Ukraine crisis: how East Sussex is helping

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has caused devastation.

Many people across East Sussex have responded with donations, support or by offering to open their homes to refugees. Thank you to everyone who is doing what they can.

Ukrainians have often fled with few possessions. Many will be traumatised by the war. All have been through an ordeal.

All the local authorities in East Sussex, the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and local volunteers, are working together to help welcome and settle Ukrainian refugees as they join our communities.

Our county already has a proud record of helping people forced to flee wars but this is the largest challenge we have had to rise to. Please bear with us as we work together to provide the checks, living arrangements, support and welcome that new arrivals will need.

A welcome guide for Ukrainians arriving in the UK has been published by the Government:

• Welcome: a guide for Ukrainians arriving in the UK - GOV.UK

Homes for Ukraine

If you can offer a home, or spare room for at least six months, to people fleeing Ukraine, you can become a ‘sponsor’ through the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme.

We’re beginning to contact everyone in East Sussex who has been matched with Ukrainian guests. If you have registered for the scheme but not yet been matched, please do not contact us but await more information.

We’ll keep these pages updated with news and information.

If you have a Ukrainian family member fleeing the country, you don’t need to register as a sponsor. They should instead apply for the Ukraine Family Scheme visa.

See also: Ukraine Family Scheme - more information.

Other ways to help

Donations

We know many people in East Sussex want to help Ukraine and its people. Cash donations are the fastest way to help: Red Cross - Why cash donations are better than goods

These national organisations will welcome donations:

• Disasters Emergency Committee (dec.org.uk)
• British Red Cross
• Unicef
• International Rescue Committee

Give local support

Refugee Buddy Project - become a friend and support a newly arrived person seeking refuge.

The Links Project - Hastings Voluntary Action offers support and advice to asylum seekers, refugees and migrant communities.

Sussex Aid for Refugees - Facebook collects donations for children and vulnerable adults and works with aid convoys.

The Lewes Organisation in support of refugees and asylum seekers (LOSRAS) - promoting the welfare of refugees & asylum seekers in and beyond Lewes District.

Sanctuary Café, Eastbourne - supporting refugees and asylum seekers in Eastbourne.

NetworX – Eastbourne are available to welcome and befriend refugees and immigrants to Eastbourne. Part of the Eastbourne Christian Agencies Network.