|
Welcome to your dedicated newsletter for Homes for Ukraine hosts in East Sussex.
It's almost Christmas, and we've some 'good news' stories to bring some warmth into the Winter months, and ideas to help help you can get into the festive spirit. We've also a guide on how our Ukrainian guests celebrate Christmas and New Year's eve.
We've rounded up the list of services taking a break this Christmas, make sure you're aware of office opening hours, just in case.
As always, we're looking for areas to improve and develop as we look to the future and how best to support hosts and guests in the next part of their journey. Please take some time to complete our survey to help us ensure the Homes for Ukraine scheme continues to provide guests and hosts the support they need.
This month, we hear Kathryn's inspiring story of hosting Maryna. It's a story many hosts will know and understand. Email us to share your story of being a host or a guest.
Lastly, Happy Christmas and New Year from everyone in the Homes for Ukraine team.
The UK government has confirmed that ‘thank you’ payments to hosts who are part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme have been extended to include a third year of hosting.
Hosts in East Sussex are now eligible for a monthly payment of £500/month from the date the guest arrived in the UK, up to 36 months. Hosts who are hosting five or more guests are eligible for a monthly payment of £650.
We continue to be grateful to all hosts in East Sussex for your ongoing support.
|
Share your views on Homes for Ukraine
To better understand how the Homes for Ukraine scheme’s support options are working, we’re asking hosts to tell us what you think by completing a short survey.
Feedback from the survey will let us know how well the scheme is supporting you. It will also identify areas which have been successful and areas we can improve.
The survey closes on 22 December.
As we approach two years of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, many Ukrainians are coming to the end of their original hosting arrangements but are not ready to live independently.
That means there’s still a need for more hosts, particularly those that are able to host families with children.
If you or somebody you know can offer a home, or a spare room for at least six months, why not register to become a ‘host’. You can learn more about how to do this on our website or for more information contact ukraine@eastsussex.gov.uk
Over the Christmas and New Year period most services will close during the national bank holidays on the 26 & 27 December and the 2 January.
However, services may take a longer break with many shutting their offices from 23 December to 2 January.
This includes our Homes for Ukraine Contact Centre. Local voluntary sector services will also have limited or no availability. If you have any concerns about accessing services for you or your guest, please email us at ukraine@eastsussex.gov.uk before the 22 December.
Opening and closing times for Homes for Ukraine services this Christmas.
Ukrainians have two main Eves: New Year's Eve and Christmas Eve. The country previously celebrated Christmas on 7 January. However, Ukrainians now celebrates Christmas on 25 December.
The date of Christmas Eve may have changed to 24 December, but traditions such as decorating a Christmas tree, gift-giving, cooking, setting-the-table, and meeting friends and family remain. Ukrainian’s, much like the UK, enjoy watching traditional Christmas shows and musicals.
Christmas Eve (known as Sviata Vecheria - Holy Evening) is a mix of traditions that include religious (for example the 12 meatless dishes represent Jesus’ 12 disciples) and folk (such as the more ingredients you put in the ‘kutia’ - the main Christmas Eve dish - the better the next year's harvest will be).
Ukrainian’s Christmas values are the same as in the UK, and spending time with your beloved ones and singing carols are key parts of their three-days of celebration.
New Year’s Eve
There are two New Year’s Eves in Ukraine, but its important to note they are not the same and have different meanings and celebrations.
Malanka (the Ukrainian New Year's Eve) was traditionally celebrated on 13 January, but it was moved to 1 January this year. This celebration is rich in ritual, folklore, and magic. For example, Ukrainian’s ancestors believed that on New Year's Eve, good and evil spirits descended on the earth.
The main parts of a Ukrainian’s New Year’s celebrations include mandarins, champagne, nice food, traditional New Year’ salads, the midnight President’s speech and fireworks.
Image courtesy of Pexels
|
An event is being held in Newhaven to help our Ukrainian guests celebrate the Day of Unity - We Are Ukraine.
The event is being held on 20 January between 11 am to 3pm at Denton Island Community Centre. It will include live music, food and refreshments. Everybody is welcome.
Activities planned for the day include: Arts and crafts, Circus skills, Nature activities by Wakehurst Place, Yoga and massage, Tennis coach, School uniform bank, and Live music and performance.
The event is paid for by Sussex Community Development Association’s (SCDA) Positive Activities project for young people in East Sussex. For more details contact the Positive Activities team at cypsp@sussexcommunity.org.uk or call Suzi McCraig on 07513 824 313
Long history
The Day of Unity for Ukraine is celebrated on 22 January – the day in 1919 the Ukrainian People’s Republic and the West Ukrainian People’s Republic were united.
On 21 January, 1990, Ukrainian’s joined hands to create a chain between the country’s Eastern city of Kiev and the western city of Lviv (around 483 kilometres). This symbol of unity continues today, with human chains forming a traditional part of the Day’s celebrations.
The "Day of Reunion of Ukraine" (Den’ Sobornosti Ukrainy) was announced as a government holiday on January 21, 1999.
|
It’s starting to feel a little like Christmas, but if you’re looking for inspiration to kick-start your festivities we’ve got some ideas on how to get into the seasonal spirit.
From Christmas-themed walks in our county’s stunning parks to meeting Santa and his singing reindeer, we’ve got a number of ways to make the most of the festive season.
You can see what’s happening near you in our Festive period round-up.
|
When your guest's child is ready to begin school, they will need to apply for a place as they are not automatically enrolled. This needs to be done before 15 January.
The Council will try to offer the first choice of school, but if the deadline is missed the application will go to the back of the queue.
When does the child go to school?
Children must start school at the beginning of the term straight after their fifth birthday. However, all children can start school in the September following their fourth birthday.
All children are entitled to attend school full-time, but there are flexible options for parents who do not feel their child is ready for full-time attendance.
How to apply
You can apply for a school place online. Take time to read the guidance as it provides details about the school you can choose and the rules. So, start the application in plenty of time.
If you’re unable to apply online, you can print off a form at the local library or email schooladmissions@eastsussex.gov.uk. Or, we can send you a word document via email or a printed form by post.
|
If your guest is living in the UK on a Ukrainian Visa Scheme, it’s recommend they register with a GP as soon as possible after arriving.
A doctor (also known as a GP or General Practitioner), is the type of doctor they'll see for general health problems. An appointment with an NHS (National Health Service) GP is free.
GP surgeries are the first place to contact if your guest has a health problem. They can treat many illnesses, give health advice, and prescribe medicine. They can also refer them to other NHS services.
The government website has guidance on how to register with a doctor and get medicine.
|
As we head into the colder months, we know many residents will be worrying about staying warm at home. High costs of living and high energy bills are a big concern, especially for those who already find it hard to heat their home and are on a low income.
The cold is not just uncomfortable but can be dangerous for those with pre-existing health issues such as heart and breathing conditions or children who are asthmatic. It also can have a negative impact on your mental wellbeing.
The East Sussex Warm Home Check service provides free impartial energy advice and support and is available all year round. It helps you to improve the energy efficiency of your home meaning you can stay warm for less and reduce your home’s carbon emissions. As well as practical advice and resources, the service also provides help including heating repairs and small home improvements for those who are eligible.
If you, or someone you know, is concerned about staying warm this winter, find out more about the Warm Home Check service. You can apply by visiting the Keep Warm and Well website, texting WARM to 80011 or calling 0800 464 7307
|
A cookery course focusing on preparing and sharing traditional Ukrainian family and reginal recipes is being held in Uckfield.
The three-hour 'Let’s Cook Together' training course starts at 10.30am on 16 January at Victoria Pavilion, Uckfield. It then runs on the 23, and 30 January and the 6 and 20 February.
To book or to find out more visit the Community Chef website or email office@communitychef.org.uk.
|
Hosting: my story so far...
 |
I did not want to host anybody in my safe little cottage, least of all a stranger, writes Kathryn Pogson (above right). The thought sounded unnerving, dangerous and constricting. Then I got to thinking how if some disaster overtook my young adult children would I not want someone, anyone to offer them sanctuary. I realised that I would feel worse not offering help, than I would offering it! I was caught over a barrel of my own making. I took the plunge and signed on with a charity that was looking for hosts and that quite quickly got swept into the Homes for Ukraine scheme, which is supportive and efficient. I made it clear that I am an older female with a little house and that I would only consider one female guest. I did not want to be outnumbered and was not sure that my dog would take to a child. It was all very easy, although nothing happened. Eventually a brave woman in our village really took up the call and personally started making contacts with Ukrainians in need of help from the Donbas region. Very soon along came Maryna. "Oh no, what have I got myself into?"
I was even more taken aback when speaking with Maryna on the phone when she asked me what the rules would be! I had not thought that far, but answered: "To be kind to each other and to talk about anything that might be getting in the way and to listen to each other....and, oh yes...smoking only in my tiny garden please."
We proceeded from there with that as the only basis of our agreement and she set off on her way to my home.
I think having few rules and an open, albeit nervous heart, and learning that a person coming from a war-zone needs time and peace to be able to think straight again. Maryna needed sleep and then more sleep and then a good night's rest. Slowly over a few months she awoke and started to find a way forward into language classes, and badly paid work and tentative new friendships. She is way overqualified for any job she could find here but she never complained. Her sister and brother-in-law had died in the war and she was having to pick her way through the cobweb of broken bureaucracy back in Luhansk in order to adopt her niece. She wants to make a life for them both here.
Maryna stayed with me for about 15 months, figuring out how things function in the UK, and saving enough money to go back and collect her niece. The Russians now rule her city and she has been forced to give up her passport and become a Russian citizen otherwise the adoption will not proceed. Nothing will stop her being a Ukrainian in her heart.
Maryna and I have become real friends, and I will always try to look out for her. She brought joy into my life and opened my eyes and softened my heart. We found laughter and the pleasure of one another's company. We gave each other all the space we both needed and allowed one another to live our own lives. Opening my house to this young, bright, brave and beautiful young woman was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. Would I do it again? Maybe. Although just now I am waiting to see if she will need to come back to my home. The delay in Luhansk has been so long she has had to give up her job here and the flat she had found for them both. She will have to start piecing her life back together again, when and if she gets the documentation she needs. I can only stay in touch with her and tell her how incredible she is and how all will be well. The former statement a fact and the latter a tentative, feathered hope. I was lucky with Maryna for she is a good soul, but perhaps we both were able to show the best of ourselves because the situation demands the best of us.
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.
Learn more about the latest available roles in:
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.
|
