As we move into the Autumn months, you should be aware that bonfires and fireworks are a big part of British celebrations in the weeks leading up to 5 November and thereafter.

In East Sussex that tradition goes a step further with carnivals and torch-lit parades leading up to 5 November. Towns also embrace Guy Fawkes night celebrations with processions, bonfires and firework displays.

Lewes is famous for its unforgettable bonfire night celebrations as are many other towns across the county. While this is a night to remember, there are some things to consider around this time of celebrations.

We are conscious the noises from these celebrations can be concerning to some people and could prompt anxiety or fear and may be triggering for Ukrainian guests.

If you think you, your family or friends may be affected, you can find help and advice using the following resource:

• Health in Mind is a free mental health resource 

We hope the celebrations will not cause distress to your guests, and that they’re able to get involved and enjoy them in the safety of East Sussex.

Ukrainian children and young people are being offered the chance to take part in free activities that could help them make personal progress, improve their emotional wellbeing, confidence and friendships.

If the young person is living in East Sussex and aged between 4-18 they can choose an activity – from sports, art or clubs – to attend. The activities will usually be after school.

Schools, families and support organisations can refer children into the programme, and a Positive Activities Worker will get in touch.

The Worker will then book some time with the child in a convenient place, such as school or at a group, to get to know them. Together they will decide on an activity for the young person to try. They can help the family too, by finding other support they may need in the local community.

Translation can be provided if needed, and transport costs covered. Eligible young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities or Looked After (under 18 years old and in the care of Children’s Services) can be supported up to the age of 25.

For more information on how to get involved email cypsp@sussexcommunity.org.uk

Thanks to an extension to the Sure Start Maternity Grant scheme, parents or guardians who didn’t previously apply for the grant within six months of their baby being born, can now claim.

Guests have until 8 December 2023 to claim a one-off payment of £500 for their child.

Guests who have given birth in the UK and who have no other children under 16 years old are eligible for the grant. 

Where the following circumstances apply, guests may also be able to claim for the grant:

• The guest was a resident in Ukraine immediately before 1 January 2022 and they left because of the Russian invasion, which happened on 24 February 2022.

The grant does not need to be paid back and it will not affect the guests other benefits or tax credits.

Find out more about the payment and how to make a claim.

If you are a Ukrainian national living in Great Britain (GB) on one of the Ukraine visa schemes, you can drive in GB without exchanging your Ukrainian driving licence for up to three years after becoming a resident.

This applies to licences that permit the driving of:

• Cars up to 3,500kg
• Motorcycles

This law came into effect on 7 July 2023.

If you have already exchanged your Ukrainian driving licence for a GB licence, you can continue to use your GB licence under its current terms and conditions.

If you've transferred to a different visa

You can use your Ukrainian driving licence for three years from when you became a resident in GB if you entered:

• On a Ukraine scheme visa, but within three years transfer to a different visa, such as a skilled worker visa
• After February 2022 and transfer onto a Ukraine visa scheme

How to exchange a Ukrainian driving licence

If you stay in GB for more than three years, you will need to exchange your Ukrainian driving licence for a GB licence. You can exchange a foreign driving licence on the government website.

Your licence should arrive within three weeks if you apply online. It may take longer if DVLA needs to make additional checks.

If you passed your driving test before 28 December 2021 you can only exchange your driving licence for a UK licence that allows you to drive automatic vehicles. You will need to take a driving test for manual cars to keep driving these vehicles.

If you passed your driving test on or after 28 December 2021 your current licence allows you to drive manual cars in GB and you can exchange it for a UK licence that allows you to continue driving manual cars.

For more information on driving licences and driving in the UK or contact the DVLA.

Playing sport can benefit young people’s physical, emotional and intellectual health and wellbeing – but did you know it’s also a great way to meet new friends.

That’s why East Sussex Junior Badminton Academy is taking the initiative to encourage Ukrainian youngsters to attend a badminton open day in Hailsham.

This year the Academy is inviting Ukrainian youngsters that have been living in our local communities to the Open Day.  This will be the Academy’s 20^th season and we are planning a special event to celebrate.

The event is open to youngsters aged 8-17 years old.

The event will also help the Academy coaches assess players ability, with the aim of inviting them to join its regular session for the rest of the season.

All are welcome to attend the open day on Sunday, 17 September. It will be held at Hailsham Community College between 9am-12am.

Visit the Academy’s Facebook page for more information about the event.

Would you like help to stop smoking, lose weight, eat healthier, get more active or drink less alcohol? Then the county’s free healthy lifestyle service One You East Sussex could be the answer.

All its face-to-face sessions are free of charge and open to anyone who lives within East Sussex (excluding Brighton and Hove).

And don’t worry if English isn’t your first language, the service has translation and interpreter portals available for a number of different languages.

Over 10 weeks, you’ll look into all aspects of weight loss including nutrition, exercise and why crash dieting doesn’t work. You will also get access to its free virtual gym. The Adult Weight Management groups could help you lose at least 5% of your body weight.

The sessions take place across the whole county in community locations such as libraries, church halls, some GP surgeries and town halls. It also provides remote options such as appointments over the phone or online.

If you prefer 1-2-1 sessions a dedicated health coach team can support you with personalised SMART goals to help achieve your overall lifestyle goal.

It’s easy to sign up to the programmes and you can sign up yourself.

The easiest way is to visit www.oneyoueastsussex.org.uk, where you will see the “Get Started” button, there will be 6-7 questions for you to complete, which will then be assessed by a team who will contact you to discuss the next part of your journey. Alternatively you can phone on 01323 404600.

An information session for anyone interested in fast tracking their career in the rail industry is being held in Lewes next week.

The information session at East Sussex College is on 20 September with successful candidates beginning the 6-8 week course five days later.

The session will include a complete maths and English initial assessment.

It’s open to anyone born before 1 September 2004 and who’s in receipt of universal credit or low wage. Universal credit claimants should speak to their Work Coach or Jobcentre to book in. Residency conditions apply.

Participants must be able to commit to the full course, where they’ll work toward C&G Level 2 NVQ diplomas in rail engineering track maintenance and underpinning knowledge.

For more information email employability@escg.ac.uk