
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Please remember that we ask all hosts to update our online form twice only.
First - When you give us details of everyone aged 16 or over in your household so we can carry out safety checks
Second - please use the form to tell us when your guests arrive. This will help us speed up payments and services that are due.
You only need to do each of these steps once. If you've already updated the form, you do not need to do it again - thank you.
This newsletter is sent to every host (sponsor) in East Sussex who is part of Homes for Ukraine to keep you updated. You can unsubscribe at any time.
We expect to send you a further update next week.
Until then, we'd like to wish you all an enjoyable weekend.
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