Refugee help and resources

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RefugeeRadioUK/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/refugeeradio

Refugee Radio runs a weekly mental health support group for refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants. They also provide speciality casework and advice services for refugees and asylum seekers on benefits, housing, health. They are also committed to producing a radio with refugees and asylum seekers with the aim of sharing their stories.

Robin Hood Health Foundation

Address: Brighton Health and Wellbeing Centre, 18-19 Western Road, Brighton, BN3 1AE, GB

Contact number: 01273 712175

Email: contact@robinhoodhealth.org

Website: www.theheraproject.org.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herapartnership/

RHHF offers individual time with a Link Worker to help you access health, advice and other services. They also offer a range of creative groups that are designed to support your mental and physical health, and connect you to others in the community. They are based in a doctor’s practice on Western Road, but anyone in Brighton & Hove who lives with ongoing health worries can access our programmes.

Sanctuary

Address: All Souls Church, Wellesley Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3RJ

Contact number: 07876388782

Email: info@sanctuaryeastbourne.org

Website: https://sanctuaryeastbourne.org/

Sanctuary is an organisation based in Eastbourne, providing a warm and welcoming community for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. They offer access to immigration support, advice, and signposting every Friday between 10:00 - 12:00. They also run English classes across Eastbourne city.

Sanctuary on Sea

Email: info@brightonandhove.cityofsanctuary.org

Website: Sanctuary on Sea - Brighton

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightonSanct/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrightonSanct

Sanctuary on Sea is an organisation working with business, individuals and organisations to foster a welcoming and safe environment for asylum seekers, refugees and migrants. The organisation consists of other groups mentioned here, and has regular dialogue with Brighton & Hove city Council to maintain a city of sanctuary. The organisation coordinates Brighton & Hove Refugee Week, which runs annually every June and aims to celebrate the contribution, creativity and resilience of refugees and asylum seekers.

Student Action For Refugees (STAR)

Email: star@societies.sussexstudent.com

Website: https://star-network.org.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/STARsussex

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starsussex/

STAR is a national charity of 12,000 students working to welcome asylum seekers and refugees to the UK. Since 2014, the University of Sussex has had their own STAR group, thanks to their campaigning efforts the University of Sussex's management now offer two full scholarships to students with Discretionary Leave to Remain in the UK. The local STAR group meets regularly to volunteer at local refugee projects, campaign to improve the lives of refugees, provide education to people about refugees and asylum seekers, and to fundraise.

Sussex Interpreting Services

Address: Community Base, 113 Queens Road, BN1 3XG.

Contact number: 01273 702 005 (You can leave a message in your first language using their Virtual Switchboard and they will get back to you.)

24 Hour Emergency number is held by hospital switchboard and partner organisations: 08009991950

Website: https://sussexinterpreting.org.uk/

Self referral form: Service Users - Sussex Interpreting Services

Email: info@sussexinterpreting.org.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sis.interpreting.services

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sussexinterpret

Sussex Interpreting Services provides a range of support services free to asylum seekers, refugees and migrants. This includes interpreting, translation, social prescribing, health and befriending services. They also provide emergency interpreting for hospitals and mental health teams 24 hours a day,365 days a year. The website is available in 18 different languages. The website has accessible translated information in 33 languages, including their self-referral forms. The website also uses google translate.

Sussex Refugee Solidarity

Facebook: Sussex Refugee Solidarity

Sussex Refugee Solidarity was established by parents in Sussex, with the aim to help refugees resettle in the East and West Sussex area. On their forum, they highlight and signpost events and organisations which can help refugees.

The Launchpad Collective

Website: https://thelaunchpadcollective.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearetlc.org.uk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearetlc_/

The Launchpad Collective works to connect local businesses and refugees seeking employment. It provides job seeking support to refugees, in a variety of forms including through volunteering and work experience.

The Links Project

Address (Hastings): Central Hall, 6B Station Road, Hastings, East Sussex TN34 1NG

Address (Eastbourne): All Souls Church Hall, Wellesley Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 3RJ

Contact number: 07752495508

Website: http://hastingsvoluntaryaction.org.uk/member/3465

The Links Project is a multi-agency support and advice project for asylum seekers, refugees and migrants living in East Sussex. They run a weekly drop-in at Central Hall in Hastings on Wednesday between 11:00 - 15:00. They also attend a drop-in service at Eastbourne every Friday 10:00 - 12:00 and provide phone support during the week. These services aim to provide access to support and advice in a range of areas including healthcare, immigration advice and welfare benefits.

Thousand 4 £1000

Email: admin@thousand4thousand.org.uk

Website: https://www.thousand4thousand.org.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thousand41000/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thousandfor1000/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThousandFor1000

Thousand 4 £1000 is a charity which pools together small donations to provide temporary housing for migrants without a documented right to reside in the UK. They regularly attend the Jollof Cafe, offering advice to refugees and migrants. The Jollof Cafe is the first point of contact for anyone seeking help from Thousand 4 £1000

Trust for Developing Communities

Contact number: 01273234769

Email: info@trustdevcom.org.uk

Website: www.trustdevcom.org.uk

TDC offers free, confidential, and non-judgemental support services to people from ethnically or culturally diverse communities or backgrounds, and specifically for newcomers, migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Their team have personal MRAS experience and can help you to know your rights, find information and access help and support in Brighton and Hove. They can help you to learn about the support available to you and to find the help you need, including; health and social care, mental health and wellbeing, housing, education, community and social support, family support, money and benefits, community safety, language translation and digital access. They offer one to one support to individuals and families and peer support groups that provide opportunities for people to meet, learn, socialise, and support each other. They also run a Multicultural Employability Service supporting people with training, volunteering, and accessing employment.

Voices in Exile

Address: Fitzherbert Centre, 36 Upper Bedford Street, Brighton, BN2 1JP

Contact Number: 01273328598

https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brightonvoicesinexile/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voicesinexile/

Voices in Exile offers practical and legal support, including general to specialist immigration advice up to OISC Level 2. The services are for refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants who have no access to public funds or cannot afford private legal advice in East and West Sussex and Surrey. They also provide advice outside the legal field, including Welfare, housing, homelessness and children/adult community care.

They operate two advice phone lines on 0127308205: Tuesday between 13:30 - 15:30 is the Immigration Advice Line for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants with no access to legal aid. Thursday 12:00 - 14:00 is the Generalist Advice Line open to offering support with housing, community, welfare, destitution.

You can also contact Voices in Exile by email for advice on both the legal support or general support at advice@voicesinexile.org

They run four weekly groups that focus on supporting Asylum seekers, refugees and migrants with life in Brighton. These groups run Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 10:00 - 13:00. If you are interested in these groups or want more information, contact Hayat Shehab via email hayat.shehab@voicesinexile.org or phone 07526072347.

Worthing 4 Refugees

Contact number: 07833617997

Email: info@worthing4refugees.org.uk

Website: https://worthing4refugees.org.uk/

Worthing 4 Refugees is a local christian group who welcomes refugees to Worthing. Their aim is to make Worthing a place of safety, integration and justice for refugees. Working together with West Sussex County Council, Worthing Borough Council, The Good Faith Partnership and the Home office, they have begun welcoming Syrian refugee families into Worthing and helping them integrate with their local community.

Physical health and Wellbeing

What an asylum seeker/refugee is entitled to from the NHS

An asylum seeker or refugee is entitled to healthcare provided by the NHS.

The NHS can provide you with an interpretation service. You will have to inform each healthcare professional who will check on the interpretation booking process.

If you are an asylum seeker you will have been issued a HC2 certificate when you first receive support and housing from the UK Home Office. This will allow you to access some NHS services free of charge. There may be some variations into what a HC2 form can grant you access to, depending on the service. This will be mentioned in each section.

You can also receive a HC2 certificate if you:

are refused asylum seeker (someone whose claim has been denied and all subsequent appeals were unsuccessful)
have limited leave to enter or remain subject to a condition that prevents you from access to public funds
have no leave to remain in the UK at the present time (undocumented).

In times of emergency please call 999. This line will connect you with a trained call handler who will ask questions and guide you on the next actions depending on the situations.

General Practice (GP)

A General Practice (GP) is a doctor that can treat all common medical conditions and refer you to the hospital or specialist care if needed. Refugees and asylum seekers can see a GP for free without any charges with a HC2 form.

To register with a GP, you can use the NHS GP search engine to find a one near you. Click here: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp. You then enter your postcode, which will bring up a list of GPs near you.

Once you have found a GP you would like to attend, you can register with them online, on their website, by simply filling out your details and completing a short questionnaire on your medical history. After this, you will receive either an email or a text confirming your registration. It might take a while for the GP to process your information so you might not be able to access the GP straight away but the practice will inform you when you can.

If you cannot register online, then you can contact the GP either by phone or email to ask to be registered as a patient. They might ask you to fill out a GMS1 form, which asks for your information and medical history.

If they do ask for a GMS1 form, you can find the link here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/gms1

You do not need proof of ID to register with a GP, but it might help if you have one of the following:

Passport
Birth Certificate
HC2 Certificate
Hostel or accommodation registration or mail forwarding letter.

Pharmacies and Prescriptions

Pharmacies are shops that can provide you with pharmaceutical drugs and other products. Pharmacists are experts in medicine and can help you with minor health concerns. For minor illnesses such as coughs, colds, stomach problems, aches, and pains, they can provide clinical advice and over-the-counter medicine.

It is recommended that if you have any minor health concern, that is not life-threatening, you can discuss these with a pharmacist. They have trained for 5 years in the use of medicine and if your symptoms are something more serious, then they will recommend you to see your GP, nurse or any healthcare professional. Most pharmacies are open late and on weekends, when GP surgeries are closed and some may offer a private room where you can discuss your concern without being overheard.

Please note that pharmacies in the UK might be different from what you are used to. Here, the pharmacist cannot give you antibiotics without a prescription from a GP (doctor). You also need to get the full course of drugs all at once; you cannot get them in separate batches.

To find a pharmacist in Brighton and Hove, and their opening times, please click the link below which will take you to the NHS Pharmacies near Brighton & Hove page: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy/results/Brighton%20and%20Hove?latitude=50.82361790365294&longitude=-0.14355299297131546

To find a pharmacist in Lewes and their opening times, please click the link below which will take you to the NHS Pharmacies near Lewes page: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy/results/Lewes?latitude=50.87313925934674&longitude=0.010400927247490949

To find a pharmacist in Worthing and their opening times, please click the link below which will take you to the NHS Pharmacies near worthing page: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy/results/Worthing?latitude=50.81425698817715&longitude=-0.37122236840174366

The GP might prescribe you some medicine to which you will have to go to the pharmacist, these prescriptions will cost unless you have a HC2. The current cost for prescription is £9.90.

Dentist

You are also entitled to a dentist through the NHS, to treat any pain or discomfort in the teeth or gums.

The NHS will provide clinical necessary treatment to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy and pain free. The decision on which treatment is necessary and appropriate will be based on clinical assessment and judgement of the dentist. You should be informed about the treatment, including the risks and benefits. If you would like more information about any treatment a dentist is recommending, ask the dentist and they are obliged to tell you. Ultimately you will get the final decision on whether to go through with the treatment or not.

Please note, that dentist treatment is not fully free and there is a cost depending on the treatment band. In order to receive free dental treatment you must have an HC2 certificate.

Registering for a NHS dentist is different from a GP. Most dentists in the UK are private and offer some spaces to NHS patients. Therefore you will need to search for a dentist that suits your needs, location, and contact the dentist surgery. You must then ask if they are taking on NHS patients. Some will not always have the capacity to take on new NHS patients. If that is the case, then you may have to join a waiting list or contact different dentists.

To find a dentist in or near you, click the link below which will take you to the NHS search engine. Simply type in your postcode to find dentist surgeries near you:

It is fair to say that there is a shortage of dentists in the area and that there can be a long wait for treatment. Please contact the NHS customer centre on 03003112233, if you cannot find a dentist accepting new NHS patients. Only contact the centre after trying several dentist surgeries. The NHS England commissions dental surgery and it is required to meet the needs of the local population in accessing dental care.

If you are in acute pain (very bad), then please contact 111 to get in touch with an urgent or out of hours dentist. Do not contact your GP, as they cannot offer any dental surgeries.

Opticians

You are also entitled to a visit to an optician. An optician is a healthcare professional who examines eyes, tests vision, diagnoses vision problems, and prescribes corrective lenses.

Please note that you are only entitled to one free eye test every two years with an HC2 certificate.

To find affiliated NHS opticians, please use the NHS search engine linked below. Simply type in your postcode to find the nearest optician to you.

https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-an-optician

Please note that some opticians only accept NHS patients if they are a certain age. To save you any confusion here is a list of opticians that are nationwide and accept any NHS patient for a free eye test:

Boots
Specsavers
Vision Express

*Please note that we accept no responsibility for, nor do we endorse the services offered by these opticians.

After receiving your eye test, you should receive a prescription or a statement to say you have been referred for further tests. If you require corrective lenses, you can be entitled to a NHS voucher for glasses or lens. The value of the voucher will depend on the strength of your prescription. If your glasses or lenses cost exceed the voucher, then you will have to pay the difference. These vouchers can be redeemed at any supplier as long as they accept the NHS voucher, the three opticians mentioned above accept these vouchers.

You should not feel like you have to redeem the vouchers from the place where you had your eye test. You can take your time and look for the best option for you.

Click on the link below to explore the different vouchers:

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/opticians/nhs-voucher-values-for-glasses-and-lenses/

When to go to A&E

The A&E department (also called the emergency or casualty department) is responsible for dealing with genuine life-threatening injuries. These injuries can vary but include: loss of consciousness, sudden state of confusion, severe bleeding that cannot be stopped, severe allergic reactions, severe burns, major traumas, difficulty breathing and feelings of self-harm or suicide. This department is open 24/7 and depending on your injury there may be a wait to be seen by a medical practitioner.

A&E is for emergency injuries, if you are unsure on whether you need to go to this department then please call 111.

Phoning 111

If you are unsure whether you need urgent medical care or if you’re not sure what to do, then contact the NHS 111 services. You can either use your phone and dial 111, free of charge, and talk to an operator who will advise you on the next steps to receive medical help.

This service can provide an interpretation service to those who cannot or prefer not to speak English. Using the interpreter is confidential. To access this service, you just need to ask the operator for an interpreter.

Or you can go to the NHS website (this website is only for ages 5 and up): https://111.nhs.uk/?utm_source=nhsuk&utm_campaign=nhs_services&utm_content=nhs_111

Depending on the situation, the 111 service will:

Find what local services can help
Connect you to a nurse, emergency dentist, pharmacist or GP.
Arrange a face-to-face appointment if you need one
Be given an arrival time if you need to go to A&E (this might lower your wait time in A&E)
Be given information on how to get any medicine you need.
Receive self-care advice.

The NHS 111 service is open 24/7, regardless of any national holidays.

Urgent Care services

If you are not registered with a GP practice or need to see a doctor sooner than you can get a GP appointment, Urgent Treatment Centres or other urgent care services can provide medical help; when it is not a life threatening emergency.

They can help with things like:

Sprains and strains
Suspected broken bones
Injuries, cuts and bruises
Stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea
Skin infections and rashes
High temperature in children and adults
Mental health concerns

A prescription can be arranged for you if you need one. There are also emergency contraception options available.

Urgent Care Centre in Brighton & Hove

Brighton Station NHS Walk in

Address: Aspect House, 84-87 Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XE

Contact number: 03333210946

Opening times: Monday to Sunday 8:00 - 20:00, including bank holidays

Website: https://www.practiceplusbrightonstation.nhs.uk/walk-in-services/

Practice Plus at Brighton Station provides a Walk-In Centre that can provide advice and treatment for a number of minor illnesses and injuries. To be sure you understand whether this service is right for your needs, check the website above before attending. You do not need to make an appointment.

Urgent Treatment Centre in Eastbourne

Eastbourne District General Hospital

Address: Kings Drive, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 2UD

Contact number: 03001314500

Opening times: 24 hours

Website: https://www.esht.nhs.uk/eastbourne-dgh/

Urgent Treatment Centre at Eastbourne District General Hospital, provides advice and treatment for minor injuries or illness that are not life-threatening. This is a walk in service, you do not need to make an appointment.

Urgent Care Centre in Lewes

Lewes Victoria Hospital Urgent Treatment Centre

Address: Nevill Road, Lewes, BN7 1PF

Contact number: 01273474153

Opening times: Monday to Sunday 8:00- 20:00, including bank holidays

Website: https://www.sussexcommunity.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/services/urgent-treatment-centre-lewes-victoria-hospital

Urgent Treatment Centre at Lewes Victoria Hospital, provides advice and treatment for minor injuries or illness that are not life-threatening. This is a walk in service, you do not need to make an appointment.

Urgent Care Centre in Worthing

Worthing Urgent Treatment Centre

Address: Lyndhurst Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 2DH

Contact number: 0190320511

Opening times: Monday to Sunday 8:00- 20:00, including bank holidays

Website: https://www.nhs.uk/services/clinic/worthing-urgent-treatment-centre-utc/NWR12

Urgent Treatment Centre at Worthing Urgent Treatment Centre, provides advice and treatment for minor injuries or illness that are not life-threatening. This is a walk in service, you do not need to make an appointment.

A&E Hospitals across Sussex

Conquest Hospital

Address: The Ridge, St Leonards-on sea, East Sussex

Contact number: 03001314500

Website: https://www.esht.nhs.uk/conquest-hospital/

Located in Hastings, the Conquest Hospital has a 24/7 emergency department. It also has other departments including Orthopaedics, maternity services and more. To find out more about the departments in the hospital, click the link above.

Eastbourne District General Hospital

Address: Kings Drive, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 2UD

Contact number: 03001314500

Website: https://www.esht.nhs.uk/eastbourne-dgh/

This hospital is Eastbourne main Accident and Emergency hospital. If you have an emergency, in Eastbourne, it is more than likely that you will be directed to this hospital, but it also has many other departments, including Dermatology, Children & Adolescent Service and more. To find more about the facilities at this hospital click the link above.

Princess Royal Hospital

Address: Lewes Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 4EX

Contact: 01444441881

Website: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/hospitals/princess-royal-hospital/

This hospital is located just outside Burgess Hill, it has a dedicated Accident and Emergency department but it also has many other departments including General Surgery, Ear, Nose & Throat and more. To find more about the facilities at this hospital click the link above.

Royal Sussex County Hospital

Address: Eastern Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 5BE

Contact number: 01273696955

Website: https://www.bsuh.nhs.uk/

This hospital is Brighton and Hove's main Accident and Emergency hospital. If you have an emergency it is more than likely that you will be directed to this hospital, but it also has many other departments, including Maternity services, Dementia services, Diabetic medicine and many more. To find more about the facilities at this hospital click the link above.

Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital

Address: Eastern Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 5BE

Contact number: 01273696955

Website: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/hospitals/royal-alexandra-childrens-hospital/

Located on the same grounds as the Royal Sussex County Hospital, this is a dedicated children's hospital with a specialised A&E service for children. They also have other departments including maternity services, speech and language therapy and more. To find out more about the facilities in the hospital click the link above.

St Richard’s Hospital

Address: Spitalfield Lane, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 6SE

Contact number: 01243788122

Website: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/hospitals/st-richards-hospital/

This hospital is located in Chichester and has an Accident and Emergency department but it also has many other departments including Diabetes, Dermatology and more. To find more about the facilities at this hospital click the link above.

Worthing Hospital

Address: Lyndhurst Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 2DH

Contact number: 01903205111

Website: https://www.westernsussexhospitals.nhs.uk/

This hospital is Worthing's main Accident and Emergency hospital. If you have an emergency, in West Sussex, it is more than likely that you will be directed to this hospital. This hospital has a separate emergency department for children staffed by specialist paediatric nurses. To find more about the facilities at this hospital click the link above.

Healthwatch

Healthwatch is a national watchdog with local services throughout Sussex, acting as the independent voice of the people. Their goal is to place people at the centre of health and social care by listening to your feedback on these services. They also provide information about your health and wellbeing options, helping with any concerns or complaints you may have. Healthwatch has three local branches in Sussex. Please see below to find your nearest Healthwatch:

Healthwatch Brighton & Hove

Address: 113 Queens Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 3XG

Contact number: 01273234041

Email: office@healthwatchbrightonandhove.co.uk

Website: https://www.healthwatchbrightonandhove.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healthwatchbrightonandhove

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthwatchbh/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HealthwatchBH

Healthwatch East Sussex

Address: Unit 31, The Old Printworks, 1 Commercial Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3XE

Contact number: 0331014007

Email: enquires@healthwatcheastsussex.co.uk

Website: https://healthwatcheastsussex.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healthwatchesussex

Twitter: https://twitter.com/healthwatches

Healthwatch West Sussex

Address: A49 Aerodrome Studios, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 3TS

Contact number: 03000120122

Email: helpdesk@healthwatchwestsussex.co.uk

Website: https://www.healthwatchwestsussex.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healthwatchwestsussex/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/healthwatchws

Living with HIV

Sussex Beacon

Address: 10 Bevendean Road, Brighton, BN2 4DE

Contact number: 01273694222

Email: info@sussexbeacon.org.uk

Website: https://www.sussexbeacon.org.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesussexbeacon/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sussexbeacon/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sussexbeacon

Sussex Beacon provides specialist care and support to people living with HIV, around Sussex. Operating from their Brighton centre, their service promotes independence and improves health and wellbeing through providing inpatient and outpatient services.

Sport and fitness organisations

Ramblers Wellbeing Walks

Contact Number: 020369613300

Email: ramblers@ramblers.zendesk.com

Website: https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/wellbeing-walks

Ramblers Wellbeing Walks are free, short walks taking place across England. There is no need to book, just arrive 5 minutes before the start. Use their website and put in your location to find a location near you!

Virtual Village Hall

Website: https://virtualvillagehall.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VirtualVillageHall

Run by the Royal Volunteer Service, the Virtual Village Hall offers a programme of themed online sessions led by expert tutors, including sport activities. There are live activities and pre-recorded activities with access 24 hours a day. Every week the programme for the week ahead, is posted on their facebook page.

Brighton & Hove sport and fitness organisations

Active for Life

Website: https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/libraries-leisure-and-arts/sport-and-activity/active-life

Contact number: 01273294589

Email: healthylifestyles@brighton-hove.gov.uk

Active for Life is a city wide programme run by Brighton & Hove City Council. They offer a wide range of free or low cost physical activities across the city and online, catering for different abilities. Take a look at their programme to see what is coming up!

Away from home VYD CIC

Website: https://www.vydcic.org/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/vyd_cic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vyd_cic/

A community football group open to all refugees and asylum seekers, VYD CIC combines fun with structure and professionalism. Their aim is to provide a safe space to focus on having fun and playing with like minded people, as well as improving asylum seekers and refugees english. They offer free sessions with a qualified experienced coach who oversees the weekly training. Please use the contact VYD CIC for more information, using the links above.

Brighton Natural Health Foundation and Brighton Yoga Foundation Teachers

Address:Community Base, 113 Queens Road, BN1 3XG

Website: https://www.bnhf.org/community-classes/

A free yoga class for women refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants every Tuesday from 13:00 - 14:00 at the Community Base. This class specialises in Iyengar yoga, focused on correct alignment, sequencing of postures, safety and progression. It is open to all abilities, and they use blocks, belts and chairs to assist students to overcome their difficulties and realise their full potential. Please use the email above to book yourself for this class as there are limited spaces. They also offer a series of yoga online classes, from gentle yoga to chair yoga, please see the website above for more details.

Brighton Table Tennis Club

Address: The Fitzherbert’s Centre, 36 Upper Bedford St, BN2 1JP

Contact Number: 01273670145

Email: info@brightontabletennisclub.com

Website: https://brightontabletennisclub.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brightonttc/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightonttc/?hl=en-gb

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bttcofficial?lang=en

Brighton Table Tennis Club is a charity working with individuals of all ages, including refugees and asylum seekers. It aims to improve health, celebrate diversity and build a community. The club has a full time centre with ten tables in Kemptown and runs over 200 tables across Brighton & Hove. Sessions are free and you are encouraged to join, even if you have never played table tennis before! The club is the first recognised Club of Sanctuary for its work with refugees, players are invited to join in multiple sessions with the hope of building friendships and a community in Brighton & Hove. If you are interested then please use the links above to find out more information.

Nam Yang Brighton Community Association

Address: 93B London Road, BN1 4JF OR Hove Methodist Church, Portland Road, Hove, BN3 5DR

Contact number: 07521994425

Email: info@namyangbrighton.co.uk

Website: https://www.namyangbrighton.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NamYangBrightoMartialArts/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/namyangbrighton/

A community based martial arts club, Nam Yang Brighton aim is to create a diverse community within Brighton & Hove to improve physical and mental health and assist you to be more confident. The club teaches a mixture of traditional martial arts and combat sports, including Shuang Yang soft style Tai, Chi Gong meditation, Tiger Crane, Jung Fu, Kickboxing, San Da Kickboxing, Savate Kickboxing, Boxing, Wrestling and Shailon. Offering a relaxed, safe and friendly environment, their classes are open to everyone of all ages. Nam Yang is the first Martial arts club to be awarded a Club of Sanctuary, and offers spaces for refugees and asylum seekers to join. If you are interested please use the links above to get more information.

Salaam FC - Football club

Contact number: 07405784156

Email: salaamfc@gmail.com

Salaam FC is community run for boys and girls aged 10-16, many of whom are refugees. It is focused on integrating young people from diverse communities in Brighton & Hove to make friends and have fun. It has 40 young people in the club and has a team in the local football league. They hold free football sessions throughout the year, most of which is at Hove park. If you are interested in joining or you have a family member that would like to join then please use the contact details above to find out more information.

Eastbourne sport and fitness organisations

Eastbourne Borough FC 'Spirit of Football' squad

Address: Priory Lane, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN32 7QH

Email: youth.development@ebfc.co.uk

Website: https://www.ebfc.co.uk/

Eastbourne Borough FC, Spirit of Football squad is a free football squad for boys and girls aged between 5 to 16 years old, with any form of mental or physical disability. If you are interested then please use the contact details above to express your interest.

Eastbourne parkrun

Address: Shinewater Park, Eastbourne

Email: eastbourne@parkrun.com

Website: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/eastbourne/

A free 5k weekly community event, that people can take at their own pace, walk, run or jog, even just spectate or volunteer. Use the website above to learn the time and meeting location.

East Sussex Health Walks

Website: https://www.tcv.org.uk/southeast/volunteer-south-east/east-sussex-healthy-walks/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eastsussexhealthwalksTCV

Offering free one hour weekly walks across East Sussex, anyone can join and there is no need to book; just turn up 10 minutes before the start time. They hold multiple walks across Eastbourne, see their programme on the website. Please note that dogs are welcome on the walks.

Lewes sport and fitness organisations

Keep Fit - Kings Church

Address: Kings Church, Brooks Road, Lewes, BN7 2BY

Contact number: 01273486182

Email: office@kingschurchlewes.org

Website: http://www.kingschurchlewes.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kings.Church.Lewes

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingschurchlewes/

Kings church has a free keep fit group. It is a space where people can come together, get fit and follow a fitness DVD. Gym mats and weights provided, open to all fitness levels, ages and children are welcome too. To find out more information, including their meeting times and dates, look at their website.

Lewes FC Football Therapy

Email: Joshua@lewesfc.com

Website: https://lewesfc.com/teams/community-teams/

Lewes FC Football Therapy project brings together those who are struggling with their mental health and love football together. The sessions are an hour long, available to anyone over the age of 16. If you are interested, please contact the email address above.

East Sussex Health Walks

Website: https://www.tcv.org.uk/southeast/volunteer-south-east/east-sussex-healthy-walks/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eastsussexhealthwalksTCV

Offering free one hour weekly walks across East Sussex, anyone can join and there is no need to book; just turn up 10 minutes before the start time. They have a regular walk in Lewes, please see their programme on the website. Please note that dogs are welcome on the walks.

Worthing sport and fitness organisations

Worthing Health Walks

Website: https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/sport-and-leisure/play-a-sport/walking/#page-content

There are multiple walking groups in Worthing offering a variety of routes and distances. All abilities are welcome, and there is a chance to socialise during the walk and afterwards. Please see the website below to find the different walking groups.

Worthing parkrun

Address: Worthing Promenade, Brighton Road, Worthing, BN11 2EN

Email: worthing@parkrun.com

Website: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/worthing/

A free 5k weekly community event, that people can take at their own pace, walk, run or jog, even just spectate or volunteer. Use the website above to learn the time and meeting location.

Mental Wellbeing and Mental Health

Brighton & Hove Mental Health Overview

Feeling unable to cope, worried you may hurt yourself or somebody else and/or experiencing suicidal feelings?

For immediate help
If your life - or someone else's life - is in immediate danger, please call 999 or go to A&E.

For same or next day help
You can get help with your mental health in different ways depending on what you prefer. All services are free.

Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option (also known as the Sussex Mental Healthline) or the Samaritans on 116 123 (both available 24/7)
Visit a Staying Well service (out-of-hours mental health crisis support service for people aged 18+ available in Brighton
Text the word SUSSEX to 85258 (24/7 mental health text-messaging support service).
Download the Stay Alive app - a suicide prevention resource full of useful information and tools to help you stay safe in crisis.

Feeling stressed, anxious, low or experiencing panic attacks?

The following are services that you can either contact directly (details below) or be referred by a GP.

NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression

If you live in Brighton & Hove, are over 18 and are struggling with common mental health problems such as feelings of depression, excessive worry, social anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), you can refer yourself to your NHS Talking Therapies Brighton & Hove - https://www.brightonandhovewellbeing.org

Services are free, confidential and provide a wide range of support, including courses, online programmes and one-to-one sessions. They aim to help you understand your symptoms and take practical steps to improve your mental health.

NHS Talking Therapies is unable to provide urgent mental health help or support to people experiencing more severe difficulties with their mental health. Instead, please see a GP who can refer you to the appropriate service.

Mental health support at your GP surgery
If you have a diagnosed mental illness or are having difficulties with your mental health and would like coping strategies to help, you can get support with your mental health from the Emotional Wellbeing Service, or similar service, at most GP surgeries. These services can provide you with information, advice, guidance and support. Contact your GP surgery to find out what mental health support is available.

Experiencing a significant change in your mental health?
You should call NHS 111 or visit NHS 111 online for advice if you - or the person you are concerned about - experience a significant change in your mental health and are not already receiving care from mental health services.

This might include:

Hearing or seeing things that are not experienced by other people, for example hearing voices
Having strong beliefs that are not shared by others, for example believing there is a conspiracy against you
Having excessive energy or movements, sleeping very little
Behaving in a bizarre and out of character way
Changes in behaviour like wanting to avoid people, lack of basic self-care.

Whilst these can be normal experiences, they can also be signs of something more serious.

Worried about money, housing or another issue that is affecting your mental health?
There are lots of ways you can get practical help with issues that may be affecting your mental health.

Money worries and cost of living support www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/cost-living-support
Help with housing www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/housing
Support for people affected by domestic abuse www.safeinsussex.co.uk
Drug and alcohol recovery support www.changegrowlive.org/brighton-hove

Social Prescribing service at your GP surgery
Social Prescribers can connect you to support, services and activities to help address the challenges and issues you may be struggling with. Ask your GP or GP surgery if they have a Social Prescribing service. Waiting times differ between GP surgeries.

Where to find advice and information about local mental health support

Not sure what support you need or would like? There are several community based groups that can support you with your mental health, whether you have a diagnosed mental illness or need short-term help or advice about your mental health. Find out what’s available in your area.

Call UOK Brighton & Hove on: 0808 196 1768. Lines are open Monday – Friday 9am - 5pm (excluding bank holidays) or you can arrange a call back by visiting www.uok.org.uk/talk-to-us Visit: www.uok.org.uk
If you are a carer for someone with a mental health difficulty: www.thecarerscentre.org

East Sussex Mental Health Overview

Feeling unable to cope, worried you may hurt yourself or somebody else and/or experiencing suicidal feelings?

For immediate help
If your life - or someone else's life - is in immediate danger, please call 999 or go to A&E.

For same or next day help
You can get help with your mental health in different ways depending on what you prefer. All services are free.

Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option (also known as the Sussex Mental Healthline) or the Samaritans on 116 123 (both available 24/7)
Visit a Staying Well service (out-of-hours mental health crisis support service for people aged 18+ available in Brighton
Text the word SUSSEX to 85258 (24/7 mental health text-messaging support service).
Download the Stay Alive app - a suicide prevention resource full of useful information and tools to help you stay safe in crisis.

Feeling stressed, anxious, low or experiencing panic attacks?

The following are services that you can either contact directly (details below) or be referred by a GP.

NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression

If you live in East Sussex, are over 18 and are struggling with common mental health problems such as feelings of depression, excessive worry, social anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), you can refer yourself to your NHS Talking Therapies Brighton & Hove - www.healthinmind.org.uk

This might include:

Hearing or seeing things that are not experienced by other people, for example hearing voices
Having strong beliefs that are not shared by others, for example believing there is a conspiracy against you
Having excessive energy or movements, sleeping very little
Behaving in a bizarre and out of character way
Changes in behaviour like wanting to avoid people, lack of basic self-care.

Whilst these can be normal experiences, they can also be signs of something more serious.

Worried about money, housing or another issue that is affecting your mental health?
There are lots of ways you can get practical help with issues that may be affecting your mental health.

Money worries and cost of living support www.eastsussex.gov.uk/community/cost-of-living-support
Help with housing www.eastsussex.gov.uk/community/housing
Support for people affected by domestic abuse www.eastsussex.gov.uk//children-families/family-support/domestic-abuse
Drug and alcohol recovery support www.changegrowlive.org/star-drug-alcohol-service-east-sussex/drugs

Where to find advice and information about local mental health support

Call UOK Brighton & Hove on: 0808 196 1768. Lines are open Monday – Friday 9am - 5pm (excluding bank holidays) or you can arrange a call back by visiting www.uok.org.uk/talk-to-us Visit: www.uok.org.uk or www.eastsussex.gov.uk/social-care/healthadvice/mental-health/east-sussex-mental-health-directory
If you are a carer for someone with a mental health difficulty: www.eastsussex.gov.uk/social-care/health-advice/mental-health/eastsussex-mental-health-directory/carers

West Sussex Mental Health Overview

Feeling unable to cope, worried you may hurt yourself or somebody else and/or experiencing suicidal feelings?

For immediate help
If your life - or someone else's life - is in immediate danger, please call 999 or go to A&E.

For same or next day help
You can get help with your mental health in different ways depending on what you prefer. All services are free.

Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option (also known as the Sussex Mental Healthline) or the Samaritans on 116 123 (both available 24/7)
Visit a Staying Well service (out-of-hours mental health crisis support service for people aged 18+ available in Brighton
Text the word SUSSEX to 85258 (24/7 mental health text-messaging support service).
Download the Stay Alive app - a suicide prevention resource full of useful information and tools to help you stay safe in crisis.

Feeling stressed, anxious, low or experiencing panic attacks?

The following are services that you can either contact directly (details below) or be referred by a GP.

NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression

This might include:

Hearing or seeing things that are not experienced by other people, for example hearing voices
Having strong beliefs that are not shared by others, for example believing there is a conspiracy against you
Having excessive energy or movements, sleeping very little
Behaving in a bizarre and out of character way
Changes in behaviour like wanting to avoid people, lack of basic self-care.

Whilst these can be normal experiences, they can also be signs of something more serious.

Worried about money, housing or another issue that is affecting your mental health?
There are lots of ways you can get practical help with issues that may be affecting your mental health.

Money worries and cost of living support www.westsussex.gov.uk/leisure-recreation-and-community/cost-of-living
Help with housing www.westsussex.gov.uk/land-waste-and-housing/housing
Support for people affected by domestic abuse www.safeinsussex.co.uk
Drug and alcohol recovery support www.changegrowlive.org/drug-alcohol-wellbeing-network-west-sussex

Where to find advice and information about local mental health support

Pathfinder is an alliance of mental health support providers, covering seven areas in West Sussex - Littlehampton, Horsham, Worthing, Crawley, Chichester, Midhurst and Adur. Visit: www.pathfinderwestsussex.org.uk
If you are a carer for someone with a mental health difficulty: www.carerssupport.org.uk and www.carerssupport.org.uk/mental-health

Mental Wellbeing Organisations

Bramber Bakehouse

Address: PO BOX 3197, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 3NW

Contact number: 03333447532

Email: hello@bramberbakehouse.co.uk

Website: https://bramberbakehouse.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bramberbakehouse

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bramberbakehouse/?hl=en

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bramberbake

Bramber Bakehouse provides support to women victims of abuse, human trafficking and asylum seekers and refugees. Their programme includes baking workshops, access to wellbeing sessions, peer support groups, life skills sessions and befriending service to build a community of women across Sussex.

Brighton Womens Centre

Address: 22 Richmond Place, BN2 9NA

Email: admin@womenscentre.org.uk

Website: https://womenscentre.org.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brightonwomenscentre/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BTNWomensCentre

Brighton Women's Centre offers support to all self-identifying women in Sussex, including asylum seekers, refugees and migrants. They run a variety of programmes, focused on helping women lead independent lives by reducing inequalities and promoting independence in a women-only safe place and women specific services. Services include, support services, toyBox project, womens counselling, accommodation support and holistic Therapy.

They also run well-being activities and women’s peer to peer support groups, designed to create a safe place, developing new skills, relationships, and improving your engagement in the local community. If you are interested, please take a look at their website to understand more of what they offer

Conversation Over Borders

Postal Address: Community Base, 113 Queens Road, BN1 3XG

Email: wellbeing@converstationoverborders.org

Website: https://www.conversationoverborders.org/

Conversation Over Borders is an asylum seeker and refugee organisation focused on bringing people together. They run an online Wellbeing Project, which include weekly peer-to-peer support groups; for Arabic speakers, for women, for parents and a mixed group for all. As well as a Tea & Talk session, where individuals join to play a game in an informal setting. The aim is to bring individuals together and build a community in the UK. If you are interested then please use the information above to contact the organisation.

Going Local

Contact number: 0190322122

Website: https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/community-wellbeing/going-local/

For those living in the Adur or Worthing area, the Going Local service connects you to a social prescriber giving you a safe place to talk about your worries that are affecting your health and wellbeing and connect you to support available in your local area. To access this service, you can ask your GP surgery for a social prescribing referral or you can complete the form on the website.

Holding Space

Address: 7 Hyde Gardens, Eastbourne, BN21 4PN

Contact number: 01323315005

Email: contact@holdingspace.org.uk

Website: https://www.holdingspace.org.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Eastbourneholdingspace

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastbourneholdingspace/

Hold Space is a charity supporting family mental health in East Sussex. Supporting parents/carers whose children are struggling with mental health, providing safe and informal spaces for parents/carers to come together. Offering a range of support sessions, from 1:1 support to Coffee mornings.

Men in Sheds

Email: meninsheds@fabrica.org.uk

Website: https://medium.com/men-in-sheds

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meninshedskemptown/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/meninshedskt

A non-refugee based organisation that aims to offer men a welcoming space for skill-sharing and informal learning. It is a place of leisure where men come together to work on a mixture of visual arts projects. Run by Fabrica, the project aims to reduce isolation and nurture mental health and wellbeing in men from all over Brighton and Hove. If you are interested, you can either send an email or message them on their social media pages.

Recovery Partners

Email: info@recovery-partners.org.uk

Website: https://recovery-partners.org.uk/

Working across East Sussex, Recovery Partners run peer-led projects to help improve individuals' wellbeing and recovery.

Refugee Radio

Address: Community Base, 113 Queens Road, BN1 3XG

Contact number: 01273234868

Email: info@regugeeradio.org.uk

Refugee Radio runs a weekly mental health support group for refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants suffering from stress and especially those with PTSD. The project also runs regular social activities, aimed to assist your mental health. If you are interested in joining, please use the contact details above to express interest.

Robin Hood Health Foundation

Address: WellBN, 18-19 Western Road, Hove BN3 1AE

Contact number: 01273 712175

Email: contact@robinhoodhealth.org

Website: https://www.theheraproject.org.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herapartnership/

RHHF offers individual time with a Link Worker to help you access health, advice and other services. They also offer a range of creative groups, including cooking/recipe sharing, art and dance. These are designed to support your mental and physical health, and connect you to others in the community. They can access NHS interpreters to help people take part.

Sanctuary

Address: Wellesley Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3RJ

Contact number: 07876388782

Email: hellosanctuarycafe@gmail.com

Website: https://sanctuaryeastbourne.org/

Sanctuary is an organisation based in Eastbourne, providing a warm and welcoming community for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. At their weekly Friday Gathering between 10:00 - 12:00, they offer social space and an art table for refugee and asylum seekers to meet. They also have a Ladies only room offering a supportive environment.

The Hummingbird Project

Address: BMECP Centre, 10A Fleet Street, BN1 4ZE

Email: enquiries@hummingbirdproject.org.uk

Website: https://www.hummingbirdproject.org.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hummingbirduk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hummingbird.project/?hl=en

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hummingbirdbtn

The Hummingbird Project provides wellbeing support for young refugees and asylum seekers based in Brighton and Hove. This includes 1:1 specialised wellbeing services; social club running every Monday for all young people aged 14-25 years old; Young Leaders group meeting every Wednesday; and weekly education support sessions on Tuesday at the BMECP Centre.

Together Co

Address: Projects The Lanes, Nile House, Nile Street, Brighton, BN1 1HW

Contact number: 01273775888

Email: hello@togetherco.org.uk

Website: https://togetherco.org.uk/

Together Co offers befriending and social prescribing services in Brighton & Hove, to connect people with their local community, improve wellbeing and to ensure that no one is lonely.

Trust for Developing Communities

Contact number: 01273234769

Email: info@trustdevcom.org.uk

Website: www.trustdevcom.org.uk

Trust for Developing Communities works across Brighton & Hove to improve inequalities in communities and neighbourhoods.

They offer Social Prescribing Plus service, working with Together Co, that links people in Brighton & Hove to community services and groups to improve individual wellbeing. The service is confidential, and can provide support in Arabic.

Voices in Exile

Address: Fitzherbert Centre, 36 Upper Bedford Street, BN2 1JP

Contact Number: 01273328598

Website: https://www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/our-services/community-based-services/assessment-and-treatment-services

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brightonvoicesinexile

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voicesinexile/

Voices in Exile run three weekly groups for refugees and asylum seekers, focused on providing support on:

Learning about useful services, interesting places and fun activities in Brighton and Hove.
Practising English.
Building connections and connecting with friends.
Improve your wellbeing and health.
Support with accessing digital advice and using the internet.
Building confidence using public transport.
Developing your skills and employability.
Learning about other groups and volunteering opportunities

These groups run between 10:00 - 13:00 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. You can only join one group. For more information or to express interest in attending any of these groups please contact Hayat Shehab on the contact information below:

Email: hayat.shehab@voicesinexile.org

Contact Number: 07526072347

Mental Health Services

Assessment and Treatment Services

NHS Assessment and Treatment Service is the entry point into mental health services for people over the age of 18 years old. The ALS team is based in East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton and Hove. With the support of a lead practitioner, this service provides you with specific psychological therapy and long-term care. You must be referred by your General Practitioner (GP) in order to access this service.

Boloh Helpline

Helpline: 08001512605

Website: https://helpline.barnardos.org.uk/

A service provided by Barnardos, Boloh is a helpline offering emotional support, advice and free therapy to adult asylum seekers and Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic parents. They can also help you access health services and find community support. They offer a range of languages with access to interpreters, so you can speak in your own language. The free helpline is open Monday-Friday between 10:00 - 20:00 and on Saturday between 10:00 - 15:00.

Brighton Exiled/Refugee Trauma Project [BERTS]

Contact number: 07961779010

Email: s.r.munt@sussex.ac.uk

Website: https://brightonandhovecbt.com/BERTS

NHS Talking Therapies

If you live in Sussex, are over 18 and are struggling with common mental health problems such as feelings of depression, excessive worry, social anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), you can refer yourself to your local NHS Talking Therapies:

Brighton and Hove Wellbeing Service

Contact Number: 03000020060

Email: BrightonWellbeing@spft.nhs.uk

Website: https://www.brightonandhovewellbeing.org/

The Wellbeing Service is a part of the local NHS primary healthcare service, it provides therapeutic support to those suffering from mental health but who do not need hospitalisation. Having specialised programmes for children, young adults, and adults, the Wellbeing Service is free to anyone, including refugees and asylum seekers,with a postcode beginning with BN1, BN2, BN3, or BN41. There are two ways to be referred to this service, via a GP or via a form that can be downloaded from their website.

NHS Talking Therapies West Sussex

Website: https://westsussextalkingtherapies.nhs.uk/

For those based in Worthing and surrounding areas in West Sussex, this NHS service provides free, confidential mental health support for those aged 18 and above. They offer a variety of mental health services,and you can access free videos and online courses on tools and techniques to improve and manage your emotional health. There are two ways to be referred to this service, via a GP or via a form that can be downloaded from their website.

Health in Mind East Sussex

Website: https://www.healthinmind.org.uk/

Health in mind runs NHS Talking Therapies for anyone over the age of 18 years in East Sussex, including Eastbourne and Lewes. They offer a variety of mental health services, including CBT, Interpersonal Therapy, Couple Therapy for Depression, OCD Clinic and more. You can access free videos and online courses on tools and techniques to improve and manage your emotional health.There are two ways to be referred to this service, via a GP or via a form that can be downloaded from their website.

Staying Well Services

Website: https://www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/your-mental-health/getting-help/staying-well-services

Offers free out of hours mental health service, operating 7 days a week, all year round. Run by the Sussex Partnership NHS Trust, there are local services:

Staying Well in Brighton and Hove

Address: 18 Preston Park Avenue, Brighton, BN1 6HL

Contact Number: 0800 0236475 (Option 3)

Email: stayingwell.brighton@southdown.org

Website: https://southdown.org/services/staying-well-brighton-and-hove/

Opening hours: Weekdays - 17:00 to 22:30. Weekends- 15:00 to 22:30

Serving those living in the Brighton & Hove area, this service is a walk in service. You do not need an appointment to attend.

Staying Well in Eastbourne

Address: Suites 1&2, The Printworks, 20 Wharf Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3AW

Contact Number: 08000236475 (Option 1)

Email: stayingwell.eastbourne@southdown.org

Website: https://www.southdown.org/services/staying-well-eastbourne/

Opening hours: Weekdays - 17:00 to 22:30. Weekends- 15:00 to 22:30

Serving those living in Eastbourne, you must first contact the service to check availability this can be done via the phone or online.

Staying Well in Worthing

Address: Methold House, North Street, Worthing, BN11 1DU

Contact Number: 01903268107

Email: sww@westsussexmind.org

Opening hours: Weekdays - 17:00 - 22:30. Weekends - 12:00 - 22:30

Serving those living in Worthing, you must first contact the service to check availability this can be done via the phone or online.

Sussex Interpreting Services - Health Promotion Programme

Address: Community Base, 113 Queens Road, BN1 3XG.

Contact number: 01273 702 005 (You can leave a message in your first language using their Virtual Switchboard and they will get back to you.) 24 Hour Emergency number is held by hospital switchboard and partner organisations: 08009991950

Website: https://sussexinterpreting.org.uk/

Self referral form: Service Users - Sussex Interpreting Services

Email: info@sussexinterpreting.org.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sis.interpreting.services

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sussexinterpret

Sussex Interpreting Services has volunteer linguists who reach out to excluded individuals and communities, access Sussex, to explain what health services are available and how to access them. They also support people, whose first language is not English, to make appointments, understand correspondence, fill out and understand health forms and information.

Wellbeing Centres

Contact number: 01323405334

Email: ESCN@southdown.org

Website: https://www.southdown.org/services/wellbeing-centres-east-sussex-community-network/

Southdown runs 7 wellbeing centres across East Sussex, including Eastborne and Lewes providing community-based mental health and wellbeing support to adults 16 years and older. They offer one to one support and group meetings both in person and online, to develop personal wellbeing plans and support. You can be self-referred to this support or referred to by a healthcare professional, for information on their centres and the referral form, please look at their website.

Mental health support

Cruse Bereavement Support

Website: https://www.cruse.org.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crusebereavementsupport

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crusesupport/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CruseSupport

Cruse Bereavement Support a national charity helping to support those who are grieving a loved one. They offer a wide range of support including online chat, a national helpline and one to one support, in East Sussex, including Brighton & Hove.

To access their free helpline, call 08088081677 open: Monday, Wednesday, Tuesday, Friday: 9:30 - 17:00. Tuesday: 13:00- 20:00.

To get access to their one to one support, please contact their local branches.
East Sussex (including Brighton and Hove): 01273234007.
West Sussex: 03003119959

Grassroots Suicide Prevention

Based in Brighton, this service has created a free app, called StayAlive app. It includes access to national crisis support helplines and Sussex services. As well as, strategies and an wellness plan to cope or recover from suicidal thoughts or actions. The app is available from the App store, Google Play and at stayalive.

Mind

Mind is a national charity with the aim of providing advice and support to empower individuals experiencing mental health problems. They do this through a variety of means including campaigning to improve services and raise awareness. Mind operates different services depending on the location. Look below to find your local mind:

Mind Brighton & Hove

Address: 51 New England Street, Brighton, BN1 4GQ

Contact number: 01273666950

Email: info@mindcharity.co.uk

Website: https://www.mindcharity.co.uk/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindBrighton

Mind Brighton & Hove is the local branch of the national charity which aims to promote good mental health across Sussex. They offer a wide range of services from peer mentoring to wellbeing support services, with the aim of empowering people.

Mind West Sussex

Address: The Gateway, 8-10 Durrington Lane, Worthing, BN13 2QS

Contact number: 030030305652

Email: helppoint@westsussexmind.org

Website: https://www.westsussexmind.org/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WestSussexMind

Mind West Sussex operates in Chanctonbury, Littlehampton, Midhurst, Worthing, and Soutwick. They offer a wide range of services from befriending and one-to-one support.

Pathfinder Support Hub

Address: The Gateway, 8-19 Durrington Lane, Worthing BN13 2QG

Contact number: 03003035652

Email: helppoint@westsusexmind.org

Website: https://www.pathfinderwestsussex.org.uk/

Pathfinder is the lead provider for West Sussex Mind. They offer face-to-face and online individual sessions and group sessions. They can provide you with a variety of support, as well as offering social activities to build confidence in your recovery journey.

Samaritans

Contact Number: 135 247

Website: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/talk-us-phone/

Samaritans is a charity that offers a 24/7, nationwide, telephone helpline, which offers an anonymous safeplace to discuss any mental health worries or thoughts. They may offer some advice but they are mainly focused on exploring how you feel. This service also offers translation and interpretation services provided by the UK’s Department Immigration and Border Protection, for Non English speakers. To access this service all you need to do is ring Samaritan's normal number and ask the person that you would like to use this service. You can still remain anonymous using this service.

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

The most common emotional difficulties people experience when fleeing conflicts in their home country are anxiety, grief, depression and trauma. Sussex Partnership NHS Partnerships have information about their wide range of service and support for refugees here: Emotional support for refugees | Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

For free text based support, text the word SUSSEX to 85258 to be connected to a trained volunteer. You can access this service at any time and will not appear on your phone bill.

UOK

Contact Number: 08081961768

Website: https://www.uok.org.uk/

UOK is a partnership of local services in Brighton and Hove, working together to support mental health and wellbeing. Their Central Access Point team can help you navigate and access services in Brighton and Hove. Lines are open Monday to Friday 9:00 - 17:00, outside those hours please arrange a callback service on their website.

Violence and Abuse

Domestic abuse

Domestic abuse is any situation where someone controls, threatens, or hurts their partner or family member, no matter their sexuality or gender. This can involve mental, physical, sexual, financial, and emotional harm. If you are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse, there are services that can help you with support or advice.

National Services

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

Helpline number: 0808 2000 247

Website: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/

This is a free phone service that offers support for women experiencing domestic violence, as well as friends/family who are concerned for an individual. The line is open 24/7 and has interpreters available, if needed. There is also a live chat, if it is difficult to speak on the phone. The chat is only open Monday - Friday between 15:00-22:00.

Galop Helpline

Helpline: 08009995428 (open 10:00 - 20:00 Monday to Thursday, and 10:00 - 16:00, Friday)

Email support: help@galop.org.uk

Website: https://galop.org.uk/get-help/helplines/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/galopuk

Galop is a national free helpline for LGBTQIA+ experiencing abuse or violence, such as domestic abuse. They can offer emotional support, provide information and explore options tailored to your needs. There is also a live chat, if it is difficult to speak on the phone and do not need immediate help. The cafe is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Hourglass

Helpline: 08088088141 (open 24/7)

Email support: helpline@wearhourglass.org

Website: https://www.wearehourglass.org/

Hourglass is a national charity, dedicated to supporting older people who are victims of abuse including domestic abuse. Their helpline provides information, advice and support and can refer you to local organisations.

Respect Men’s advice line

Helpline: 80808010327 (Open 10:00 - 17:00 Monday to Friday)

Email support: info@mensadviceline.org.uk (Open 9:00 - 17:00 Monday to Friday)

Website: https://mensadviceline.org.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UKRespect/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respect_uk/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RespectUK

A national helpline providing support for male victims of domestic violence, concerned family and friends and frontline workers. They support heterosexual, gay, bisexual victims, male victims of forced marriages, providing support and information on reporting abuse to the politice and signposting to other services or organisations. If English is not your first language, you can ask for an interpreter.

Services across East Sussex

Change Grow Live Domestic Abuse Service

Contact number: 03003239985

Email: ESDomesticAbuse.Info@cgl.org.uk

Website: https://www.changegrowlive.org/domestic-abuse-service-east-sussex/info

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CGLESDAS

Change Grow Live Domestic Abuse Service provides support to the victims of domestic and sexual abuse in East Sussex. They offer support to anyone aged 16 years and above, they take referrals from professionals or you can get in touch yourself.

Services across West Sussex

Safe in Sussex

Address: A2 Yeoman Gate, Yeoman Way, Worthing, BN13 3QZ

Contact number: 03303337416

Email: info@safeinsussex.org.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/safeinsussex

Twitter: https://twitter.com/safeinsussex

Safe in Sussex is a charity working across West Sussex, supporting people affected by domestic abuse. They provide a wide range of support and help including refuge accommodation for women and their children, drop-in sessions and support groups, one-to-one guidance, and education programmes and workshops.

Worth Domestic Abuse Service

Helpline: 03302228181 (Monday - Friday. 9:00 - 17:00)

Email: DomesticAbuseServicesCentral@westsussex.gov.uk

The WORTH Specialist Domestic Abuse Service helps people who are at risk of harm due to domestic abuse across West Sussex.

Brighton & Hove

Domestic Abuse Specialist Service (DASS)

Helpline: 03003239985 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 - 17:00)

Out of hours support line: 08081689111

Website: https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/resources/brighton-and-hove-domestic-abuse-specialist-service/

DASS provides support to those affected by domestic violence and abuse of any gender identity aged 16+ living in Brighton and Hove. They offer a range of practical support from hospital and health to criminal court support. They also have specialist support for children and young people (13 - 25 years) and Black and Ethnic Minority Communities. They offer 24 hour support, available every day of the year.

Rise

Address: Community Base, 113 Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XG

Helpline: 02173622822

Email: helpline@riseuk.org.uk

LGBTQ+ support email: lgbt@riseuk.org.uk

Website: https://www.riseuk.org.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riseuk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/riseuk

Based in Brighton, Rise offers practical support for those affected by domestic violence and abuse, including housing advice, legal assistance and case workers. They run a helpline on Monday and Tuesday 9:30 -12:30, and Wednesday evening 17:00 - 19:00. Please note there also may be translation services available, just ask the person on the phone. They also have Black and Minority Ethnic caseworkers to support BME victims of domestic abuse, forced marriages, honour based abuse and female genetal mutilation.

Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard

Address: Community Base, 113 Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XG

Helpline: Helpline: 01273204050 (open 19:00 - 21:30 Monday to Thursday)

Email: domesticabuse@switchboard.org.uk (email with a number and time to contact you)

Website: https://www.switchboard.org.uk/

Based in Brighton, Switchboard service is for LGBTQIA+ individuals who are affected by domestic abuse. They can help with housing and refugee services, financial issues and benefits, dealing with the criminal justice system, and addressing your mental and physical health needs.

Sexual Violence

Many asylum seekers and refugees are forced to have sex when they don’t want to, either as part of the reason why they have left their home country suddenly, or unfortunately this happens on their journey to the UK as part of their refugee experience.

This happens both to women and men, and also children.

If this has happened to you then it is important that you seek help from your doctor. There are places near you that offer confidential and safe sexual health services, in case you have received injuries or have caught a sexually transmitted disease.

For all of these services, you can get access and advice for contraception to prevent pregnancy or Sexual Transmitted Diseases.

If you have been upset about what has happened to you then please see what is available for mental health support and treatment in the mental health section.

Brighton and Hove

Brighton & Hove Sexual Health & Contraception Service (SHAC)

Contact number: 01273523388

Website: https://brightonsexualhealth.com/

With three locations across Brighton & Hove, SHAC offers free and confidential open to anyone across the city. They offer a mixture of on the day and pre-booked appointments, check their website to see their services.

Eastbourne and Lewes

East Sussex Sexual Health

Address: Avenue House, The Avenue, Eastbourne, BN21 3XY

Contact number: 08081681282

Website: https://www.eastsussexsexualhealth.co.uk/clinics/eastbourne

Offering free and confidential services in contraception, sexual health and HIV care. It is an outreach centre and offers a variety of services at different times of the week, explore their website to find out more.

Worthing

Sexual Health West Sussex

Address: 45 Rowlands Road, Worthing, BN11 3JN

Contact number: 01903285199

Offering free and confidential and free range of sexual health services open to all. Explore their website to discover the range of services provided.

Advice services

Safeline

Address: 6a New Street, Warwick, CV34 4RX

Contact number: 01926402498

National Male Survivor Helpline: 08088005005

National Male Survivor Text Support: 07860065187

National Male Survivor Online Support: https://secure.callhandling.co.uk/cc2/WebChat/NewIndex

Safeline supports anyone affected by or at risk of sexual violence and abuse. They offer a variety of services that are free, independent and confidential. They also operate the National Male Survivor Helpline and Online Support Services, a dedicated service for men, teenages and children affected by sexual violence and abuse, as well as those who support them. This service is open Monday to Friday 9:00 - 20:00 and Saturday to Sunday 10:00 - 14:00.

Survivors Network

Address: 6a Pavilion Buildings, Brighton, BN1 1EE

Contact number (general enquiries): 01273203380

Helpline: 01273720110

Email (general enquiries): info@survivorsnetwork.org.uk

Helpline email: help@survuvorsnetwork.org.uk

Website: https://survivorsnetwork.org.uk/

Survivors Network is the designated Rape Crisis Centre for Sussex and they support survivors of all ages and genders, including Transgender and Non-Binary individuals, who have experienced sexual violence. They offer a range of services to support you in your recovery, including counselling, advocacy, peer support and group work. They operate a helpline and email service to offer emotional support and to signpost you to other support services that can help. This service is open to individuals of any gender and aged 14+ and can be accessed on Monday 19:00 - 21:00 and Wednesday 12:00 - 13:30.

Rape Crisis England & Wales

Helpline: 0808500222

Online chat: https://247sexualabusesupport.org.uk/?utm_source=rapecrisis.org.uk&utm_medium=want+to+talk+page&utm_campaign=support+line+website&utm_content=text+banner

Website: https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/want-to-talk/

A 24 hour, 7 days a week open support line services for anyone 16+ in England and Wales who has been affected by any form of sexual violence.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

This information is taken from The National FGM Centre: https://nationalfgmcentre.org.uk/fgm/

In the UK, female genital mutilation (FGM) is against the law. The FGM Act 2003 states:

A person is guilty of an offence if they excise, infibulate or otherwise mutilate the whole or any part of a girl’s or woman’s labia majora, labia minora or clitoris for non-medical reasons. It is illegal to perform/arrange for FGM to be carried out on a girl in the UK or to take a girl abroad.

Serious Crime Act 2015:
Section 70(1) of the Serious Crime Act 2015 (“the 2015 Act”) amends section 4 of the FGM Act 2003

To extend the extra-territorial powers of the law to further protect victims of FGM.
It also introduces victim anonymity to victims of FGM
The Serious Crime Act introduces civil measures to protect girls or women who have suffered or are believed to be at risk from FGM. Click here to find out more about Protection Orders.
It also introduces a mandatory reporting duty to report known cases of FGM that applies to all regulated professionals.
The law covers all habitual residence of the UK and British Citizens.
New offence of failing to protect a girl from FGM. This will mean that if an offence of FGM is committed against a girl under the age of 16, each person who is responsible for the girl at the time of FGM occurred will be liable under this new offence. The maximum penalty for the new offence is seven years’ imprisonment or a fine or both.

If you are a victim of FGM then it is important that you speak to a doctor about this. They may be able to offer you surgery to make good the damage to your body. If you think that someone you know is at risk, it is illegal to take a child out of the UK for FGM, and if you know someone who may have done this to a child, they must be reported to the Police. These are the regulations:

If a girl (under 18) has disclosed she has undergone FGM or you have visually identified FGM, and you are a regulated professional, you will need to call the police on 101 as part of your mandatory reporting duty.

If you are concerned that a girl is at risk of FGM, a referral must be made to the local children’s services team.

If you are concerned that the girl is in immediate danger contact the police by calling 999.

telephone: 020 7008 1500
from overseas: +44 (0)20 7008 1500

If you are concerned that a girl is at risk of FGM, a referral must be made to the local children’s services team.

If you are concerned that the girl is in immediate danger contact the police by calling 999.

telephone: 020 7008 1500
from overseas: +44 (0)20 7008 1500

Hate crime

Hate crime is any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person’s race or perceived race, religion or perceived religion, sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation, disability or perceived disability and any crime motivated by hostility or prejudice against someone who is transgender or perceived to be transgender.

If you have been a victim of hate crime or have witnessed a hate crime, please report it. All Sussex councils takes hate incidents seriously and there are multiple ways to report them:

If it is an emergency, then call the police on 999.

If it is not an emergency and you want to report it then please call the police on 101. If you do not feel comfortable reporting on the phone, then you can report it online using True Vision, which is a national police scheme: https://www.sussex.police.uk/ro/report/hate-crime/hc-av1/report-hate-crime/

Alternatively you can email the Sussex Hate Incident Support Services on sussexhateincidentreport@victimsupport.org.uk

If you have seen hate material online and would like to report it, you can use this online form:

https://www.sussex.police.uk/ro/report/hate-crime/hc-av1/report-hate-crime/

If you are not sure whether you would like to report the hate crime and would like to receive confidential advice, please look and contact any of the organisations below:

Racial Harassment Forum

Contact number: 07933181885

Email: rhf.communitys@gmail.com

Racial Harassment Forum is a Brighton & Hove based service which provides a safe and confidential space to report religious or race related hate incidents. They promise to take you seriously and to listen to your concerns. They will support you through your journey to some kind of conclusion. To report a hate incident please call: 07563389482 or 01273234017. This service is open 10:00 - 17:00, Monday to Friday.

Alternatively, you can email the Community Supporter on rhf.communitys@gmail.com or call: 07933181885. The Community Supporter can help you to make an appropriate report, work alongside you to establish your options, signpost you to other relevant organisations and help make services more accessible for you

Galop

Number: 0207 7042040

Email: HateCrime@galop.org.uk

Website: https://galop.org.uk/

Galop is a national LGBTQ+ service which provides helplines to assist LGBTQ+ individuals who have experienced abuse and violence. They have a special LGBTQ+ hate crime helpline to offer practical and emotional support. You can remain anonymous when talking to Galop. The helpline is open Monday to Friday between 10:00 - 16:00. If you are charged for phone calls, you can email Galop and request a call back to avoid call charges. There are translation services available if you feel more comfortable speaking your native language.

Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard

Helpline: 01273204050

Website: https://www.switchboard.org.uk/

If you have witnessed or been a victim of an LGBTQ+ hate crime, Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard can provide you with immediate emotional and practical support. They can help you decide whether you wish to involve or how to involve the police, they can even report the incident confidentially on your behalf- if you wish to remain anonymous. They also offer other support including sexual health, H.IV., Trans, and mental health awareness.

Concerns About a Child's Safety

If you are worried about a child's safety, please use the services below to report your concern:

Front Door Families

Contact number: 01273290400 (Open 9:00- 17:00 Monday to Thursday and 9:00 - 16:30 on Friday).

Emergency Duty Service number: 01273335905 or 01273335906

Email: FrontDoorForFamilies@brighton-hove.gov.uk

Website: https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/frontdoorforfamilies

Front Door for Families is a single point of contact for services that support and provide guidance for parents, carers, members of the public, young people and professionals in the Brighton & Hove area. This organisation is a collection of professionals with different areas of expertise, working together to decide and coordinate the best way to support children, young people and their families, where there is concern. Support can involve: parenting guardian and information, supporting a child's healthy and active development, supporting children with mental health or wellbeing issues and keeping children and young people safe from harm or abuse. Referrals to this organisation are via an online form on the website. If you have a conversation with a child or a young person that you are concerned about, contact Front Door for families. If you need to talk to someone outside office hours, urgently, please contact the Emergency Duty Service. If you think a child or young person is in immediate danger call 999.

The Integrated Front Door (IFD)

Contact number: 01403229900 (Open 9:00 - 17:00 Monday-Friday)

Emergency Duty Service number: 03302226664

Email: WSChildrenService@westsussex.gov.uk

Website: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/social-care-support/children/contact-us-for-childrens-social-care-support/

IFD is a collection of professionals, in West Sussex, with different areas of expertise, working together to decide and coordinate the best way to support children and young people where there is concern. If you believe a child or young person is in immediate danger, call 999.

Single Point of Advice (SPoA) - East Sussex

Contact number: 01323464222 (Open 8:30 - 17:00 Monday to Thursday and 8:30 - 16:30 on Friday).

Emergency Duty Service number: 01273335905 or 01273335906

Website: https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/children-families/professional-resources/spoa

Food Shops

Food can bring you comfort, especially if the food reminds you of home when you are in a new place. Here is a list of different food shops that offer regional foods to buy:

Please note that we accept no responsibility for, nor do we endorse the products offered by these stores.

Brighton & Hove food shops

African

Daractic World Market

Address: 126 Lewes Rd, Brighton BN2 3LG

A small shop with a great selection of African food items, located in Brighton.

R&A Global Store

Address: 17 Preston Road, Brighton, BN1 4QE

Small shop with African food staples, in Brighton, with a good selection of Nigerian and Ghanaian

Asian

Emmanuel International Groceries

Address: 1A Whitehawk Rd, Brighton BN2 5FA

Specialising in Indian and Bangladeshi food, this shop also offers a wide range of other Asian cuisine including Chinese, located in Brighton.

18 Grocery

Address: Unit 18 The Open Market, Marshalls Row, Brighton BN1 4JU

Small shop offering a selection of East Asian food, in Brighton & Hove.

Eastern European

Mr. Patisson International Food, Polish Grocery Cafe.

Address: 12 Preston Rd, Brighton BN1 4QF

Located in Brighton, this place not only offers Polish cuisine but also has items from Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Hungary, Czech Republic and many more.

Magdusia

Address: 20-21 Chatham Pl, Brighton BN1 3TN

Offering a variety of selection of Eastern European food, located in Brighton & Hove.

Middle Eastern

Pamir Grocery

Address: 2A Preston Rd, Brighton BN1 4QF

Offering a variety of Middle Eastern food, with Halal meat available.

Taj the Grocer

Address: 98-99 Western Rd, Brighton BN1 2LB

A selection of Middle Eastern food and Indian food available

South American:

Brazilian Centre, Brighton & Hove

Address: 158 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2DL

This store offers a variety of Brazilian and Portuguese products.

Eastbourne

Africa

Proudly African

Address: 212 Terminus Road, Eastbounre, East Sussex, BN21 3DF

This store offers a variety of African and Afro Caribbean products

Asian

Femys Oriental Foods

Address: 16 Pevensey Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3HP

A store providing a selection of East Asian food products and items, in Eastbourne.

East European

Eastbourne Gastronom

Address: 9 Seaside Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3PR

Located in Eastbourne, this store offers a selection of Eastern European food and English, with baked goods available.

Middle Eastern

Halal Shop

Address: 87 Cavendish Place, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 3RR

A shop located in Eastbourne which provides a variety of halal products and middle eastern food items.

South American

Costa Verde - The Latin Deli

Address: 29 Seaside Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3PP

A small shop located in Eastbourne providing a variety of latin american food items

Lewes

Asian

Pestle & Mortar

Address: 4 Lansdown Place, Lewes, BN7 2JT

A noodle bar and tea room in Lewes, that also provides a selection of Asian food products.

Worthing

Asian

MB Grocers

Address: 14 A, Chapel Road, Worthing, BN11 1BJ

A store, in Worthing, that sells ingredient and food from around the world, but specialises in Asian products.

Wing Wah Oriental Food Market

Address: 119 Clifton Road, Worthing, BN11 4DP

A small store in Worthing specialising in Eastern Asian food items and products.

Eastern European

Ladya

Address: 1 Crescent Road, Worthing, BN11 1RL

Located in Worthing, this store provides a choice of Eastern European food items and products.

Middle Eastern

Brothers Halal Food and Butchery

Address: 30 Teville Road, Worthing, BN11 1UG.

A store, located in Worthing, providing Halal meat and a selection of middle eastern food products and items.

Food Banks

In the UK you can get free food if you cannot afford it, although these supplies are limited they can provide essential food support when you are hungry.

Please note that you must be referred by a professional person to most food banks. Descriptions of the food banks will inform you if you need a referral or not to access the service. You can be referred to by any organisation that is supporting you.

Lunch/warm meals services in Brighton & Hove

Specific places to get a free or low cost meal for refugees and asylum seekers:

Brighton Unemployed Centre Families Project

Address: 6 Tilbury Place, Brighton, BN2 0GY

Website: https://bucfp.org/

Providing support for those in poor living conditions, Brighton Unemployed Centre Families Project offers warm lunches from 13:00-14:00 every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Free or suggested donation of £1 and no referrals needed.

Holland Road Baptist Church

Address: Holland Road Baptist Church, Holland Road, BN3 1JN

Website: https://www.hrbc.org.uk/

Offering free warm lunch, conversation and signposting to other services every Monday at 12:00-13:00. It is targeted to those experiencing homelessness or in temporary accommodation but all are welcome.

East Brighton Food Coop

Address: 24 Baker Street, Brighton, BN1 4JN

Website: https://www.eastbrightonfoodcoop.uk/

East Brighton Food Coop offers meal delivery service on Tuesday and Thursday to people in need in their area, and also other activities. To place a food order use the website address and follow instructions.

Jollof Cafe

Address: West Hill Hall, Compton Ave, Brighton BN1 3PS

More information: https://www.facebook.com/jollofcafe/

This cafe is a space for migrants, refugee and Asylum seekers to come together and socialise with each other and Brightonians. Open alternative Wednesdays between 13:00 - 15:00 with a donation based system, which means you pay for what you feel like. No referrals needed.

Real Junk Food Brighton

Website: https://www.realjunkfoodbrighton.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realjunkfoodbrighton

This project aims to reduce food waste by using this surplus food to feed those in food poverty. This is a pay as you feel basis so is free to those without money. They have multiple locations in Brighton & Hove:

Real Junk Food Project - The Fitz Cafe

Address: Fitzherbert Community Hub, 2 Bristol Road, BN2 1AP

The cafe is open Tuesday to Friday from 10am - 14;00, the cafe is a joint effort between Real Junk Food Project, Brighton Table Tennis Club and Voices of Exile: no referrals needed.

Real Junk Food Project - St.Luke’s

Address: St Luke’s Church, 64 Old Shoreham Road, BN1 5DD

Open every Tuesday and Wednesday between 12:30-14:00, no referrals needed.

Real Junk Food Project - Hollingdean

Address: Hollingdean Community Centre, Brighton, BN1 7BH

Open every Tuesday and Wednesday between 12:30-13:30, no referrals needed.

St Peter's Church

Address: St Peter’s Church, York Place, Brighton, BN1 4GU

Website: https://stpetersbrighton.org/safehaven/

St Peter’s Church offers free hot food for homeless and vulnerable men and women every week. On Wednesday 13:00-14:30 for men only, Thursday 13:30-15:00 for women and Saturday 17:00-18:30 for all. No referrals needed

Sussex Homeless Support CIO

Location: Old Steine Gardens, BN1 1NH.

This project runs a street kitchen once a week that provides hot meals to those who are homeless or vulnerable. No referrals needed. Available every Saturday between 13:00 - 15:00

Sussex Surplus

Location: Bristol Estate Community Room. 146a Donald Hall Road, Brighton, BN2 5DJ

Sussex Surplus aims to take surplus food and provide long lasting products and warm meals, they provide hot community lunch every Thursday 12:00-14:00. No referrals needed.

Central Brighton and Seafront food banks

Brighton Food Bank

Address: Calvary Church Building, Stanley Rd, Brighton BN1 4NJ

Contact number: 01273609484

Email: foodbank@bhcm.org.uk

Website: http://www.brightonfoodbank.org.uk/

Providing perishable and non perishable food items, this food bank is open to members Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday between 10:00 - 16:00. You must be referred to this food bank.

Brighton Women's Centre

Address: St Marys Church Hall, 61 St James Street, Brighton, BN2 1PR

Email: support@womenscentre.org.uk

Website: https://womenscentre.org.uk/

Providing perishable, non perishable and period toiletries for anyone who self identifies as a woman on Wednesday afternoon. No referral needed but you must contact in advance via their phone number/email address above.

Clarendon Food Bank

Address: Clarendon Centre, New England Street.

Email: clarendonfoodbank@wearemmanuel.com

Website: https://www.instagram.com/clarendonfoodbank/

This food bank offers three days worth of nutritious food for three days. You must be referred to this food bank, open Thursdays 10:00 - 13:00.

Mutual Aid Vegan Foodbank

Address: 52 Providence Place, Brighton, BN1 4GE

Email: mutualaidveganfoodbank@gmail.com

Website: https://cowley.club/vegan-food-bank

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mutualaidveganfoodbank/

A foodbank which supplies vegan food and basic toiletries to those in need, open to both vegans and non vegans. No referrals are needed, it is open every Thursday from 9am.

The Black and Minority Ethnic Community Partnership (BMECP)

Address: BMECP Centre, 10A Fleet Street, BN1 4ZE

Contact number: 01273600885 or 03003031171

Email: contact@bmecp.org.uk

Website: https://bmecp.org.uk/community-services/

BMECP provides emergency food parcels for those in need. You must be referred to access this service but you can refer yourself by completing the form on the website.

Voices in Exile

Address: Fitzherbert Centre, 36 Upper Bedford Street, BN2 1JP

Website: https://www.toiletriesamnesty.org/location/the-pantry-and-baby-bank-st-mary-magdalen-coldean/

Contact Number: 01273328598

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brightonvoicesinexile

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voicesinexile/

Weekly food bank for asylum seekers, refugees and people with no access to public funds. You must be referred to access this food bank.

North Brighton food banks

BrightLight

Address: 2 Beatty Avenue, Brighton, BN1 9ED

Website: https://www.brightstore.org/coldean

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightStoreBrighton/

Operated by BrightStore, Brightlight is open to all, providing surplus food on Friday 9:00-11:00 and 14:00-16:00. Please check their facebook to see what is available that week. No referrals needed, pay as you feel.

Gathering Place Food Bank Hollingbury

Address: Orchid View, Stanmer Heights, Brighton, BN1 8GP

Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067798963270

A weekly foodbank open on Thursdays from 10:30-12:00, you do not need to be referred bank, they ask for £1 for households of 1-2 people and £2 for 3 or more.

Hollingdean and Fiveways Food Bank

Address: St Richards Church, Beale Crescent, BN1 7BU.

Email: info@hollingdean.foodbank.org.uk

Website: https://hollingdean.foodbank.org.uk/

This food bank provides three days’ emergency food and support to local people in crisis. You must be referred to this service and live in Hollingdean. Open Wednesday between 10:30- 16:00.

Lucky Dip

Address: Knoyle Community Hall, Knoyle Road, BN1 6RB

Email: balfourmacommunity@gmail.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/nearprestonpark

Operated by Balfour Mutual aid, Lucky Dip provides pre-order food parcels and a lucky dip for surplus. You do not need to be referred to this service but you must contact them by the email above.

The Pantry

Address: St Mary Magdalen Church, Brighton, BN1 9EL

Open every Wednesday from 11:00-13:00, no referral needed but you must live in Coldean.

Old Boat Corner Community Fridge

Address: Old Boat Corner, Carden Hill, Brighton, BN1 8GN

Open to the public, no referrals needed, this fridge offers fresh fruit and vegetables to those in need. Open Monday - Sunday 9:00-17:00.

East Brighton and Kemptown food banks

Bevendean Food Bank

Address: Church Hall, Norwich Drive, Brighton, BN2 4LA

Contact number: 07856408522

Email: bevendeanfoodbank@gmail.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/FoodbankandAdviceinBevendean/

This food bank supplies non perishable and perishable food items to individuals in food poverty or at risk. You must be referred to this food bank and live in the Lower and High Bevendean, Moulsecoomb, Saunders Park, Meadow View and Lewes Road corridor. It is open Wednesday 10:30 - 12:00.

Pankhurst Pantry

Address: 83 Pankhurst Avenue, BN2 9AE

Offering affordable food for those living or working near the Edge Community Room, on a pay-as-you-feel basis. No referral needed. It is open every Friday from 11:00 - 14:00.

Real Junk Food Project

Address: 13 Leybourne Parade BN2 4LW

Website: https://www.realjunkfoodbrighton.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realjunkfoodbrighton

Opening hours and food options vary, please check the facebook link above. This project aims to reduce food waste by using this surplus food to feed those in food poverty. This is a pay as you feel basis so is free to those without money.

Woodingdean Community Food Hub

Address: Woodingdean Youth Centre, Warren Road, BN2 6BB

Email: woodingdeanfoodhub@gmail.com

The food hub is open on Fridays from 10:00 to 12:00 and gives out food parcels every week. You don’t need a referral to use this service but the first time you come, there is a £1 registration fee, and each visit after that costs £3.50 (if you are able to).

Whitehawk Food bank

Address: Valley Social Centre, Whitehawk Way, BN2 5HE.

Contact number: 07941397648

Email: info@thewhitehawk.foodbank.org.uk

Website: https://thewhitehawk.foodbank.org.uk/

This food bank provides three days emergency food to those living in the Whitehawk and surrounding area. You must be referred to this service, open Thursdays between 11:00 -13:30.

West Brighton & Hove food banks

Cornerstone Community Centre

Address: Cornerstone Community Centre, Church Road, Hove BN3 2FL

Email: cornerstonefoodbank3@gmail.com

Website: https://cornerstonecommunitycentre.com/

Weekly food bank, open 13:00 - 15:00. Referrals and self referrals, but you must make an appointment through the email above.

Fishersgate food bank

Address: Calvary Church, Stanley Road, BN1 4NJ

Website: https://www.facebook.com/fishersgatefoodbank/

Weekly food bank, open Monday to Wednesday 10:00 - 16:00. Referrals needed and by appointment only.

Hangleton & West Blatchington Food bank

Address: St. George’s Church Hall, Court Farm Road, BN3 7QR.

Contact number: 07990631892

Email: info@hangletonfoodbank.org

Website: https://www.hangletonfoodbank.org/

This food bank provides food items, perishable and non-perishable, to individuals or families living in Hangleton, Knoll and West Blatchington area. You must be referred to this food bank and you must be living in Hangleton, Knoll and West Blatchington area. Open Wednesday between 12:00 - 14:00.

Salvation Army

Address: Conway Street, Hove, BN3 3LA.

Contact number: 07551572205

Email: andrew.a.tinsley@salvationarmy.org.uk

Website: https://bhfood.org.uk/directory/salvation-army-foodbank/

This is a weekly food bank for local residents, individuals or families, run by the Salvation Army. You must be referred to this food bank. Open Fridays.

The Purple People Kitchen

Address: Portslade Town Hall, Victoria Road, Portslade, BN41 1YF

Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/156271291424189/

Weekly food bank for local residents who are on low incomes or are homeless or people referred from the BN41. You must be referred to this food bank, open Friday 11:00 - 14:00.

The Villas Food Bank

Address: Address: 21/23 Clarendon Villas, Hove, BN3 3RE

Website: https://www.instagram.com/villasfoodbank/

Weekly food bank, open Monday 10:00 - 12:00. You must be referred to this food bank.

Oasis Foodbank

Address: Hangleton Way, Brighton and Hove, Hove BN3 8EQ

Website: https://shoreham.foodbank.org.uk/about/

Weekly food bank, open Wednesdays 10:00 - 12:00. You must be referred to this food bank and live in the Hangleton area.

Weald Community Fridge

Address: Weald Allotments, Weald Ave, Hove, BN3 7JN

This project aims to reduce food waste and provide fresh fruit and vegetables to those struggling with food. The fridge is open every Thursday from 10:00 - 13:00 and Sunday 10:00 - 11:00, with no referrals needed.

Food distribution and meals in Brighton & Hove

This section is a list of food services and disruptions, organised through the days of the week, in the Brighton & Hove area. So you know when and where to get food every day of the week. No referrals needed for any of the services listed:

Monday

9:00-11:00 - Breakfast

Breakfast provided by the BHT for rough sleepers, and is served from 9am. An early hot lunch is also available, from 10am.

Address: First Base Day Centre, St Stephen’s Hall, Montpelier place, BN1 3BF

10:30-13:30- Lunch

Provided by the Clock Tower Sanctuary for 16-25 year old rough sleepers and insecurely housed. Takeaway hot lunch with both meat and vegetarian options available.

Address: The Clock Tower Sanctuary, Wenlock House, 41-43 North Street, BN1 1RH

12:00-13:00 - Lunch

Provided by Holland Road Baptist Church for homelessness individuals and those in emergency accommodation. A free lunch, usually a sandwich, crisps, fruit and cake. Coffee, tea, and hot soup are served in the hall with signposting to other services.

Address: Holland Road Baptist Church, 65-71 Holland Road, BN3 1JN.

Tuesday

8:15-9:15 - Breakfast

Provided by the Crew Club during term times, for residents in the Bn2 5 area. You must book beforehand on their app.

9:00-11:00 - Breakfast

Breakfast provided by the BHT for rough sleepers, and is served from 9am. An early hot lunch is also available, from 10am.

Address: First Base Day Centre, St Stephen’s Hall, Montpelier place, BN1 3BF

10:30-13:30- Lunch

Provided by the Clock Tower Sanctuary for 16-25 year old rough sleepers and insecurely housed. Takeaway hot lunch with both meat and vegetarian options available.

Address: The Clock Tower Sanctuary, Wenlock House, 41-43 North Street, BN1 1RH

10:00-14:00- Lunch

Provided by the Real Junk Food programme which uses surplus food to create hot healthy meals, they also provide soup, fruit, vegetables and dried goods to take away. Their meals are on a pay as you feel basis so free for those without money. Lunch is served from 12:00

Address: Fitzherbert, 2 Bristol Road, Brighton, BN2 1AP

12:00-13:30 - Lunch

Provided by the Crew Club during term times, for residents in the BN2 5 area. You must book beforehand on their app.

13:00 - Lunch

Provided by Brighton Unemployed Centre Families Project, a free healthy vegan lunch available. They also operate a tea bar from 10:00-16:00.

Address: 6 Tilbury Place, Brighton, BN2 0GY

Wednesday

9:00-11:00 - Breakfast

Breakfast provided by the BHT for rough sleepers, and is served from 9am. An early hot lunch is also available, from 10am.

Address: First Base Day Centre, St Stephen’s Hall, Montpelier place, BN1 3BF

10:00-14:00 - Lunch

Provided by the Real Junk Food programme which uses surplus food to create hot healthy meals, they also provide soup, fruit, vegetables and dried goods to take away. Their meals are on a pay as you feel basis so free for those without money. Lunch is served from 12:00

Address: Fitzherbert, 2 Bristol Road, Brighton, BN2 1AP

13:00 - Lunch

Provided by Brighton Unemployed Centre Families Project, a free healthy vegan lunch available. They also operate a tea bar from 10:00-16:00.

Address: 6 Tilbury Place, Brighton, BN2 0GY

13:00-15:00 - Lunch

Provided by Safehaven, this lunch service is for men only.

Address: St Peter's Church, York Place, BN1 4GU

Thursday

8:15-9:15 - Breakfast

Provided by the Crew Club during term times, for residents in the Bn2 5 area. You must book beforehand on their app.

9:00-11:00 - Breakfast

Breakfast provided by the BHT for rough sleepers, and is served from 9am. An early hot lunch is also available, from 10am.

Address: First Base Day Centre, St Stephen’s Hall, Montpelier place, BN1 3BF

10:30-13:30 - Lunch

Provided by the Clock Tower Sanctuary for 16-25 year old rough sleepers and insecurely housed. Takeaway hot lunch with both meat and vegetarian options available.

Address: The Clock Tower Sanctuary, Wenlock House, 41-43 North Street, BN1 1RH

10:00-14:00 - Lunch

Provided by the Real Junk Food programme which uses surplus food to create hot healthy meals, they also provide soup, fruit, vegetables and dried goods to take away. Their meals are on a pay as you feel basis so free for those without money. Lunch is served from 12:00

Address: Fitzherbert, 2 Bristol Road, Brighton, BN2 1AP

12:00-13:30 - Lunch

Provided by the Crew Club during term times, for residents in the BN2 5 area. You must book beforehand on their app.

Website: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/land-waste-and-housing/waste-and-recycling/recycling-and-waste-prevention/recycling-news/ukharvest-food-waste-minimisation-project/

13:00 - Lunch

Provided by Brighton Unemployed Centre Families Project, a free healthy vegan lunch available. They also operate a tea bar from 10:00-16:00.

Address: 6 Tilbury Place, Brighton, BN2 0GY

13:30-15:00 - Lunch

Provided by Safehaven, this lunch service is for women only.

Address: St Peter's Church, York Place, BN1 4GU

18:00-19:00 - Snacks

Provided by the Sussex Homeless Support, they provide snacks at The Peace Statue alongside St John Ambulance who provide medical attention and advice.

Address: Peace Statue, Brighton.

Friday

9:00-11:00 - Breakfast

Breakfast provided by the BHT for rough sleepers, and is served from 9am. An early hot lunch is also available, from 10am.

Address: First Base Day Centre, St Stephen’s Hall, Montpelier place, BN1 3BF

10:00-12:00 - Early lunch

Provided by Hove Salvation Army, their Friday open house provides tea, coffee, biscuits and soup.

Address: Conway Street, Hove, BN3 3LA

10:30-13:30- Lunch

Provided by the Clock Tower Sanctuary for 16-25 year old rough sleepers and insecurely housed. Takeaway hot lunch with both meat and vegetarian options available.

Address: The Clock Tower Sanctuary, Wenlock House, 41-43 North Street, BN1 1RH

10:00-14:00 - Lunch

Provided by the Real Junk Food programme which uses surplus food to create hot healthy meals, they also provide soup, fruit, vegetables and dried goods to take away. Their meals are on a pay as you feel basis so free for those without money. Lunch is served from 12:00.

Address: Fitzherbert, 2 Bristol Road, Brighton, BN2 1AP

13:00 - Lunch

Provided by Brighton Unemployed Centre Families Project, a free healthy vegan lunch available. They also operate a tea bar from 10:00-16:00.

Address: 6 Tilbury Place, Brighton, BN2 0GY

Saturday

8:00 - 9:00 - Breakfast

Provided by Crossover for rough sleepers. A choice of cereals, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, bacon and egg sandwiches.

Address: St Peters Car Park, Circus Street, BN2 9QF

10:30-13:30- Lunch

Provided by the Clock Tower Sanctuary for only 16-25 year old rough sleepers and insecurely housed. Takeaway hot lunch with both meat and vegetarian options available.

Address: The Clock Tower Sanctuary, Wenlock House, 41-43 North Street, BN1 1RH

13:00-15:00 - Lunch

Sussex Homeless Support runs a street kitchen for individuals who are homeless and vulnerable.

Address: Old Steine Gardens, BN1 1NH

17:00-18:15 - Dinner

Provided by Safehaven, during term time, for rough sleepers providing a home cooked meal and relaxing environment.

Address: St Peter's Church, York Place, BN1 4GU

Sunday

8:00 - 9:00 - Breakfast

Provided by Crossover for rough sleepers. A choice of cereals, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, bacon and egg sandwiches is available.

Address: St Peters Car Park, Circus Street, BN2 9QF

19:00-21:00 - Dinner

A hot meal provided by Deen Relief for rough sleepers.

Address: Angle of Peace, Kingsway, Hove, BN3 2WN

Food Banks in Eastbourne

Eastbourne food bank

Office address: Unit 3, 55 Brampton Road, Eastbourne, BN22 9AF

Contact number: 01323409925

Email: admin@eastbourne.foodbank.org.uk

Website: https://eastbourne.foodbank.org.uk/

Eastbourne foodbank provides 3 days worth of food in exchange for a food voucher. As well as providing advice, toiletries, shoes, bedding and baby equipment, cutlery and crockery (all subject to availability). To receive a food voucher, you must be referred by a referral agency, such as Citizens Advice, children's centres or health visitors. Eastbourne foodbank has several locations across Eastbourne, running at different times. For more information on how to be referred to the foodbank and the locations, please look at their website.

Seaside Community Hub

Address: 125 Seaside, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN22 7NN

Contact number: 01323371322

Website: https://www.seasidecommunityhub.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Seasidecommunityhub/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seasidecommunityhub/

Seaside Community Hub operates a community fridge every Wednesday and Thursday 11:00 - 15:30, where you can receive up to 10 items for a suggested donation of £2.

Food distribution and meals in Eastbourne

Monday

8:00-10:00 - Breakfast

Matthew 25 Mission provides take-away food for rough sleepers and those on low income.

Address: Brodie Hall, Seaside, Eastbourne, BN22 7NN

10:00-14:00 - Breakfast

Matthew 25 Mission provides take-away food for rough sleepers and those on low income.

Address: Brodie Hall, Seaside, Eastbourne, BN22 7NN

19:30 - Dinner

Food disruptions and hot snacks provided by Warming up the Homeless.

Address: Starting opposite the Grand Hotel, working past the Bandstone, through Terminus Road to the BR station then to Jevington Gardens.

Tuesday

8:00-10:00 - Breakfast

Matthew 25 Mission provides take-away food for rough sleepers and those on low income.

Address: Brodie Hall, Seaside, Eastbourne, BN22 7NN

12:00-14:00 - Lunch

Matthew 25 Mission provides take-away food for rough sleepers and those on low income.

Address: Brodie Hall, Seaside, Eastbourne, BN22 7NN

18:00- 19:30 - Dinner

Hot food to take away provided by The Salvation Army.

Address: 141 Langney Road, Eastbourne, BN22 8AG

19:30 - Dinner

Food disruptions and hot snacks provided by Warming up the Homeless.

Address: Starting opposite the Grand Hotel, working past the Bandstone, through Terminus Road to the BR station then to Jevington Gardens.

Wednesday

8:00-10:00 - Breakfast

Matthew 25 Mission provides take-away food for rough sleepers and those on low income.

Address: Brodie Hall, Seaside, Eastbourne, BN22 7NN

12:00-14:00 - Lunch

Matthew 25 Mission provides take-away food for rough sleepers and those on low income.

Address: Brodie Hall, Seaside, Eastbourne, BN22 7NN

19:30-20:30 - Dinner

Feedbourners provide a hot meal, snacks, hot and cold drinks and provisions to those in need and the homeless in Eastbourne.

Address: Outside Coffee Republic at 69 Terminus Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3NJ

Thursday

8:00-10:00 - Breakfast

Matthew 25 Mission provides take-away food for rough sleepers and those on low income.

Address: Brodie Hall, Seaside, Eastbourne, BN22 7NN

12:00-14:00 - Lunch

Matthew 25 Mission provides take-away food for rough sleepers and those on low income.

Address: Brodie Hall, Seaside, Eastbourne, BN22 7NN

18:30-19:30 - Dinner

Absolute Angels provide hot drinks, meals, sandwiches, cakes and fruit. As well as snack packs, bottled water and hygiene products.

Address: 97-99 Terminus Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3NJ.

19:30 - Dinner

Food disruptions and hot snacks provided by Warming up the Homeless.

Address: Starting opposite the Grand Hotel, working past the Bandstone, through Terminus Road to the BR station then to Jevington Gardens.

Friday

8:00-10:00 - Breakfast

Matthew 25 Mission provides take-away food for rough sleepers and those on low income.

Address: Brodie Hall, Seaside, Eastbourne, BN22 7NN

12:00-14:00 - Lunch

Matthew 25 Mission provides take-away food for rough sleepers and those on low income.

Address: Brodie Hall, Seaside, Eastbourne, BN22 7NN

19:00-20:00 - Dinner

Food 4 Thought provides hot food and snacks to vulnerable individuals living on the streets or those with low income.

Address: The Matthew 25 Mission Car Park - Brodie Hall, Seaside, Eastbourne, BN22 7NN

Saturday

10:30-15:30 - Breakfast/Lunch (only available 2nd & 4th weekend of every month).

Hot and Cold snacks and drinks provided by Kingdom Way Trust.

Address: The Way, 91-93 Seaside Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3PL

18:30-20:00 - Dinner

A hot meal provided by Fatfleshed. They can also provide immediate needs (sleeping bag, clothes, etc.), depending on availability.

Address: All Soul’s Church, Susans Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3TH

Sunday

10:30-15:30 - Breakfast/Lunch (only available 2nd & 4th weekend of every month).

Hot and Cold snacks and drinks provided by Kingdom Way Trust.

Address: The Way, 91-93 Seaside Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3PL

13:00 - Lunch

Eastbourne Sunday Soup Kitchen runs every Sunday providing hot meals and hot drinks to those in need.

Address: St John Ambulance HQ, 59 Bourne Street, Eastbourne, BN21 3SB

16:30-19:00 - Dinner

Food disruptions and hot snacks provided by Warming up the Homeless.

Address: Starting opposite the Grand Hotel, working past the Bandstone, through Terminus Road to the BR station then to Jevington Gardens.

Food banks in Lewes

Fitzjohn’s Food bank

Address: Christ Church, Prince Edward Road, Lewes, BN7 1BL

Email: fitzjohnsgoodbank@gmail.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/fitzjohnsfood/

Fitzjohn’s food bank operated from Christ Church, food collection can be made every Monday from 13:20-14:20. You must be referred to this food bank.

Landport Food bank

Address: Resource Centre, 2a Horsfield Road, Lewes, BN7 2TA.

Contact number: 01273487249 or 07793953446

Email: debbietwitchen@gmail.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/LandportRA/

Run by the Landport Residents’ Association, food collection is on Monday between 14:00-14:30. You must be referred to this food bank.

Lewes Community Fridge

Address: 2 Fisher Street, Lewes BN7 2DG

Email: info@lewesclimatehub.org

Website: https://lewesclimatehub.org/lewes-community-fridge

Run by the Lewes Climate Hub, the community fridge offers individuals perishable and non-perishable food. You don't need to be referred, open every Saturday 10:30-12:30.

Malling Food bank

Address: Kings Church, Unit 3, Brooks Road, Lewes, BN7 2BY

Contact number: 077245042531

Email: briankcfrench@gmail.com

Provides food, both non perishable and perishable to individuals and families in need. Users of this food bank are asked to contribute £1 towards the cost of food, except in exceptional circumstances. You must be referred to this foodbank.

Food distribution and meals in Lewes

Monday

12:30-14:30 - Lunch

Provided by Fitzjohns community food project, they run a weekly warm food cafe for individuals.

Address: Christ Church, Prince Edward’s Road, Lewes BN7 1BL

17:00-19:00 - Dinner

Landport Community Cafe offers meals on a pay-as you-feel basis. This means that if you do not have the money to pay for the meal then it is free.

Address: 2a Horsfield Road, Lewes. BN7 2TA

Saturday

12:30-17:00 - Snack and Tea/Coffee (First Saturday of every month)

The Lewes Repair Coffee runs to help individuals repair a wide range of household items, they also provide tea/coffee and sweet food for the community.

Food banks in Worthing

St Matthew’s Church

Address: 103 Tarring Road, Worthing, BN11 4HB

Website: https://www.stmatthewsworthing.org/stmattsmeals

Provided by St Matthew’s Church, they offer free groceries to anyone who lives within a mile of the Church at BN11 4HP . You don't need to be referred but you must apply on their website.

UKHavest Community Food Hub

Address: Sidney Walter Centre, Sussex Road, Worthing, BN11 1DS

Provided by West Sussex County Council, the food hub uses surplus food and allows individuals to fill a bag, with a suggested donation of £3.50. Open third Thursday of every month, 10:00 to 11:00. You do not need to be referred to this service.

Worthing Food bank

Address: Redeemer Church, 1st Floor, 22 Guildbourne Centre. Worthing, BN11 1LZ.

Contact number: 07918759664

Email: hello@worthingfoodbank.co.uk

Website: https://worthing.foodbank.org.uk/

Open 4 days a week, providing three days of perishable and nonperishable food to those in need, in exchange for a food voucher. As well as providing advice, toiletries, shoes, bedding and baby equipment, cutlery and crockery (all subject to availability). To receive a food voucher, you must be referred by a referral agency, such as Citizens Advice, children's centres or health visitors. Eastbourne foodbank has several locations across Eastbourne, running at different times. For more information on how to be referred to the foodbank and the locations, please look at their website.

Worthing Food Foundation

Address: East Worthing Baptist Church, 43 Pendine Avenue, Worthing, BN11 2NA

Contact number: 07526176272

Website: https://www.worthingfoodfoundation.org.uk/

Worthing Food Foundation offers dry, tinned, and fresh food as well as other essentials to people in need. You do not need to be referred to this food bank but must complete the enquiry form on the website.

Worthing Vegan Food Bank

Address: St. Botolph’s Church Hall, Lansdowne Road, Worthing, BN11 4LY

Contact number: 07775556974

Email: support@worthingveganfoodbank.co.uk

Website: https://veganfoodbank.wixsite.com/worthing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worthingveganfoodbank/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/veganfoodbank

All their stock is 100% vegan and can cater for special dietary needs, supplying food to those in need. Please contact the food bank, to inquire about your needs for food parcels.

Worthing Soup Kitchen

Address: The Lovett hub, Maybridge Square, Goring-by-Sea, BN12 6HB

Contact number: 07922712517

Email: wskfoodparcels@gmail.com

Website: https://www.worthingsoupkitchen.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wskfoodparcels/

Worthing Soup Kitchen operates a pop up food bank, providing food parcels to those who requested in advance. Other items such as clothing, toys, baked goods are also available (subject to availability). If you need a food parcel, please contact the Worthing Soup Kitchen, either by text, email or messaging them on facebook.

Worthing Soup Kitchen Community Fridge

Address: New Broadway, 35-36 Tarring Road, Worthing, BN11 4HP

Website: https://www.worthingsoupkitchen.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wskhubcafe/

A weekly community fridge, open every Friday 15:30-17:30, with fresh and non-perishable food items. You do not need to be referred, everyone is welcome.

Food distribution and meals in Worthing

Monday

9:00-11:00 - Breakfast

Provided by St Clare’s community hub, offering hot food and hot drinks

Address: 6-8 Marine Pl, Worthing BN11 3DN

10:00-13:00 - Warm drink

Provided by Salvation Army, offering free tea and biscuits.

Address: 9-13 Crescent Road, Worthing, BN11 1RL

Tuesday
9:00-11:00 - Breakfast

Provided by St Clare’s community hub, offering hot food and hot drinks

Address: 6-8 Marine Pl, Worthing BN11 3DN

Wednesday

9:00-11:00 - Breakfast

Provided by St Clare’s community hub, offering hot food and hot drinks

Address: 6-8 Marine Pl, Worthing BN11 3DN

Thursday

9:00-11:00 - Breakfast

Provided by St Clare’s community hub, offering hot food and hot drinks

Address: 6-8 Marine Pl, Worthing BN11 3DN

Friday

9:00-11:00 - Breakfast

Provided by St Clare’s community hub, offering hot food and hot drinks

Address: 6-8 Marine Pl, Worthing BN11 3DN

Housing

In Sussex many people struggle to find appropriate housing, and there is a housing shortage, housing is also very expensive.

You will need help to get safely housed if you have just arrived in the UK. These are some of the options you have:

Housing organisations

Brighton Housing Trust - First Base

First base address: St Stephen’s Hall, Montpelier Place, BN1 3BF.

Contact number: 01273326844

Email: first.base@bht.org.uk

Website: https://www.bht.org.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BHTSussex/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/brightonhousingtrust/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BHT_Sussex

Brighton Housing Trust provides a wide range of specialist support to rough sleepers across Sussex. Including work and employment learning sessions; homelessness and homelessness prevention, mental health and wellbeing, addiction services, housing, benefits and legal advice. The organisation runs the First Base Day centre which offers a range of support without needing a referral, open Monday to Friday 9:00 - 10:30 and 11:00 - 12:30, these include food, showers, laundry facilities, case work support, accommodation, relocation services, and health care.

Brighton Housing Trust (BHT)

Brighton Housing Trust can offer specialist housing advice to individuals across east sussex. They have three centres, each one can advise individuals on many different housing issues, including those who are in insecure housing and disrepair causing a serious risk to health. For more information, please contact your local BHT team:

Brighton Housing Trust in Brighton & Hove

Address: 114 London Road, Brighton, BN1 4PH

Contact number: 0127364500

Email: enquires@bht.org.uk

Website: https://www.bht.org.uk/services/legal-advice/brighton-advice-centre/

Brighton Housing Trust in Eastbourne

Address: Highlight House, Suite 14, St Leonard’s Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3UH

Contact number: 01323642615

Email: eastbourneadvice@bht.co.uk

Website: https://www.bht.org.uk/services/legal-advice/eastbourne-advice-centre/

This office covers Eastbourne, Wealden and Lewes.

Brighton Housing Trust in Hastings

Address: Renaissance House, London Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, TN37 6AN

Contact number: 01424452618

Email: hastingsadvice@bht.org.uk

Website: https://www.bht.org.uk/services/legal-advice/hastings-advice-centre/

This office provides service in Hastings and Rother.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS)

Address (headquarters): Church Lane, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2DZ

Contact number: 03039991000

Email: enquiries@esfrs.org

Website: https://www.esfrs.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eastsussexfrs

Twitter: https://twitter.com/eastsussexfrs

ESFRS can provide a free visit to your home to provide information and advice about fire and home safety. They can also fit a free smoke alarm, if needed.

Enthum Foundation

Contact number: 01323725104 or 07739415185

Email: info@enthumfoundation.org

Website: https://www.enthumfoundation.org/...

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enthumhouse/

Enthum Foundation is a charity which operates two houses in East Sussex. Providing safe and sustainable homes for unaccompanied children aged 16-18 seeking asylum in the UK

Pathways to Independence UK

Address: Young Peoples Centre, 69 Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AE

Contact number: 01273776166

General email: info@pathwaystoindependence.org.uk

Website: https://www.pathwaystoindependence.org.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pathwaysuk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pathways_uk/

This service provides integrated packages of services to young asylum seekers aged between 16-21, in the care of local authorities. They aim to provide support to help young individuals to transition from assisted living to independence, services include planning to work and training for young people.

Refugee Radio

Address: Community Base, 113 Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XG

Contact number: 01273234868

Email: info@regugeeradio.org.uk

Website: https://www.sja.org.uk/what-we-do/our-work-in-the-community/our-homeless-services/brighton/

Refugee Radio run a specialist casework advice service for refugees and asylum seekers and are able to provide benefit advice, from making a benefit claim through to appeals. If you wish to have access to this support, contact the number above.

Thousand 4 £1000

Email: admin@thousand4thousand.org.uk

Website: https://www.thousand4thousand.org.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thousand41000/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thousandfor1000/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThousandFor1000

Thousand 4 £1000 is a local organisation responding to forced homelessness amongst forced migrants. They pool together small donations to provide housing and other support to migrants who would otherwise be destitute. They are always at the Jollof Cafe, open every Wednesday between 13:00 - 15:00 at West Hill Hall, Compton Avenue, Brighton BN1 3PS. If you wish to know what support they can provide for you then the Jollof Cafe is where you can contact this organisation.

Worthing Housing Services

Address: Portland House, 44 Richmond road, Worthing, BN1 1HS

Contact number: 0190323999

Email: housing-services@adur-worthing.gov.uk

Website: http://www.worthing.gov.uk

Worthing housing services serve as a hub for those in Worthing who are in need of housing services, operated by Worthing Borough Council. They can provide general advice and information for private and council tenants, as well as homeless people. Please note Worthing Council can not help you with housing if you have no access to public resources.

Worthing 4 Refugees

Contact number: 07833617997

Email: info@worthing4refugees.org.uk

Website: https://worthing4refugees.org.uk/

Worthing 4 Refugees is an advisory and support charity for refugees living in Worthing. They can assist with general housing inquiries.

Homeless services in Brighton & Hove:

Street Support Network

Website: https://streetsupport.net/brighton-and-hove/

Street Support Network has developed an online directory of local resources in Brighton & Hove. It includes a list of organisations and their programmes targeted towards the homeless or rough sleepers. Programmes are on housing, food, social activities, health, mental health, abuse, substance misuse, benefits and debt relief to all demographics.

Here is a list of key local organisations helping the homelessness in Brighton:

Arch Healthcare

Address: The School Clinic, Morley St, Brighton BN2 9DH

Contact number: 01273 003930

Email: sxicb-bh.archhealthcare@nhs.net

Website: https://archhealthcare.uk/

In order to get access to a doctor, many GPs require an address. However, Arch Healthcare is set up especially for people experiencing homelessness. They offer a wide range of medical support from mental health to physical health, they have same day appointments given out through phoning at 8:00 or 13:00, Monday to Friday. Pre-bookable appointments are available to book. To register to the GP, you can either call the surgery or fill out the registration forms that are available on their website.

Holland Road Baptist church

Address: Holland Road Baptist Church, 65-71 Holland Road, BN3 1JN

More information: https://streetsupport.net/find-help/organisation/?organisation=holland-road-baptist-church

This service provides a multitude of services for individuals experiencing homelessness or in danger of homelessness, including haircuts, meals, toiletries and other services.

St John Ambulance service

Address: First Base Day Centre, St Stephen's Hall/Montpelier Place, Brighton BN1 3BF, on Monday 9:00 - 11:30 and mobile treatment centre on Brighton Seafront on Thursday 18:30 - 19:30

Email: sussexhomelessservice@sja.org.uk

If you need any medical advice or medical care, that is not an emergency, the St John ambulance offers volunteer run drop-in sessions with a provisional medical team.

Street Outreach Service - Change Grow Live

Email: Brighton.SOSenquiries@cgl.org.uk

Website: https://www.changegrowlive.org/street-outreach-brighton-hove/info

Street Outreach Service provided by Change Grow Live supports adults who are homeless in Brighton & Hove to move away from the street and to access needed services. To access the service, use the email above or through Streetlink.

The Salvation Army Brighton

Address: 1-6 Park Crescent Terrace BN2 3HD

More information: https://streetsupport.net/find-help/organisation/?organisation=the-salvation-army---the-hub

This service offers clothes, emotional support and showers for rough sleepers and vulnerable individuals in the Brighton & Hove area.

Homeless services in Eastbourne

Matthew 25 Missions

Address: Brodie Hall, Seaside, Eastbourne, BN22 7NN

Contact number: 01323726960

Email: manager@matthew25mission.org

Website: https://www.matthew25mission.org/

Matthew 25 Missions provides information, advice and support for a wide range of individuals including those experiencing homelessness.

The Salvation Army

Address: 141 Langney Road, Eastbourne, BN22 8AG.

Contact number: 01323640382

Website: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/eastbourne-citadel

The Salvation Army provides a range of services to individuals who are homeless and vulnerable in Eastbourne.

Homeless service in Lewes

Lewes Open Door

Address: Christ Church, Prince Edwards Road, Lewes, BN71BL

Contact number: 07985418079

Website: https://www.lewesopendoor.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LewesOpenDoor/

Lewes open Door supports the homeless, vulnerable and socially isolated members of the Lewes community. They provide outreach service for advice and support, as well as providing clean clothes and bedding.

Homeless services in worthing

Turning Tides

Address: Town Hall, Chapel Road, Worthing, BN11 1HA

Contact number: 01903680740

Email: info@turning-tides.org

Website: https://www.turning-tides.org.uk/

Turning Tides began as a group of Christians in Worthing, they now are the biggest provider of services for homeless people in West Sussex. Their service empowers people to build confidence to create an independent and brighter future for themselves, from outreach teams to residential programmes.

Welfare

Welfare and monetary organisations

Brighton & Hove Council Welfare Office

Contact number: 01273291116

Email: welfarerights@brighton-hove.gov.uk

Website: https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/benefits-and-financial-advice/help-and-support/your-welfare-rights

Brighton & Hove council has its own Welfare Team designed to make sure you do not miss out on money you can claim as benefits. They provide benefit advice, work with other organisations that can offer legal help and can represent you if you make a benefit appeal or if your benefit claim is turned down. They provide two ways of contact: the first is by phone call, open on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday between 10:00 - 13:00. The second is by email. They also publish guides about different benefits and how to claim them.

Brighton Unemployment Centre

Address: 6 Tilbury Place, Brighton, BN2 0GY

Contact number: 01273601211

Welfare advice number: 01273676171

Welfare advice email: welfarerights@bucfp.org

Email: info@bucfp.org

Website: https://bucfp.org/#

Brighton Unemployment Centre is a charity that provides practical support, education and advice to those who are unemployed, living in poor conditions, benefit claimants, the unwaged, pensioners, families and those on low incomes in the Brighton & Hove area. They operate a Welfare Rights Service which provides advice on welfare in the UK, through phone or email.

Community, Advice, Support and Education (CASE) Central

Address: 4 Crestway Parade Brighton BN1 7BL

Contact number: 01273 540717

Email: case_enquiries@yahoo.co.uk

Website: https://www.case-central.co.uk/

CASE Central has a dedicated Welfare Rights Team that can offer guidance and assistance with welfare concerns or queries you might have. In order to make an appointment, please contact CASE using the email and contact number above.

Citizens Advice

Advice line: 08001448848

Website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CitizensAdvice

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CitizensAdvice

Citizens Advice is a network of charities operating across England and Wales, giving confidential advice online or on the phone. They can help you with advice regarding benefits and make sure that you know what benefits you are entitled to. You can contact them on the advice line which is open Monday to Friday between 9:00 - 17:00.

Alternatively, you can contact your local Citizens Advice, listed below:

If English is not your first language, you can ask for an interpreter to be arranged.

Brighton & Hove

Office Address: Tisbury Road Offices, Hove Town Hall, Tilbury road, Hove, BN3 3BQ

Helpline number: 08082787815

Website: https://www.cabrightonhove.org/

Citizens Advice Brighton & Hove offers free and confidential advice. You can get advice via their helpline which is open:

Monday: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-15.30

Tuesday: 9:30-12:30 and 17:00-19:30

Wednesday: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-15:30

Thursday: 9:30 -12:30, and 13:30 -15:30

Friday: 9:30 -12:30, and 13:30 -15:30

Or, you can request a call back or email advice by filling out their online enquiry form, which you can access here: https://www.cabrightonhove.org/online-enquiry/

Alternatively, you can visit them at their weekly drop-ins on Monday afternoon from 13:15, and Thursday and Friday morning from 9:15.

Citizens Advice Eastbourne

Address: Unit 6, Highlight House, 8 St Leonards Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3UH

Contact number: 03444111444

Website: http://www.eastbournecab.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CitizensAdviceEastbourne/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/eastbournecab

Providing free, independent, confidential and impartial advice. You can contact them using the number above, their office is open:

Monday: 10:00 - 16:00

Tuesday: 10:00 -13:00

Wednesday: 10:00 - 16:00

Thursday: 10:00 -16:00

Friday: 10:00 - 13:00

Or, you can request a call back or email advice by filling out their online enquiry form, which you can access here: https://www.eastsussexcab.co.uk/

Lewes Citizens Advice Bureau

Address: Southover House, Southover Road, Lewes, BN7 1AB

Helpline: 08082787892

Email: info@lewesca.onmicrosoft.com

Website: http://www.lewesdistrictcab.org.uk/

Providing free, independent, confidential and impartial advice, they operate drop-ins (appointment only) across the Lewes distinct, including Newhaven, Seaford, Peacehaven and Lewes. To arrange an appointment call 01273007557 or email the email address below.

Their helpline is available between 10:00 - 15:00 Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Citizens Advice Worthing

Address: Worthing Town Hall, Chapel Road, Worthing, BN11 1HA

Contact number: 080802787969

Website: https://www.advicewestsussex.org.uk/worthing/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAWestSussex

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CAWestSussex

Citizens Advice Worthing offers free and confidential advice. You can contact them using the number above, their office is open: Monday- Friday between 9am to 4:30 for advice or you can use the number to arrange a face-to-face appointment.

Alternatively, you can use their email contact form and an adviser will get back to you. This service is available here: https://www.advicewestsussex.org.uk/contact-us/email/

Mental Health & Money Advice

Website: https://www.mentalhealthandmoneyadvice.org/en/

Mental Health & Money Advice help those who are experiencing issues with their mental health and money through providing guidance documents and advice on their website.

Money Advice Plus

Website: https://www.moneyadviceplus.org.uk/

Money Advice Plus helps and supports people with managing their financial or money affairs. They can provide debt and benefit advice, help with documentation like naturalisation and travel documents. As part of their money handling services they are able to distribute money to people who are not entitled to benefits but the council has a duty to support.

Money Advice Plus Brighton & Hove

Address: Hove Town Hall, Tisbury Road, Hove, BN3 3BQ

Contact Number: 08081963699

Email: info@moneyadvice.org.uk

They also run a drop in advice desk every fortnight on a Thursday between 11:00 - 14:00 at the BMECP centre located 10A Fleet Street, Brighton, BN1 4ZE.

Money Advice Plus Eastbourne

Address: 182-184 Terminus Road , Eastbourne, BN21 3BB

Contact Number: 01323635999

Email: advice@moneyadviceplus.org.uk

MoneyHelper

Helpline: 08001387777

Website: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoneyHelperUK

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MoneyHelperUK

MoneyHelper provides assistance to understand benefits in the UK and explain how you can access them. They provide impartial advice backed by the UK government and they can, if needed, recommend further support. They produce up-to-date information and guides on their website but you can also contact them through their free helpline, which is open between 8:00 - 18:00 Monday to Friday.

Or you can submit a question using their online web form, which you can access here: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/contact-us/money-guidance/money-guidance-enquiry-form

Moneyworks Advice Line

Contact Number: 08081963699

Email: info@moneyadviseplus.org.uk

Website: https://advicebrighton-hove.org.uk/

A partnership between a number of financial organisations supporting financial inclusiveness in Brighton & Hove They provide free and independent advice on a whole range of money issues, including debt, maximising income, benefits, and credit scores.

You can ring their helpline on either 08009887037, open:

Monday: 14:00 - 17:00
Tuesday: 14:00 - 17:00
Wednesday: 10:00 - 13:00
Thursday: 14:00 - 17:00
Friday: 10:00 - 13:00

If the line is busy or closed, you can request a call back or email from an advisor here: https://advicebrighton-hove.org.uk/adviceline-questionnaire/.

One Stop Junction

Youth Hub address: The Sidney Walter Centre, Worthing, BN11 1DS

Email: enquiries.onestop@adur-worthing.gov.uk

Website: https://onestopjunction.org.uk/

One Stop Junction aims to provide services for those who have found themselves unemployed or need financial support.They can support you by checking your benefit entitlements or help you understand utility bills and more. To access this service, please contact the email above. They also provide a Youth Employment Hub on Monday and Tuesday, 10:00 - 16:00 , to help those aged 18-24 access advice and support.

Project 17

Address: St Joseph’s Hospice, Mare St, London, E8 4SA

Contact number: 07963509044

Email: info@project17.org.uk

Website: https://www.project17.org.uk/

Project 17 is a national organisation working to end destitution among migrant families with no recourse to public funds. They work with families experiencing exceptional poverty to improve their access to local authority support. If you have children, no recourse to public funds and are homeless, facing homelessness or struggling to meet you and your children's essential needs; then Project 17 may be able to help you. You will first need to complete this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHJWg-f0oUWDHUzGQTTRGhRlIjyaE5kL-qXJ27FX76rTRP9w/viewform?usp=sf_link

Refugee Radio

Address: Community Base, 113 Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XG

Contact number: 01273234868

Email: info@regugeeradio.org.uk

St Luke's Advice Service

Address: Brighthelm Centre, North Road, Brighton, BN1 1YD

Contact number: 01273549203

Email: info@stlukesadviceservice.org

Website: https://www.stlukesadviceservice.org.uk/

St Luke's Advice centre offers free advice, information, and help with form filling related to debts, benefits, tax credits, pension credit, debt relief order and bankruptcy. To have a one to one meeting with their advisors, you must contact the organisation first. There are three ways in which you can do this, the first is by filling out a form on their website, or by contacting them using their telephone line which is open Monday to Friday between 9:00 - 17:00 or alternatively you can email them.

Wave Community Bank

Address: Tisbury Road Offices, Hove Town Hall, Tisbury Road, BN3 3BQ.

Contact Number: 03003033188

Email: info@wavecb.org.uk

Website: https://wavecb.org.uk/

Wave Community Bank helps individuals who are struggling to open a bank account due to lack of ID or they do not have a permanent address, across East Sussex including Brighton & Hove. By joining Wave Bank you can get access to an engage account, which is a basic prepaid bank account with a VISA debit card so you can shop online and in stores. To join Wave bank, an application form can be downloaded from https://wavecb.org.uk/join-us/

Please note that we accept no responsibility for, nor do we endorse Wave Community Bank.

Welfare benefits project

Contact number: 03333440681

Email: benefitseastsussex@harcuk.com

Website: https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/social-care/benefits/help

East Sussex county council operates a welfare benefits project, to help you if you are struggling financially, need help with a benefit issue or concerned about growing debt. The helpline is free and confidential, it is open 10:00 - 16:00 Monday to Friday, or you can email them.

Voices in Exile

Address: Fitzherbert Centre, 36 Upper Bedford Street, Brighton, BN2 1JP

Contact number: 01273328598

Website: https://www.bht.org.uk/services/legal-advice/brighton-advice-centre/immigration-legal-service/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brightonvoicesinexile/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voicesinexile

Voices in Exile can provide one-off advice via their advice line or email, as well as casework provided by a qualified caseworker for welfare benefits support and advice. All of their services are for vulnerable and/or destitute migrants, asylum seekers and refugees.

They operate a general advice line on 01273082105 open on Thursday between 12:00 - 14:00. Offering advice and signposting services to help migrants, refugees and asylum seekers including welfare and benefit advice.

Alternatively, you can also email advice@voicesinexile.org.

Immigration

The UK asylum seeker process can be very difficult to understand, that is why Right to Remain have created a navigation board to help you understand each step of the UK asylum system. This webpage has the option of selecting different languages, including Arabic, Farsi, French and many more.

Webpage: Asylum navigation board – Right to Remain

Legal Advice

England and Wales have a highly regulated legal framework that only allows legal advice under very strict circumstances. Providing unregulated immigration advice or immigration services is illegal under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. The Office of the Immigration Service Commission (OISC) regulated immigration advice in the UK. The qualification level will determine the kind of advice that a licensed and registered adviser can provide. For more information, check the gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/find-an-immigration-adviser/what-advisers-can-do.

If your immigration issue is more complex, you must consult an immigration solicitor or specialist caseworker. Before you seek advice from an immigration specialist, make sure they are registered with OISC.

Find a Solicitor is an online service run by the Law Society that enables anyone seeking information about legal firms in England and Wales that are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA): https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/public/for-public-visitors/using-a-solicitor/help-with-paying-legal-costs

There are two ways of accessing immigration and asylum representation.

The first option is to hire a private solicitor at a regulated law firm. Your solicitor will charge you a fee which you can discuss directly with them.
The second option is to apply for asylum claims and some limited immigration cases through public funded legal aid.

Legal Aid

Those who are eligible for legal aid will have their fees paid by the Legal Services Commission (LSC). You may have to contribute towards the cost in some circumstances, depending on how much the LSC is willing to pay. Financial circumstances and the nature of your case determine whether you are eligible for legal aid for immigration and asylum representation.

To find out whether you are eligible for legal aid through the Citizen Advice website which include the conditions for accessing legal aid: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/legal-system/finding-free-or-affordable-legal-help/#h_what_are_the_financial_conditions_for_getting_civil_legal_aidexplains

OR through using the Civil Legal Advice online tool on the UK Government website, to check your eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/civil-legal-advice.

OR you can contact the Civil Legal Advice helpline on 0345 345 4345. This helpline can provide free interpreting services, if English is not your first language.

You can find legal aid lawyers in your area here: Find a legal aid adviser or family mediator (justice.gov.uk)

Please note: There are very few OISC accredited advisors, particularly at the higher level of OISC qualification, available in Sussex. Currently in the area, immigration advice and representation has reached a low level. Legal aid is still available for asylum applications, but obtaining representation can be challenging. You might need to widen your search to include London. For the best results, enter your postcode into the search bar.

Getting legal aid for seeing an immigration lawyer is getting very difficult as fewer immigration lawyers are accepting legal aid cases. All we can advise is to keep trying. Sometimes you will need to approach several lawyers before finding one that will accept you. Beware that there are rogue lawyers taking money from asylum seekers and then doing no, or very little, legal work. Always check that the lawyer you are using is registered and accredited with the Law Society, and preferably is on this list: https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/public/for-public-visitors/using-a-solicitor/help-with-paying-legal-costs.

As legal aid provision is limited, Voices in Exile, recommend you include the following details when contacting provider:

Your name
Date of Birth
Nationality
Immigration history timeline

Date of Arrival in UK
How you travelled to the UK
Details of any applications/claims you have made in the UK – the type of application and when it was made
The reasons why you have made an application/claim – for example, the reasons why you cannot return to your country of origin if you have made an asylum claim. It is helpful to include evidence if you have it
The current status of any pending application e.g. if you had your asylum screening (initial interview) and/or substantive (main interview). If you have, what dates did you have the interviews

Include any correspondence you have received from the Home Office (transcript of interview(s), Bail 201 form, ARC card, any previous decision letters)
Details of any previous lawyers
Confirmation that you are not able to fund your own lawyer

It is recommended that you email lawyers and then follow up with a phone call.

If you are eligible for legal aid representation, you would be wise to try and secure it as it provides a comparable quality to private services.

Asylum Substantive (Big) Interview

The asylum substantive interview is an important step in your application for refugee status. It occurs after your screening, but it can take from a week to a year or sometimes, even later.

Here is some advice for your interview:

It is advised that you ask for the interview to be recorded, you must notify the UK Home Office 24 hours before the interview. The letter you received will tell you how to do this. To make you feel more comfortable during the interview, you can request for a male or female interviewer, and an interpreter if you need one. The interview can be long and difficult, you are entitled to request breaks during the interview

Asylum Interviews will take place in big cities, for Sussex, this will most likely be in London. Travel tickets will be sent to Asylum Support recipients. These might not arrive until the day before your interview. If it does not arrive, call the number on your interview letter. Sometimes the interview will take place online.

Organisations and charities below can sometimes provide more specific advice for dealing with the UK Home Office, including the Substantive interview:

Legal advice organisations

AIRE Centre

Address: Second Floor, 8 Union Street, London, SE1 1SZ

Contact number: 02078314276 (open 10:30 - 18:00, Monday to Friday)

Email: info@airecentre.org

Website: https://www.airecentre.org/

EUSS information sheets: EUSS Info Sheets | The AIRE Centre

The AIRE Centre is a legal charity focused on European law to protect fundamental rights for advice and policy. They can provide advice on the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) by contacting them via their contact number or through their email. They also have EUSS information sheets, available in French, Slovak, Portuguese, Spanish, Romanian, Russian, Urdu, and Greek.

Asylum Aid

Contact number: 0207354963

Email: advice@asylumaid.org.uk

Website: https://www.asylumaid.org.uk/

Asylum aid is a charity providing legal advice and support to people seeking asylum in the UK, working to improve the asylum process, and helping the public better understand the challenges faced by asylum seekers and refugees in the UK.

Citizens Advice

Advice line: 08001448848

Website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CitizensAdvice

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CitizensAdvice

Citizens Advice is a network of charities operating across England and Wales, giving confidential advice online or on the phone. They can only provide basic advice on immigration applications and help clients complete standards forms. You can contact them on the advice line which is open Monday to Friday between 9:00 - 17:00

Alternatively, you can contact your local Citizens Advice, listed below.

If English is not your first language, you can ask for an interpreter to be arranged.

Citizens Advice Brighton & Hove

Office Address: Tisbury Road Offices, Hove Town Hall, Tilbury road, Hove, BN3 3BQ

Helpline number: 08082787815

Website: https://www.cabrightonhove.org/

Citizens Advice Brighton & Hove offers free and confidential advice. You can get advice via their helpline which is open:

Monday: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-15.30

Tuesday: 9:30-12:30 and 17:00-19:30

Wednesday: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-15:30

Thursday: 9:30 -12:30, and 13:30 -15:30

Friday: 9:30 -12:30, and 13:30 -15:30

Or, you can request a call back or email advice by filling out their online enquiry form, which you can access here: https://www.cabrightonhove.org/online-enquiry/

Alternatively, you can visit them at their weekly drop-ins on Monday afternoon from 13:15, and Thursday and Friday morning from 9:15

Citizens Advice Eastbourne

Address: Unit 6, Highlight House, 8 St Leonards Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3UH

Contact number: 03444111444

Website: http://www.eastbournecab.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CitizensAdviceEastbourne/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/eastbournecab

Providing free, independent, confidential and impartial advice. You can contact them using the number above, open:

Monday: 10:00 - 16:00

Tuesday: 10:00 -13:00

Wednesday: 10:00 - 16:00

Thursday: 10:00 -16:00

Friday: 10:00 - 13:00

Or, you can request a call back or email advice by filling out their online enquiry form, which you can access here: https://www.eastsussexcab.co.uk/

Lewes Citizens Advice Bureau

Address: Southover House, Southover Road, Lewes, BN7 1AB

Helpline: 08082787892

Email: info@lewesca.onmicrosoft.com

Website: http://www.lewesdistrictcab.org.uk/

Their helpline is available between 10:00 - 15:00 Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Citizens Advice Worthing

Address: Worthing Town Hall, Chapel Road, Worthing, BN11 1HA

Contact number: 080802787969

Website: https://www.advicewestsussex.org.uk/worthing/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAWestSussex

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CAWestSussex

Citizens Advice Worthing offers free and confidential advice. You can contact them using the number above, their office is open: Monday- Friday between 9:00 - 16:00 for advice or you can use the number to arrange a face-to-face appointment.

Alternatively, you can use their email contact form and an adviser will get back to you. This service is available here: https://www.advicewestsussex.org.uk/contact-us/email/

Gatwick Detainees Welfare Group

Address: The Orchard, 1-2 Gleneagles Court, Brighton Road, Crawley, RH10 6AD

Telephone number: 01293 657070

Website: https://www.gdwg.org.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GatDetainees/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GatDetainees

Gatwick Detainee Welfare Group offers emotional and practical support through its volunteer visors to asylum seekers and immigration detainees held at Tinsley House and Brook House removal centres near Gatwick Airport.

Here for Good

Contact number: 03003302045 (open Tuesdays 9:00 - 11:00)

Website: Here for Good - Free high-quality immigration advice (hereforgoodlaw.org)

Here for Good supports individuals in securing their UK immigration status under the EU Settlement Scheme. They offer free phone services to provide advice to those applying for the EUSS.

Immigration Legal Services at Brighton Housing Trust Sussex

Address: BHT, 144 London Road, Brighton BN1 4PH

Contact number: 01273 645400

Email: immigrationlegalservices@bht.org.uk

Brighton Housing Immigration Legal Services can offer legal advice and representation to those eligible for legal aid funding and living in the South East. For example, asylum cases, bail and some specific cases involving domestic violence or human trafficking. Since the Legal team is small, they can only take on cases when they have the capacity to do so, so please check their website to see if they are only taking specific cases, before applying.

Lawstop

Address: Ground floor office 25 Old Steine Brighton, BN1 1EL

Contact number:02081502588

Email: info@lawstop.co.uk

Website: https://www.lawstop.co.uk/

Lawstop is the second legal aid immigration provider in Sussex, and can offer legal advice and representation for those eligible for legal aid. Their experienced immigration legal team is small, so it is important to contact the organisation directly to ensure they can take on your case.

Migrant Help

Contact number: 01304203977

Helpline number: 08088010503

Email: info@migranthelpuk.org

Website: https://www.migranthelpuk.org/

Migration Law Clinic at University of Sussex

Address: University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9QE

Website: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/law/clinical-legal-education/

The Migration Law Clinic offers migration and asylum legal advice, which is facilities and researched by students within the Law School, under the supervision of academics and legal practitioners supporting the clinic. This means that the clinic does not operate outside term time or during assessment period. The clinic has a Level 3 OISC registration and provides legal advice cost-free to any individual who cannot afford to pay for private legal advice. To request legal advice from the clinic, please follow the link and fill out the form on their website: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/law/clinical-legal-education/free-legal-advice

Money Advice Plus

Address: Hove Town Hall, Tilbury Road, Hove, BN3 3BQ

Contact Number: 08081963699

Email: info@moneyadviseplus.org.uk

Website: https://advicebrighton-hove.org.uk/

Money Advice Plus helps individuals who are experiencing difficulties managing their money or financial affairs, across East Sussex. In addition to their financial advice, they have an adviser authorised by the OISC to provide level 1 immigration advice and can also help apply for documents like naturalisation and travel documents. They run a drop in advice desk every fortnight on Thursday between 11:00 - 14:00 at the BMECP centre located 10A Fleet Street, Brighton, BN1 4ZE.

The Links Project

Address: All Souls Church, Wellesley Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3RJ

Contact number: 07876388782

Email: hellosanctuarycafe@gmail.com

Website: https://www.sanctuarycafeeastbourne.co

The Links Project works at the Sanctuary Cafe, on and can provide basic immigration advice and signposting, every Friday between 10:00-12:00. They can provide basic immigration advice and can signpost you to other services in the Eastbourne area.

Voices in Exile

Address: Fitzherbert Centre, 36 Upper Bedford Street, Brighton, BN2 1JP

Contact Number: 01273328598

Website: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/education-children-and-families/adult-learning-service/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brightonvoicesinexile/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voicesinexile

Voices in Exile are accredited to provide specialist immigration advice up to OISC Level 2, providing one-off advice via their advice line or email, as well as immigration casework provided by a qualified caseworker. They can assist with complex applications but cannot represent in appeals to the First Tier Tribunal or Upper Tier Tribunal or with a Judicial Review. All of their services are for vulnerable and/or destitute migrants, asylum seekers and refugees who are not eligible for legal aid and/or do not have the funds for private legal advice. As a general rule they do not assist EEA nationals but will consider particular vulnerable/complex cases. You can download a referral form from their website.

They operate two advice line on the same number 01273082105:

Immigration Advice Line open on Tuesdays between 13:30 - 15:30. For refugees, asylum seekers and migrants unable to fund for private legal advice or access legal aid.
The Generalist Advice Line is open on Thursday between 12:00 - 14:00. Offering advice and signposting services to help migrants, refugees and asylum seekers.

Alternatively, you can also email advice@voicesinexil.org which is checked throughout the week.

Please note that Voices in Exile cannot currently assist with citizenship applications, visitor visas, or any enquired relating to the points based system for work and student visas.

Local commercial firms offering legal advice

Please note that we accept no responsibility for, nor do we endorse the services offered by these firms.

Barnes Harrild & Dyer Solicitors London

Address: 40 Gracechurch Street, London, EC3V 9BT & 76 London Road, CR0 2TB

Email: enquiries@bhdsolicitors.co.uk

Website: https://www.bhdsolicitors.co.uk/

Bindmans

Address: 236 Gray’s Inn Road, London, WC1X 8HB

Contact number: +442078334433

Email: info@bindmans.com

Website: https://www.bindmans.com/

Birnberg Peirce and Partners

Address: 14 Inverness Street, London, NW1 7HJ

Contact number: 020 7911 0166

Website: https://www.birnbergpeirce.co.uk/

Duncan Lewis

Contact number: 03337720409

Enquiry form: https://duncanlewis.co.uk/Home/Contact/

Website: https://www.duncanlewis.co.uk/index.html

Elder Rahimi

Address: Novin House, Commercial Street, London, E1 6BD

Contact number: 0273776600

Enquiry form: https://www.elderrahimi.co.uk/contact-us

Website: https://www.elderrahimi.co.uk/

Fadiga & Co

Address: 29-30 Abbey Parade, Merton High Street, London, Sw19 1DG

Contact number: 0203 191 8080

Email: reception@fadiga.co.uk

Website: https://fadigaandco.com/

Irvine Thanvi Natas

Contact number: 02039098100

Email: enquiries@itnsolicitors.com

Website: https://www.itnsolicitors.com/

Islington Law Centre

Address: 38 Devonia Road, London, N1 8JH

Contact number: 02072887630

Website: https://www.islingtonlaw.org.uk/

Leigh Day

Contact number: 02076501200

Enquiry form: https://www.leighday.co.uk/contact-us/

Website: https://www.leighday.co.uk/

Luqmani Thompson

Address: 77/79 High Road, Wood Green, London, N22 6BB

Contact number: 02083657800

Enquiry form: https://luqmanithompson.com/contact

Website: https://luqmanithompson.com/

Sutovic & Hartigan Solicitors

Address: 271 High Street, London, W3 9BT

Contact number: 02089935544

Email: contact@sutovichartigan.com

Website: https://www.sutovichartigan.com/

Improving your English Language skills

English language skills teaching - Courses available in Sussex

Adult Learning Service

Contact number: 03302224400

Email: ESOL@westsussex.gov.uk

Operated by West Sussex County Council, the Adult Learning Service provides ESOL lessons for adults from pre-entry for beginners to level 2. Refugees and asylum seekers are eligible for free classes but you must contact the team first.

Clifton Community Church

Address: Clifton Hall Clifton Road Worthing BN11 4DP

Contact number: 07359265594

Email: cliftoncommunitychurch@aol.com

Website: https://cliftoncommunitychurch.co.uk/

Clifton Community Church runs two English classes free for refugees every Monday. The first 9:30 - 11:00 for Beginners and 13:00 - 14:30 for higher class.

East Sussex County Council

Website: https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/libraries/adult-learning/english-learning-pathway

Provided by East Sussex County Council, English Learning Pathway supports people to improve their english skills for all ability levels. They are free of charge and available across East Sussex Libraries. If you would like to enrol, fill out their form on their website.

East Sussex College

Lewes campus address: 1 Mountfield Road, Lewes, BN7 2XH

Eastbourne campus address: Ecat House, Cross Levels Way, Eastbourne, NM21 1UF

Administration contact number: 03030039699

Administration Lewes email: Lewes.Admissions@escg.ac.uk

Administration Eastbourne email: Eastbourne.Admissions@escg.ac.uk

Website: https://adult.escg.ac.uk/courses/english-modern-foreign-languages/english-as-a-foreign-language/esol-63669/

Offering a range of English classes based on your level, from beginner to intermediate. You may be able to access the course for free or at a discounted rate. Please contact the admission team, using the email above, to find out more information on courses fee.

Greater Brighton Metropolitan College

Central Brighton Campus address: Pelham Street, Brighton, BN1 4FA

Worthing campus address: Northbrook College, Littlehampton Road, Goring-by-Sea, Worthing, BN12 6NU

Contact number: 01273667788

Admissions email: admissions@gbmc.ac.uk

Website: https://www.gbmc.ac.uk/

Lewes Organization in Support of Refugee and Asylum Seekers

Address: C/O Town Hall, Lewes, BN7 2QS

Contact number: 01273667788

Email: info@losras.org

Website: https://losras.org/

LOSRAS is a charity based in Lewes committed to supporting people seeking sanctuary through raising awareness, campaigning and responding to local needs. LOSRAS can provide one-to-one tuition and works closely with local colleges to provide English classes.

The Brighton & Hove City Council Ethnic Minority Achievement Service (EMAS)

Address: Fairlight Primary School, St Leonards Road, Brighton, BN2 3AG

Contact number: 01273292521

Email: EMASadmin@brighton-hove.gov.uk

Website: https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/ethnic-minority-achievement-service-emas

EMAS supports pupils from across Brighton & Hove, who have English as an additional language. It is a team of specialist teachers, teaching assistants, bilingual assistance and home school liaison workers to provide flexible support to pre-school, primary and secondary aged children, in their own school. You have to be referred to EMAS by pre-schools, schools and health visitors.

The Migrant English Project (MEP)

Address: Exeter Street Hall, 16-17 Exeter Street, Brighton, BN1 5PG.

Email: mepbrighton12@gmail.com

Website: https://mepbrighton.com/

MEP provides free and informal English classes for asylum seekers, refugees and migrants. It aims to help you advance your English, at every level, in an informal environment, sessions can be, either, 1:1 or part of a small group. Sessions run on Mondays from 10:20am till 3:30pm at the address above.

TWIN Group

Contact number: 02082695770

Website: https://www.twinemployment.com/uk/our-programmes/adult-education-outside-greater-london/

Funded by the UK government. Twin offer ESOL Entry Level 1-3 to those aged 19+ and are seeking employment or currently under -employed. To see if you are eligible, complete their contact us form on their website or use the phone number above.

Sanctuary Cafe

Address: Wellesley Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3RJ

Contact number: 07876388782

Email: hellosanctuarycafe@gmail.com

Website: https://www.sanctuarycafeeastbourne.com/

Sanctuary Cafe offers access to English Classes, in two locations, for refugees across Eastbourne, asylum seekers and migrants. They have experienced and qualified English teachers who will support you at any level of English. To see the times and location of their classes, please look at their website.

Sussex Interpreting Services

Address: Community Base, 113 Queens Road, BN1 3XG.

Contact number: 01273702005

Email: info@sussexinterpreting.org.uk

Contact page: https://sussexinterpreting.org.uk/contact-us/

Website: https://sussexinterpreting.org.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sis.interpreting.services

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sussexinterpret

Sussex Interpreting Service offers some free services to refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, including interpreting and translation services, health and community programmes and bilingual advocacy, with the aim to enable you to integrate into the wider Brighton community. You can ask for an interpreter for your doctor’s appointment, this is paid for by the NHS.

Workers Education Association

Contact number: 03003033464

Website: https://www.wea.org.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weaadulteducation/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WEAadulted

Workers Education Association is a national organisation, which offers free or reduced fee for those claiming Income Related benefits, online courses from beginner to intermediate, each course is designed to help you advance your English. They do offer classes in person, but these are not offered all year round. Please get in contact with the organisation to see if you are eligible for fee remission.

Worthing 4 Refugees

Address: Maybridge Community Church, 77 The Strand, Worthing, BN12 6DR

Contact number: 07833617997

Email: info@worthing4refugees.org.uk

Website: https://worthing4refugees.org.uk/

Worthing 4 Refugees runs weekly English classes every Wednesday 13:00 - 14:30. Free for refugees and asylums, no need to book in advance.

Online resources

These are some useful and free websites to learn English.

BBC

Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/

British Council

The British Council is a British organisation which aims to build connections between the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education and the English language. They specialise in providing material and opportunity for individuals to learn English. The list below is some of the material the British Council have provided to assist you in improving your English:

Apps, videos and podcasts: https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/apps

Learn English for teens: https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/grammar

Beginner to pre-intermediate activities: https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/vocabulary/a1-a2-vocabulary

Intermediate to upper-intermediate activities: https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/vocabulary/b1-b2-vocabulary

Conversation Over Borders

Postal Address: Community Base, 113 Queens Road, BN1 3XG

Email: info@conversationoverborders.org

Contact number: +447871387035

Website: https://www.conversationoverborders.org/

Conversation Over Borders runs an English and Befriending Project which connects asylum seekers and refugees with volunteer tutors for free 1:1 online English conversation classes. To find out more information in regards to this programme, you can email team-english@conversationoverborders.org

Future Learn

Website: https://www.futurelearn.com/subjects/language-courses/learn-english

Future Learn is a website which allows you to access multiple short courses to learn English for free. Different courses become available throughout the year and they offer a unique way to advance your English.

Community and Resources

Community

Moving to a new place can be lonely, there are a variety of community groups you can get involved with in Sussex.

Community groups across Sussex

Conversation Over Borders

Postal Address: Community Base, 113 Queens Road, BN1 3XG

Email: info@conversationoverborders.org

Contact number: +447871387035

Website: https://www.conversationoverborders.org/

Conversation Over Borders is an online community, working directly with refugees and asylum seekers across the UK. They run various online projects, including a wellbeing project which has recently launched five new support groups, for Arabic speakers, Farsi speakers, women only, parents and mixed groups available to everyone.

An English and Befriending programme aimed to provide one-to-one support, build your confidence and help you connect with people. They run a monthly online cooking class, a chance to learn and take part in cuisines from around the world. They also have a digital inclusion project which provides technology, training, and digital support to digitally excluded refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. In Brighton & Hove, they have regular community activities, aimed to engage you with the local community. Activities include beach cleaning and art workshops.

To get involved in any of the projects please email the specific emails below:

Wellbeing project: wellbeing@conversationoverborders.org
English and Befriending: learn-english@conversationoverborders.org
Digital Inclusion Project: ily.conversationoverborders@gmail.org

Sierra Leone Sussex Association

Email: Hajimatu@hotmail.com

Contact Number: 07853133455 (Alhaji Bangura)

Website: https://sierraleonesussexassociation.wordpress.com/

The Sierra Leone Sussex Association was established by a community of Sierra Leoneans living in Sussex. They aim to improve the quality of life for their members and wider community through providing social and cultural activities to reduce social isolation within the Sierra Leonean community.

Sussex Kurdish Community (SKC)

Address: 92B, Lewes Road, BN2 3HZ

Contact Number: +4401273245045

Email: info@kurdishcom.com

SKC is a non-profit volunteering organisation which runs activities and services intended to develop the relationship among the Kurdish community and improve the social and cultural lives of Kurdish people.

Sussex Syrian Community Group

Email: sussexsyriancommunity@gmail.com

Contact Number: 07460963163 (Ahmad Yabroudi)

Website: https://sussexsyriancommunity.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SyrianCommunityGroup

The Sussex Syrian Community Group is run by Syrian volunteers, from a diverse range of ethnic and religious backgrounds, for the Syrian community. They aim to run services, activities and events to benefit the Syrian community in Brighton & Hove, engaging in the local community and creating a community.

Community Groups in Brighton & Hove

Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard

Address: Community Base, 113 Queens Road, BN1 3XG

Contact number: 01273234009

Email: info@switchboard.org

Website: https://www.switchboard.org.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LGBTswitchboard/

Switchboard aims to support LGBTQ+ community in Brighton & Hove and beyond. They provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals and run various specific projects focused on the community. These include an health and inclusion project, social activities and meeting for LGBTQ+ aged 50+, dementia support, peer group for LGBTQ+ people who have experienced bereavement and a project for disabled LGBTQ+ people. They also offer the International Rainbow Inclusion Service specifically for LGBTQ refugees, asylum seekers and migrants and those questioning their sexuality and/or gender identity, with Conversation Over Borders. Offering weekly social groups and social prescribing support.

Black and Minority Ethnic Youth Project (BMEYPP)

Email: bmeyppproject@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmeypp/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmeypp/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmeypp

BMEYPP is a youth-led community project for young people in Brighton and Hove aged 11 to 25. Offering a safe place and opportunities for young people to access support, learn new skills through informal education and engage in fun, social, sports and arts activities; with the hope to build a community and empower Black and Minority Ethnic young people.

Brighton Womens Centre

Address: 22 Richmond Place, BN2 9NA

Email: admin@womenscentre.org.uk

Website: https://womenscentre.org.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brightonwomenscentre/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightonwomenscentre/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BTNWomensCentre

Brighton Women's Centre is focused on empowering women and children to improve their lives and live independent lives. They offer safe women only spaces, open to all self-identified women, regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, parenthood, race, belief, and sexuality.

They offer multiple services including women's counselling and psychotherapy, holistic therapy, women’s accommodation, support services, ToyBox and assisting women through the criminal justice system. They also offer services to connect women with other women and grow friendship and community, including Peer to Peer groups and wellbeing activities.

Hangleton and Knoll MultiCultural Women's Group

Address: Hangleton & Knoll project, St Richards community Centre, Egmont Road, BN3 7FP

Email: info@hkproject.org.uk

Website: https://www.hkproject.org.uk/

Facebook: Hangleton and Knoll Multi Cultural Women's Group - Home | Facebook

A group open to all women, the Hangleton and Knoll MultiCultural Women’s Group run multiple activities for local women. The group focuses on promoting healthy lifestyle, activities include Yoga, walks, women only swimming and monthly coffee mornings. If you are interested in joining and would like more information please use the email address above.

Hummingbird Project

Address: BMECP Centre, 10A Fleet Street, BN1 4ZE

Email: enquiries@hummingbirdproject.org.uk

Website: https://www.hummingbirdproject.org.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hummingbirduk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hummingbird.project/?hl=en

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hummingbirdbtn

The Hummingbird Project assists young refugees and asylum seekers, in Brighton. They run a youth club every Monday at the BMECP centre, between 17:00 - 19:00. Young people can drop in and allow them to meet new people locally. As well, they provide a learning space for young people with qualified teachers to assist with school work. They also offer individual support, with staff who have experience working with at-risk young people who have been forced to be on the move. The organisation also runs a young leaders programme, to help young refugees develop confidence and Hummingbird Learning Space providing 1-2-1 educational support.

International Rainbow Inclusion Service (IRIS)

Email: info@conversationoverborders.org

Website: https://www.conversationoverborders.org/lgbtq-support

IRIS offers a free service that supports LGBTQ+ asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants, as well as those questioning their sexuality or gender identity to adjust to life in the UK. They offer weekly social groups and social prescribing support.

Sudanese Women and Children Group in Brighton

Website: https://swcgbh.org/

A non-profit group who aim to provide Sudanese women and children help and support to engage in wider society and to build a relationship with their Sudanese Background. They also meet in person every 2 weeks from 18:00 at the Methodist Church, Portland Road, Brighton, BN3 5DR. To contact this group, please use the contact us section of the website.

The Black Minority Ethnic Community Partnership (BMECP)

Address: BMECP Centre, 10A Fleet Street, BN1 4ZE

Contact number: 03003031171

Email: contact@bmecp.org.uk

Website: https://bmecp.org.uk/community-services/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmecpcentre

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmecp_centre/

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/bmecpcentre

BMECP is a Brighton charity offering a range of services that support migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. The site also runs two groups, BMECP 50+ Group and the BMECP Chinese Elders Group. Both of which are free to join. In addition to a Muslim Women weekly peers group. BMECP also hosts free yoga classes for women refugees, asylum seekers and migrant women, provided by the Brighton Natural Health Centre.

The Cowley Club

Address: 12 London Road, BN1 4JA

Email: cowleyclub@riseup.net

Website: https://cowley.club/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cowleyclub

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cowleyclub/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cowleyclub

The Crowley Club is a volunteer run anarchist social club in Brighton. It houses a cafe and bookshop during the day and a member bar in the evenings. There is also a library and it holds various projects dedicated to grassroots social change. Weekly events include Mutual Aid Vegan Foodbank, Community vegan cafe which aims to keep the prices as cheap as possible running on Fridays and Saturdays between 12:00 -16:00; and a library. They also look for volunteers, no experience is required.

The Network of International Women

Email: info@niwbh.org

Website: https://niwbh.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/168889443847713

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/networkofinternat/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/networkhove

Run by volunteers, the Network of International Women provides a platform for women to meet, share knowledge, experience and support each other in Brighton & Hove. Their aim is to enhance a sense of belonging among women from diverse and marginalised backgrounds, through taking part in inclusive group activities around Brighton and Hove.

Group activities include a weekly crafts meeting every Wednesday morning at the Jubilee library, discussion and information forums, events centred around food, monthly walks, and casework services. It is voluntary and activities are open to all women and are children friendly. To find out more information or to express your intent to join, please use the email address above.

Voices in Exile

Address: Fitzherbert Centre, 36 Upper Bedford Street, BN2 1JP

Contact Number: 01273328598