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Welcome to your dedicated newsletter for Homes for Ukraine Hosts in East Sussex.
This month we’ve important information from central government on how to apply for the E-visa, which is due to replace the physical BRP card in December.
We bring you news of English classes that can help boost your skills and employability. This is especially useful for job hunters, who might want to also check-out our usual monthly round up of new job opportunities across the county.
This month we speak with East Sussex County Council’s Maryna Tkachenko, and hear about her experience of arriving in the county as a guest on the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
Her story highlights the positive impact that acceptance and support from the wider community can have for people who have fled from conflict.
There’s also great news about newly available Ukrainian books in East Sussex libraries, and our ‘What’s On’ guide.
What is the E-visa and why is it important? The short answer is that the E-visa is an online record of your immigration status.
It’s linked to an account your guests will create with UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI). This will replace their physical biometric residents permit (BRP) card.
The BRP will no longer be in use from 31 December 2024, although guests will still need to carry it when they travel until that date.
All the information guests need, including an instruction video on how to create a UKVI account can be found here.
Scam warning
In last month’s newsletter, we gave a warning about a social media scam. Anybody asked to update their details through any social media channel should ignore the message.
Please note the UKVI will never contact a Ukrainian guest via social media channels about E-visas replacing the BRP card and to ignore any such contact asking for personal information.
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East Sussex libraries has invested in a range of fiction from, and about, Ukraine.
Further details on the titles and their availability can be found here.
Does your guest need help with English language skills? If they do, the Library and Information Service can help you.
Conversation Groups
Free, relaxed drop-in sessions for people who have English as a second language. All languages and levels are welcome.
The weekly informal conversation groups are at:
- Eastbourne: Mondays 10.30-11.30am and Thursdays between 10-11am
- Hailsham: Mondays between 12-1pm
- Hastings: Thursdays between 10-11am
- Seaford: Tuesdays between 10.30-11.30am
For more information speak to a member of staff at your local library, call 0345 60 80 196, or email library.enquiries@eastsussex.gov.uk
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We’re now in the height of British Summer. Hopefully we’ll have at least a few days of good weather.
With the long break for school holidays beginning at the end of this month, it's useful to know the range of family friendly activities available in East Sussex during this month.
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The Bexhill Carnival runs between 20 to 27 July offers a range of activities and events that the whole family can enjoy
- Bexhill, the monthly meeting of The Growing Network on 27 July is being held at St. Stephen’s Church. The Growing Network is an event where allotment holders and gardeners bring along any homegrown food, plants or spare seeds that they’re willing to share
- Eastbourne Bandstand has firework concert events running throughout the summer
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Holiday Activities
With the long school holiday starting at the end of July and continuing (for most children) for the entirety of August we’re repeating our heads-up from last month’s newsletter that ‘Holiday Activities and Food’ is on offer in East Sussex during this period.
Please be aware that most of these activities require you to book a ticket in advance.
Click here for further information on the activities and food programme.
Being a guest: my story so far...
Today, I want to share my story as a refugee, writes Maryna Tkachenko. Two years ago, the war knocked on the door of my son's and my home. The danger forced me to seek a safe place for us.
Now, we are here. Over the past two years, we have lived in four different countries and moved between eight homes. It has been a long and arduous journey. I never wanted to leave my country, my family, my friends, my job, and my beautiful life. This journey has been filled with loss. It often felt like my identity had vanished. I had a good job, had just bought the flat of my dreams, and had many plans and dreams for the future.
When the war began, the sound of sirens and explosions became a constant reminder of our vulnerability. I remember the sleepless nights in a basement, holding my son close, trying to reassure him that everything would be alright. On that awful morning when the explosions started, my son gave me a hug and said, "This is war, I need to say something important just in case we get killed: Goodbye, mummy, I had a great life thanks to you." These words should never have to be said by a child. The decision to leave was agonising but clear. I had to pack our lives into a few suitcases, knowing we might never return to the life we once knew.
Our new life
I have been working at East Sussex County Council as the IT&D Project Manager for the past six months. It was incredibly difficult for me to eventually decide to stay here and quit my previous job, which I had been doing remotely for the first year of the war. However, the massive support I received from people here has rekindled my belief in humanity and helped me feel alive again.
In the United Kingdom, we found a sense of stability. My colleagues' kindness and the community's support played a crucial role in helping us rebuild our lives. I started to feel a glimmer of hope that we could create a new home here, even if it meant starting from scratch.
Working at East Sussex County Council has given me a sense of purpose. The opportunity to contribute and be part of a team has been incredibly fulfilling. Every day, I learn something new and grow more confident in my role. The support and encouragement I have received have made all the difference.
To everyone who has been part of this journey, thank you. Your kindness and support have not only helped me rebuild my life but also restored my faith in humanity. Despite the hardships, I am grateful for the chance to start anew, to dream again, and to provide a safe and hopeful future for my son.
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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