There is a range of support, services and social events available for Ukrainian guests in Hastings & St Leonards. Please see below for key information and contact details. If you are a group providing support or activities in Hastings, please let us know by emailing [email protected]
Last updated: 31 January 2023
The Links Project is a multi-agency support and advice project for asylum seekers, refugees and migrant communities living in East Sussex. The project provides access to support and advice in a range of areas including asylum support (NASS), EU Settled Status scheme, accessing healthcare, general immigration advice, housing and welfare benefits. The project offers a number of time limited personal development projects such as English classes.
Come along to a drop-in session:
Hastings: Wednesdays between 11am-3pm Central Hall, 6B Station Road, Hastings. TN34 1NG.
Eastbourne: Fridays between 10am and midday (12pm). Sanctuary Cafe, All Souls Church Hall, Wellesley Road, Eastbourne. BN21 3RJ
For more information, head to: http://www.hastingsvoluntaryaction.org.uk/project/links-project or contact Marc Turczanski on 01424 444010 / email: [email protected].
The Refugee Buddy Project will match local volunteer Buddy's with Ukrainian refugees arriving in Hastings, Rother and Wealden.
• We can ‘match’ you with a Buddy to help you get to know your new community and your surroundings.
• Match you with a buddy to practice conversational English. Practice your English with your buddy.
• Employment preparation support - computer skills, CV writing, and interview skills. Our employment support is tailored to your aspirations and needs.
Join the Refugee Buddy Project network to take part in Welcome Workshops, get support with organising your own social events, share food and come along to social gatherings in your area.
For an appointment and to register, email: Chelsey@therefugeebuddyproject or call: 07763841600 (Wednesday/Thursday/Fridays 9-12pm)
The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (Hastings & Rother Branch) has been created as a response to the war in Ukraine, to unite Ukrainians living in East Sussex and to support Ukrainian Refugees. The group would like to fundraise for Ukraine, to help Ukrainian refugees settle in Britain, and to promote Ukrainian culture, history, and language. Join the Facebook group here: Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (Hastings & Rother Branch)
The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (Hastings & Rother Branch) organises fortnightly meetings for new Ukrainian arrivals, meetings are held at 2pm at the Common Room, 27 Cambridge Road, Hastings (across the road from ESK shop) every other Sunday.
To find out details of the next meeting: Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (Hastings & Rother Branch)
Holy Trinity Hastings: Sanctuary Cafe, All Ukrainians welcome on Mondays 1.00pm-3.00pm. Sanctuary Cafe is a safe and comfortable place for all Ukrainians to meet . To relax and make new friends. To expand their community in the town and feel valued and loved. We offer support, advice and English conversation along with free refreshments and laughter. Claremont Road entrance, Hastings, TN34 1HT. For more info: Holy Trinity Church
Holy Trinity Hastings - Safehaven Women. Thursday / 12.30 - 2.30pm /TERM TIME Claremont Entrance
Safehaven Women is a peaceful, cosy, comfortable space for women of our town to relax and enjoy. We hope that this safe space is a chance for women to feel supported and loved, to hang out, to chat and to be listened to over a hot drink and a piece of cake.
We offer hot tasty food, drinks, a clothing bank, sanitary products and other ‘giveaways’, when available. For more info: Holy Trinity Church
Holy Trinity Hastings - Tots & Me Friday /10.30 - 12pm /TERM TIME /Claremont Entrance
A group for parents/ carers and babies (0-4) in Hastings . A place where kids can play safely and parents get to know each other. For more info: Holy Trinity Church
His Place Church run a weekly café meet up for Ukrainian guests and their host families on Tuesdays, 2pm – 4pm.
Sarah Milne runs craft sessions on Thursday mornings and Saturday mornings.
There is also a choir on Thursday mornings.
His Place, Robertson Street, Hastings TN34 1HL. Visit: www.hisplacehastings.co.uk
Hastings & Rother YMCA offer access to Youth Clubs and discounted rates for roller skating to Ukrainian young people living in Hastings and St Leonards.
Find out more at: https://www.ycentrehastings.org.uk/
Citizens Advice can support Homes for Ukraine guests who are struggling with food and essential items, while they wait for their Universal Credit applications to be processed. For more info: www.citizensadvice1066.co.uk or call 01424 869352
ETC are offering Ukrainian guests free English classes:
• classes range from complete beginner to intermediate level
• conversational & social groups
• students will need to attend an assessment prior to allocating them a class
Please email: [email protected] to find out more and to book a place or call 01424 444691 to leave a message.
Free Counselling funded by Homes for Ukraine
Counselling Plus has been awarded funding to support Ukrainians now living in Hastings & St Leonards, or their hosts. Please ring 01424 428300 to request an assessment.
Funding is limited currently. www.counsellingplus.org
Mediation Plus
Free mediation and one-to-one support is available for Ukrainian refugees and those hosting refugees under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. This service is provided by partners within the Sussex Mediation Alliance, covering East Sussex, funded by East Sussex County Council.
For more information contact: Mediation Plus on [email protected] / 01424 446808/ 01323 442781
Education Futures Trust are running a project called ‘A Warm Space’, providing the local community with warmth, food/drink and conversation, with a particular focus on the Ukrainian community. We will be opening our doors every Monday between the hours of 10am and 5pm for drop-ins at The Firs, Elphinstone Road, Hastings, TN34 2AX. 01424 722241.
For more information, see East Sussex County Council’s welcome guide for people arriving from Ukraine:
Welcome to East Sussex | East Sussex County Council
East Sussex County Council also have a guide for hosts in the Homes for Ukraine scheme:
Welcoming Ukrainian guests to East Sussex | East Sussex County Council
You can also find out about other charities and community groups here:
East Sussex Community Information Service: Home | ESCIS
HVA's member directory: Find A Group | Hastings Voluntary Action
