|
Welcome to your dedicated newsletter for Homes for Ukraine hosts in East Sussex.
The summer holidays might be a distant memory now, but with the sunny autumnal months ahead of us there's lots to look forward to and plenty of things to do.
If you're looking for inspiration for what to do this month - especially during the half-term - we've a list of activities to keep the whole family entertained. From finding a pumpkin patch for those Halloween-inspired pictures to places to celebrate Bonfire Night, there's something for everyone. There's also news on courses where you and your guest can practice circus skills, get creative or learn more about working in the care industry.
We also know the importance of meeting friends to your health and wellbeing. That's why we've included a round-up of all the Ukraine hubs, cafés and meetings in East Sussex. These are ideal for socialising, getting advice or simply enjoying a cup of tea and a piece of cake.
This month we also feature a host's inspirational story of welcoming guests, and the positive affect its had on them. We are sincerely grateful for the difference you continue to make through the Homes for Ukraine scheme. If you've a story you'd like to share get in touch.
In the next few weeks we'll be contacting you about our host survey. We'd really appreciate you taking the time to complete the short survey when you receive it.
We hope you enjoy the newsletter, and have a wonderful month ahead.
As the days get shorter and the nights get cooler it can be tricky to think of activities to keep the whole family entertained. Fortunately, autumn is full of exciting, seasonal events in East Sussex.
From Bonfire Night firework displays and carnivals to mark Guy Fawkes night to spooky events to celebrate Halloween, there’s something for everyone – and let’s not forget the autumnal scenery of our beautiful county.
Halloween celebrations
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to take your little ones in the half term for the perfect pumpkin patch picture for Instagram or for a fun day out with friends and family, our round-up of Halloween events in East Sussex has got everything you’ll need.
Halloween is celebrated on 31 October, and will include children – and adults – dressing up in spooky costumes.
The tradition of Trick or Treating is popular in the local communities. This includes children - with a parent or guardian - visiting houses, with Halloween decorations or have a pumpkin in the window, and asking 'treat or treat' to residents.
Bonfire night
A much-loved time in East Sussex is Bonfire Night with incredible East Sussex firework displays organised throughout the county. The event is remembered in towns and villages with torchlight processions and firework displays on various dates between September and November.
While Bonfire Societies throughout East Sussex are a reminder of Bonfire Night’s mischievous history, these days they raise much-needed funds for local charities, while putting on fantastic displays for the local communities. Big or Small, many towns and villages get involved to hold some of the best shows in the whole of the UK.
To find a display near you, take a look at our helpful Bonfire Night event guide.
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 resources:
We hope the celebrations will not cause too much distress, and you are 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.
The activities are organised through Positive Activities. You can learn more about the service in this video or on the Sussex Community Development Association's website.
New activities
A new activity is being offered by Sussex Contemporary & Printmakers (SCIP) who will provide bespoke sessions for a group of Ukrainian Families of all ages (grandparents included). For more information on SCIP visit its website.
Another new activity provider East Sussex Circus School is offering a taster session for 16+ young people who would like to learn circus skills. Courses are available throughout October and an event is planned on the 10 November. For more information on the school, visit its website.
Positive activities
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.
Email cypsp@sussexcommunity.org.uk for more information on how to get involved.
|
Do you dream of becoming self-employed or need help to grow your business?
The Small Business Support team at housing provider Southern Housing is hosting a series of live, on-line training courses to help start-ups, small businesses and entrepreneurs to do just that.
The courses will provide you with the guidance and expertise needed to setup and grow a business. For more information and to sign up visit the EventBrite website.
Business start-up courses will be held on 16-17 October and again on 13-14 November. A networking masterclass will be held on 30 October and a bookkeeping masterclass will be held on 27 November.
The courses will look:
- Refining your business idea
- Identifying you ideal customer and where to find them
- Learn how to register your business and keep your finances on track
- Help get your business inline for free
For more information email sbs@sothernhousing.org.uk or call 0800 121 60 60
|
If you’ve always wanted to work in the care sector but didn’t know how then a one-week course in Eastbourne could help you achieve your goals.
The course gives you the chance to take part in activities related to working in the care industry. You’ll receive support from employability tutors and industry experts to gain a Level 1 award in employability skills.
After completing the course, you’ll have the chance to attend an interview with Hallmark – Willingdon Park Manor. Hallmark Care Home is opening a new residential home in Hampden Park, Eastbourne and have around 70 vacancies in a variety of different roles, which include:
- Host
- Housekeeper
- Care assistant
- Kitchen staff
- Maintenance an
- receptionist
The course runs between 9.30 am to 4pm from 16 October until 20 October. If you, or anyone you know, is interested contact your Work Coach or Jobcentre.
|
Ukrainian hubs, cafés and meeting places
A guide to finding a meeting near you
The health and wellbeing benefits of meeting with family and friends can be huge, but we know that’s not easy for some of our guests whose loved ones might still be in the Ukraine, or in other areas of the country.
To help with this, there are hubs, cafes and meetings throughout East Sussex that provide a safe place for our Ukrainian community – hosts and guests - to gather and socialise. Often there’s also the chance to get advice from experts
We gathered a list of the meetings happening around the county, so hopefully you can find one near you.
It's really important that people take up their offer of a free flu vaccination each year. It's a safe and effective vaccine which helped keep around 25,000 people out of hospital last year.
It’s predicted to be a bad year for flu, as it has been in other parts of the world already. Flu is not just a cold, it can make people very unwell.
To protect yourself and your family members, get vaccinated.
People in priority groups are particularly vulnerable to the effects of flu. Look out for a text or letter from your GP if you are in one of these eligible groups:
- Aged 2 and 3 years on 31 August 2023
- Primary school children
- Those aged 6 months to under 65 years in clinical risk groups
- Pregnant women
- All those aged 65 years and over
- Those in long-stay residential care homes
- Carers, those in receipt of carer’s allowance or main carer of an older or disabled person
- Household contacts of immunocompromised individuals
- Frontline health and social care staff
Anyone not in a priority group can pay for a flu vaccination from participating pharmacies which will charge around £12.
Find a participating pharmacy and book your vaccine today
|
Hosting: my story so far...
As one of many hosts under the East Sussex Homes for Ukraine scheme, I can honestly say that hosting has been, and still is, a happy and satisfying experience.
I knew it was the right thing to do, so I found a family of three, filled in all the visa applications for them and four months later they arrived. The Hartfield network found me the family.
My guest is a teenage lad who arrived with his older cousin and her toddler, who unfortunately decided to leave last year. However he settled in very well and is studying and working hard here, even finding a part-time job.
This year he year managed to pass GCSE English, despite having very little spoken and written English when he arrived over a year ago. His school is very supportive and are predicting top grades in his chosen A-level and B-Tech subjects next year. That is quite amazing since for the past academic year he has also been studying for Ukrainian University entrance online, every evening after school and most weekends too, in addition to his UK studies. Sixth form students were able to take their Ukrainian entrance exams in the UK this year so he travelled to London to sit the exam - and passed with flying colours! My heart goes out to all the 16-18 year-olds whose dream was to go to University in their home country but for many that has become an impossibility for now.
I am learning too. I am hearing about the customs of his home country, and life in his home town, now and before the war. He shops and cooks for himself most days and is eager to share his home recipes, (and some he has simply made up). We are currently exploring the best recipe for Ukrainian dumplings!
I was fortunate to be able to greet his mother and young sister over the Christmas period, as kind friends over the county border were able to host (all my rooms being full at the time) and obtain the necessary visas in time for joint celebrations. Gifts were brought from Ukraine, and ingredients for some amazing traditional Christmas and New Year dishes, which were enjoyed by all.
A lot of family and friends have also contributed to making the experience for host and guest a good one. There have been two birthday celebrations now with one neighbour learning how to sing "Happy Birthday” in Ukrainian, and gifted food and presents too, from neighbours, family and friends.
The summer holidays this year enabled my guest to explore further afield in the UK, which took him to Scotland on a wild camping trip. He has had to learn how to travel on his own in order to make visits to his family even though this involves long distances, by plane, train and bus. I always look forward to his return, especially since it means he is safe once more, and it usually involves gifts of chocolate and other local goodies. His mother always sends me a very generous gift and his whole family keep expressing their gratitude for the fact that he is safe here.
I have benefited hugely from being a host. It is nice knowing one can provide a safe home, and more elderly relatives back in Ukraine are always saying how grateful they are. It has taught me a lot about the customs and culture of these very resourceful people. Their plight puts everything in perspective and makes me realise how lucky I am. I lived on my own so it is also great to have company.
My message to other hosts is - don’t hesitate, and there are now lots of people who can help you find guests, there is still a pressing need, and provide you with other helpful information. Nobody knows how this is all going to end but I feel extremely privileged to have the opportunity to provide whatever help I can to those so deserving of help.
Jobs round-up
The latest jobs for guests interested in a new career?
Is your guest looking for a new job? We've the latest selection of roles and learning and training opportunities to help your guest get the job they want.
Useful contacts
Welfare checks
It's really important to us that all Ukrainian guests are safe and well. As we continue to carry out welfare visits for all guests who have been living with their hosts for six months or more.
The purpose of the welfare visit is to check guests are safe and well, confirm your guests are still living at your property and to provide advice, guidance and information to you and your guest(s). It also provides you the opportunity to express any concerns or difficulties you might be having. We would appreciate the cooperation of guests and hosts when welfare visits are arranged with you.
If you found this a useful guide to hosting our Ukrainian guests, then why not share it with a friend so they can sign up to our monthly newsletter and stay informed of all the latest Homes for Ukraine news. You can read previous newsletters at our host newsletter archive.
|
