Voluntary Action Arun & Chichester
Voluntary Action Arun & Chichester
Many people in Arun & Chichester have kindly stepped forward to offer support to people coming into our communities, and organisations are now delivering services specifically for Ukrainians.
This page will be updated regularly as new information and resources become available.
As a result of the outbreak of the war in Ukraine more than 160 000 Ukrainians found safety in the UK. Many of them are experienced and enthusiastic, eager to prove their skills and learn new ones. They are interested in volunteering as a step on their career path as well to socialise and meet new people.
Welcoming a Ukrainian in your team may benefit the organisation, through new approaches and strong motivation to make a difference. At the same time, you as an organisation can help these people settle and become part of the local community.
Many Ukrainian refugees are mothers with little children, they are interested in working flexible hours or remotely.
If you are interested in offering a volunteering role to a Ukrainian or if your feel that your organisation needs some support with integrating a person from another culture, please contact VAAC’s Ukrainian Volunteer Coordinator Nina Olyeynikova nina.olyeynikova@vaac.org.uk
West Sussex County Council – Refugee resettlement in West Sussex. Hosts and guests can speak to the Community Hub for support and advice – email: communities@westsussex.gov.uk or phone: 033 022 27980. Lines are open 9.00am – 5.00pm 7 days a week, including Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.
Ukrainian refugees – welcome to Chichester: information and support from Sanctuary in Chichester
Refugee Support available from West Sussex Libraries
Getting the emotional support you need, A guide for refugees from Ukraine – Mental Health Guide Ukrainian Refugees
Support from Sussex Interpreting Services:
There is full information about our bilingual services on the SIS website but please feel free to get in touch with any questions vikki@sussexinterpreting.org.uk 07951 723671.
SIS has a range of” 20 dedicated language pages that are fully translated and accessible for people speaking other languages. Including resources for newly arrived Ukrainian refugees and their host families here.
Psychology Tools – free translations of Trauma and PTSD Psychoeducational Resources
From The Ukrainian Institute:
Translators for Ukraine has a regularly updated list of volunteer translators and interpreters. Many offer telephone interpreting Ukrainian / English; Russian / English.
Language classes: – a list of English Language classes in west sussex – free to ukrainians unless specified
ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses at Chichester College
Aspire ESOL classes converted
Chichester Conversational language classes
English lessons at the Blue Bell Cocking
For new guests looking for a host: USPUK (Ukraine Sponsorship Pathway UK) is a registered charity (1198784) who work closely with the UK Government and with other trusted charities and voluntary organisations.
Ukraine-UK Resettlement FAQ – An Arun and Chichester Cross Church Initiative. Support hosting of Ukrainian refugees, continue to provide accessible information to hosts, and matching offers of help and practical support. Includes a list of social groups with a particular focus on groups for children and families and language learning groups.
Weekly drop in for Ukrainian Guests
Sanctuary Foundation: brand new free course that has been purpose built to help with the Ukrainian refugee hosting scheme. So far over 1000 people have started learning and we are receiving very positive feedback. We were delighted to partner with Save the Children, Choose Love, Refugee Education UK, Dr Max Davies, ThirtyOne Eight and many others to bring experts, hosts and Ukrainian refugee insights together. We would love for you to make use of the course to help keep Ukrainians as safe and supported as possible. Please take a look and then encourage as many people as you can to start their learning here
The Wick Information Centre and Garden Room Café is open every Tuesday and Thursday morning, from 10 a.m – 12 noon.
They serve coffee, tea, biscuits and cakes and there is no charge. It is open to everyone, and they would particularly like to invite any Ukrainian ladies who are living in Littlehampton and the surrounding area. Children also very welcome. Garden Room Cafe
Calendar of events for and about Ukrainians including social gatherings, fundraisers, religious services, etc.
Wick Information Centre and Garden Room Cafe is open every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 10am – 12 noon.
This is a regular update on Opora activities and developments to the sponsor community registered with Opora.
Opora Update
Communities@westsussex.gov.uk is the hub for inspections.
Petworth Ukrainian Relief clothing hub contact 07725474913 / 07799653140
UKHarvest Fed and Nourished community food hubs – Get the support you need whilst helping to fight food waste at UKHarvest’s Community Food Hub. Access affordable food, learn low-cost cooking, and find support on a range of social issues. Just bring a bag and a suggested donation of £3.50. No one will be turned away.
Turn2Us is a very good website for working out what benefits your guests maybe entitled to and how much.
WSCC Travel Information:
Many areas in West Sussex are covered by the rail network and local bus routes. If you can, please support your guests with practical information such as the location of the closest railway station and bus routes. To welcome all new arrivals to the UK and onto our West Sussex bus services, we are really pleased to be able to offer 12 weeks of free bus travel for your guests. The local bus companies are offering 4 weeks travel and WSCC are providing an additional 8 weeks.
WSCC Travel information
Compass Travel – Refugee Bus Pass Scheme:
At Compass Travel we are aware that a number of people from Ukraine are settling in the areas we serve, we are keen to help them where we can. Due to the anticipated demand, we have had to look at what it is practical and sensible for us to offer refugees coming to live in Sussex and Surrey, we are following Department for Transport and Confederation of Passenger Transport guidance where this is available.
Having given the matter due consideration, we have decided to adopt the following policy.
Compass Travel
Everyone Active Ukrainian Refugee Free Membership
