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Welcome to your dedicated newsletter for Homes for Ukraine Hosts in East Sussex.
This month, Ukrainians celebrated Vyshyvanka Day. We share events happening across the county that will enable you to join the celebrations of the traditional embroidered clothing.
We have heard from guests who did not realise some NHS services incur a charge. Our story explains this, and how to avoid unwanted costs.
With many things happening in a guest’s life, it can be difficult to think about managing their money, or understanding things such as household bills. Please find details below for a service that can support guests to ease these worries.
Our regular round-up of fun activities include some great Ukrainian themed events. We hope you find one you can attend.
Last month we heard from Phoebe about hosting Anna. This month Anna tells us about her Homes for Ukraine experience from a guest’s point of view.
If you'd like to share your story, please email us or call 01273 337010.
Many thanks, to all hosts who do so much for our community of Ukrainian guests in East Sussex.
Every year on the third Thursday of May Ukrainians celebrate Vyshyvanka Day.
The day recognises the significance of the nation’s traditional embroidered clothing.
It was started by a student in 2006, when she suggested her classmates all come to school in their traditional shirts. The event quickly grew into a nationwide celebration and is now celebrated in many countries throughout the world.
See our What’s on section below for events celebrating Vyshyvanka Day.
We have been made aware that some Ukrainians have been sent NHS penalty charge notices after using health services.
Please ensure your guest is aware they might have to pay for certain NHS services, such as dental treatment and optician services.
This is because not everyone getting Universal Credit is entitled to free NHS treatments and prescriptions. Further details are on the NHS website where you can check if you're eligible for help for free NHS treatments and prescriptions.
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Many guests have found that understanding their household bills or managing their money is difficult.
To support them, the UK government-backed Moneyhelper can offer free and impartial help with money.
The organisation has lots of great tools on its website to help people manage and keep track of their money.
The service can be contacted for free. Support can be provided via WhatsApp, and over the phone with a translator if required.
Support tools include:
- help with people struggling with debt
- dealing with losing your job
- budget planning.
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Do you, or someone you know, care for a family member, friend or neighbour who is elderly, disabled, has a mental health issue or addition?
Care for the Carers provide a range of services that could help and advice on its website.
Thank-you payments are continuing for hosts on both the Homes for Ukraine scheme and Ukrainian Permission Extension (UPE).
Please let us know if you are continuing to host guests who have applied for UPE visas and we will continue to make payments to you.
Additional details regarding 'thank you' payments can be found in our host letter.
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.
Vyshyvanka Day celebrations
Eastbourne
A free event with traditional dancing, eating, and singing will give people the chance to gather, celebrate, and connect with Ukrainian culture.
Activities include Ukrainian music, homemade Ukrainian food, various Vyshyvanka embroidery styles, a raffle and fun activities for children.
The event takes place between 12 to 4pm on Saturday (17 May) at Emmanuel Church, 48A Upperton Road Eastbourne.
Further details on the event are on the 3VA website.
Hastings
A day of joyful and heart-warming cultural activities is being held to share Ukrainian heritage with the county’s residents.
The event will include traditional Ukrainian food, songs performed by Ukrainian choirs, folk dancing and stories and insights about the art of Ukrainian embroidery (vyshyvanka).
The event is being held on Sunday (18 May) between 12 to 3pm at Concordia Hall, St Leonards-on-Sea.
Learn more about the event on the Facebook page of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, Hastings and Rother branch.
Other events
Bishopstone
A Spring Songs concert is being held at St. Andrew’s Church, Bishopstone on Saturday 17 May 4pm (doors open at 3.30pm).
Songs will be performed by the Ukrainian Voices and Heaven & Earth Choir.
The event costs £20 and includes a Ukrainian buffet and drinks after the concert. Proceeds will go to the Adur Ukraine Support Organisation, and Ukrainian Hearts (Lewes).
For more details contact the event organiser.
Blackboys
The Orange Group is hosting construction workshops where young people can learn about carpentry, landscaping, brickwork, tiling, plumbing, and basic electrics.
Sessions must be pre-booked and are split into age groups from 2 to 16 years old.
The workshops are being held up to 24 May. Learn more on the Orange Tool Box website.
Lewes
A Summer Ceilidh (a traditional Scottish dance to live folk music.) is being held to raise money to buy medical equipment for the Lviv Regional Children's Hospital Okhmatdyt in Ukraine.
The event will include a concert of Ukrainian songs, traditional Ukrainian food, and an auction that includes a painting by Ukrainian artist Anna Demenko. You do not need any experience to dance a Ceilidh.
The event costs £20 (FREE entry for accompanied children under 16) and is being held on 14 June from 5.30pm.
Learn more on the Sussex4Ukraine website
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
I don't believe in coincidences, writes guest Anna (far right of image). I believe that my "accidental" meeting with Phoebe was no accident at all.
One of my British friend jokes it’s unbelievable how I’ve manifested this incredible place only a step away from my youngest daughter's preschool. And I couldn't agree more.
Our family was the last one left in Newick, as everyone eventually moved away from their sponsors for one reason or another.
In the summer of 2023, I tried to help my friends find a sponsor and realised that it was not an easy task. Then, when I realised we would have to move out of our first hosts, I was quite upset. At that time, we had been waiting for a place in a preschool for a long time and had only recently enrolled. My youngest daughter had fallen in love with it and had made many wonderful friends there.
She is learning English incredibly quickly, learning to make delicious cookies, growing flowers, drawing, singing, and having a great time.
I was so upset, I cried and wondered "why can't we stay?" I try to keep my cool most of the time, and try not to get emotional and accept life with all its twists and turns. But sometimes I just want to cry and release all the emotions that fill me.
Someone clearly heard me at that moment, because two weeks later I met Phoebe. It was as if the universe was telling me ‘Anna, don't cry, here's a kindergarten for you. Everything will be fine’. Understand me right, it’s not only preschool, but if you’ve ever tried to get a place in a good one, I’m sure you’ll understand.
I can't imagine a better place than Pheobe’s. Her perfect garden is a true inspiration for me, I really recharge myself just admiring all the beautiful trees and flowers in it. Every day I feel very grateful and happy that my children and I are here.
My eldest daughter absolutely enjoys Phoebe’s company; they cook and do crochet together. My youngest daughter is only four, but this place means so much to her, she’s really enjoying her time here. And for me, it’s extremely important as well.
I really miss my family, and I appreciate the company and friendship of this amazing woman. Her home became not only accommodation, but a true home for us.
I will always remember this incredible experience and be grateful to Phoebe for it.
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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