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Welcome to your dedicated newsletter for Homes for Ukraine Hosts in East Sussex.
This month, we look at domestic abuse, food poverty and social housing - all of which are big issues in East Sussex. We look at what's happening to tackle these concerns, especially guests wanting to apply for council-run housing.
Halyna Rzhevska shares her experience of being a guest on the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Halyna stayed in Lewes for two years and is hugely grateful for the help her hosts gave to her and her family.
We highlight Apprenticeships Roadshow events in June and July for which tickets can be applied for from now. We also have a round-up of available jobs in the Hastings and Bexhill areas
Plus, we've a round-up of things to do in East Sussex this month, including events to celebrate Ukrainian Vyshyvanka and Ukrainian Children’s Day.
Physical violence against a partner or other family member is the most obvious form of domestic abuse. Domestic abuse can affect everyone differently.
It can be used by a partner or ex-partner, a family members or carers. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone.
Domestic abuse can happen even when physical violence does not take place. Emotional and economic abuse are recognised forms of ‘domestic abuse’ in the UK.
Other types of domestic abuse include:
- Coercive control
- Intimidation
- Physical abuse
- Threats regarding ‘honour’
- Isolation
- Sexual abuse and violence
If you, or somebody you know, is affected by this issue there's information and contact details of organisations that can help on our website. In an emergency, always call 999.
There are several things to consider when looking for social housing in East Sussex – especially for guests nearing the end of their initial visas.
Two key concerns are long waiting lists and different rules depending on the district or borough you live in.
Social housing is rental accommodation provided by district and borough councils, or a local housing association on the council’s behalf. Each council has an ‘allocations policy’ that puts applicants into bands A to C – with band A applicants viewed as having the biggest need.
While Ukrainians have been given social housing in other parts of the country, guests should be aware that in East Sussex they might need to show a ‘local’ connection. This could prevent them from being able to apply.
Each district and borough council in East Sussex has its own eligibility criteria. Read more about the relevant housing allocation policies for each area below:
Additional advice on private rental sector and social housing is available from Citizens’ Advice. Anybody who is moving out of hosting should seek advise from them.
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Food poverty is a significant aspect of the ‘cost of living’ crisis, with increasing food prices being one of the challenges faced by many people.
If you are in food poverty, you should seek help from care professionals such as health visitors, staff at schools and social workers. They can issue you with a voucher for use at a food bank.
One such place is Eastbourne Foodbank, which provides three-days emergency nutritional food in exchange for a voucher. It also offers advice, toiletries, nappies, shoes, bedding, baby equipment (as available) and crockery and cutlery.
Other organisations that can help you with food poverty:
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Two FREE apprenticeship roadshows are being held in Hastings and Eastbourne by the Sussex Council of Training Providers in partnership with the council.
The East Sussex Apprenticeship Roadshows will bring together employers and training providers who are actively recruiting for roles.
The events will include the chance to :
- meet employees with available apprenticeships
- meet training providers to match you to placements
- hear from employers, training providers and apprentices
- speak to advisers
- speak with apprentices about the schemes.
The roadshows will provide up-to-date information on apprenticeships (from pre-employment to higher and degree apprenticeships) to East Sussex learners, residents and jobseekers.
The event is for those looking for vacancies as well as those wanting more information about apprenticeships. Careers guidance experts will be on hand to answer any questions.
The events will take place between 4.30pm to 6.30pm on:
- 25 June at White Rock Theatre, Hastings
- 11 July at the welcome Building, Eastbourne
Places are limited and prior booking is required. You can book your place on the Apprenticeships Roadshow website.
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If you're not working and are feeling stressed then a Wellbeing Day could be just the thing to help you relax and restore your sense of well being.
Sussex Community Development Association is hosting an event that will bring together various wellbeing workshops, sessions and services in one place.
There will be free acupuncture, hand massage and art sessions. Free refreshments will also be available all day.
The event will be held on 19 June between 10am to 2pm at Kings Centre, Eastbourne.
All are welcome. For more information visit SCDA's website or call 07706 322133.
As we head towards the summer months and the weather (hopefully) improves it’s worth remembering that East Sussex has some beautiful countryside and walking routes.
If you're looking for inspiration on what to do we've some great suggestions for you - from walks to Vyshyvanka Day event.
Click here to find an event near you.
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Being a guest: my story so far...
Halyna Rzhevska first heard about the Homes for Ukraine scheme through a ‘friend of a friend’ called Yuliia, who had lived in the UK for many years.
Having registered on official Facebook pages, Halyna wrote a post about herself and family. The most important part was the need to have a safe place for her son. She received a few replies to her request for a host family and chose one of the earliest offers from Chris and Jane Bradshaw (pictured above).
‘It felt like fate, we had found a really good family and an amazing place to stay,’ says Halyna. ‘One of the reasons we chose the UK was the English language. None of us had high level knowledge of the language but we studied it in school, and we committed to study it more once we were here.
‘At first it was overwhelming. We couldn’t get over how we were now in a safe place. Our hosts Chris and Jane did everything to make us feel welcome. I really appreciate it and will never forget their kindness to us, they are good people.’
Above and beyond
Halyna and her family were accommodated in a self-contained property by their hosts, who also helped them in many other ways beyond what’s asked from hosts.
For example, they bought groceries and clothes for their guests when they first arrived. They also helped them with setting up bank accounts and applying for the benefits they needed. They also helped Halyna find a nursery for her son and assisted her in connecting with the Ukrainian community in Lewes.
‘It was difficult to communicate at first, but our English got gradually better,’ says Halyna. ‘It took about a year to get used to the local life.’
Halyna and her Mum found work as cleaners, and she also worked as a barmaid.
‘We found finding work quite easy, although without fluency in English it’s very difficult to get work at the same level we’d manage back home,’ says Halyna.
‘Coming here gave us a chance to start again and I would recommend anyone who is considering hosting to do so – it really could be offering salvation to someone.’
Halyna arrived from Kyiv in summer 2022 and lived in Lewes with her son Daniil and mother Olena for two years. She now lives in mainland Europe with other family members.
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.
Find out more about the latest available roles in:
Useful contacts
Homes for Ukraine contact centre. If you need advice, call 01273 337010 (pick Option 1 to speak to someone in English, Option 2 to speak to someone in Ukrainian) or email ukraine@eastsussex.gov.uk.
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.
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