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Welcome to your dedicated newsletter for Homes for Ukraine Hosts in East Sussex.
We would like to wish you all a Happy Easter!
If you’re hosting a young person, we've a great opportunity for them to ask questions about what education/training options are available to them when they turn 16. Let us know their questions, and we can include the information in an upcoming webinar.
Now the sun has appeared it's a great time to explore everything East Sussex has to offer. We've lots of fantastic events and ideas for days out in our ‘what’s on’ section.
Many thanks, to all hosts who do so much for our community of Ukrainian guests in East Sussex.
his month, Phoebe tells us about his experiences of hosting Ukrainian guests. If you know someone who would like to share their story, please ask them to email us or call 01273 337010.
Easter is a time of celebration in England, with people celebrating religious days and traditional festivities such as gifting chocolate eggs.
This year, Easter Sunday falls on 20 April for both countries.
Celebrations
In Ukraine, followers of the Orthodox church celebrate Easter with the sharing of food after Lent. Ukrainians who aren’t Orthodox also see Easter as an important social occasion.
Special foods related to this time of year include Paska bread, which varies across different Ukrainian regions. Ukrainian Easter eggs are both decorative ornaments (elaborately coloured Pysanka - pictured above) and something to eat (spiced and dyed hard-boiled eggs, known as Krashanky)
Ukraine also celebrates with chocolate eggs, although the Easter Bunny character is something that many Ukrainians aren’t familiar with.
Look at our 'What's On' section below for Easter-themed events and activities.
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We're calling on our young guests to get in touch and ask us any question they have about post-school education and training.
The questions will be answered by local colleges and Sussex University, and published in a new webinar.
The webinar aims to ease some of the anxiety of leaving school by answering questions about education and training options after turning 16 years old.
Please ask your guests to email their questions to us on ukraine@eastsussex.gov.uk.
The webinars will be published on the BHT Sussex and ESCC websites.
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There are lots of events happening in the next few weeks across the county and in our communities. We’ve collected some events that are sure to inspire you.
Events near you in May
Hastings
The annual Hastings Traditional Jack in the Green takes place 2 to 5 May. The four-day event includes live bands, dancing, workshops, and fun for all the family.
On the Bank Holiday Monday, a colourful procession - filled with unique characters, dancers, drummers, giants and more - moves through Hastings Old Town from 10.20am.
The big finale is the slaying of the Jack to release the spirit of summer. This starts at 4pm on The West Hill.
The Big Ceilidh at Hastings Traditional Jack in the Green is a chance to dance to some high energy folk tunes on 3 May starts at 8pm.
The Hastings Ukrainian group will be participating by:
- conducting a tour to the Museum of Fishing to learn about the procession and the route on 17 April at 2pm
- welcoming Folk band Rattlebag to its meeting at the Holy Trinity Hastings church hall to share folk songs on 28 April
Eastbourne
Musician Rick Bonner presents a Ukraine Fundraiser at the Sovereign Harbour Community Centre, Eastbourne on 5 May.
the evening promises a 1940's style show to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
Free entry (voluntary donation £5).
Bishopstone
The Ukrainian Voices Choir and Heaven and Earth Choir is performing a concert to raise funds for Adur Ukraine Support Organisation and Ukrainian Hearts (Lewes).
The Spring Songs concert is being directed by Lyudmila Kulakova.
Tickets cost £20 and include a Ukrainian buffet and drinks after the concert.
- Saturday 17 May
- Doors open at 3.30pm. Concert runs from 4pm to 6pm
For more details and to book tickets
An easier way to travel
If you've seen an event you'd like to attend, but live in an area with limited or no public transport then why not try Flexibus.
The on-demand ride share service can help connect you with your local area and the wider public transport network so you can visit more of our wonderful county.
Flexibus operates Monday to Saturday 7am-7pm, excluding Bank Holidays.
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Jobs round-up
The latest jobs for guests interested in a new career?
Is your guest looking for a new job? The latest selection of roles and learning and training opportunities to help your guest get the job they want is available online.
Hosting: my story so far
December 2023 I visited my local Church Christmas Tree Festival and Christmas Market, amongst the many stallholders selling their Christmas wares was Anna, whom I had never met before, writes host Phoebe.
I started talking to her while I admired the beautiful cards and craftwork on her stall. When I asked her where she was living, it was then she said she had just been told she needed to look for new accommodation at the end of the school year for herself and two young daughters aged 3 and 9.
So eight months later, after visiting me a few times to give us all the opportunity to get to know each other a little bit better, she and her girls moved in.
Since then, the girls have had birthday parties and are now aged 4 and 10. They have made local friends and get invited out to their friends houses to play and have outings.
Apparently, when my family first heard of the arrangement they worried they would wear me out, I am over 90, but now they say they think they are keeping me young!
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.
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.
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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