Asylum seeker, Refugee and migrant organisations

There are both national and local organisations focused on assisting, helping and supporting Asylum seekers, Refugees and Migrants.

National organisations

The Association of Visitors to Immigration Detainees (AVID)

AVID is a network of visitor groups for people in immigration detention. Their members visit people in detention in every Immigration Removal Centre and Residential short-term holding facility across the UK.

Amnesty International UK

Amnesty International is an organisation focused on human rights, they aim to improve and protect the lives of women, men and children. It is the largest grassroot human rights organisation in the world. Amnesty International is working in the UK to ensure a fair and effective asylum seeker system and migrants and refugees are treated with dignity and respect. Their work includes research, developing proposals to the government, advocating and intervening in important court cases to ensure the best evidence based on human rights conditions are being used.

While also being a national organisation, local groups are at the centre of Amnesty International UK. There are local groups, who hold meetings, both online and in person, to discuss supporting human rights. To find out about upcoming meeting times and dates, check their website or social media pages:

British Red Cross

The British Red Cross is the largest independent organisation in the UK providing services for asylum seekers and refugees. They offer multiple services to assist those in the asylum process, including casework, one to one support, help to reunite families in the UK and special services for children and families.

The British Red Cross offers a helpline for anyone in the UK. They can provide support in 200 languages, just ask "can I speak to a translator?". The helpline is open 10:00 - 17:00 Monday to Friday, 10:00 - 20:00 on Wednesday.

Local groups are key to the establishment and running of the British Red Cross. The area of Sussex has its own Red Cross local organisation that provides refugees, asylum seekers and migrants service

The Children's Society

The Children’s Society provides mentoring & befriending and Mental health & Wellbeing support and advice to children and young adult refugees across the UK.

Conversation Over Borders

Conversation Over Borders provides English & Befriending, Digital Inclusion and Mental Health & Wellbeing support and advice to refugees and asylum seekers across the UK. They are based in East Sussex and support individuals online nationally. They also run social events and classes in Brighton and Hove.

Freedom from Torture

Freedom from Torture are a UK organisation that assist and support those who have survived torture in the UK, as well as promoting and protecting their rights. They provide clinical services to help individuals who have suffered from torture to recover, they also provide an interpreting service for their services, if needed.

Friends, Families and Travellers

Friends, Families and Travellers is the leading national organisation working to end racism and discrimination against Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people in the UK. They provide a wide range of support to individuals and families on issues that matter most to them, while also advocating for their rights in Britain.

Migrant Help

Migrant Help is an organisation aimed to support asylum seekers, refugees and victims of human trafficking and modern slavery. They offer a helpline, open all year round, 24 hours, offering a wide range of advice and guidance to help through the asylum process. You can contact this organisation regarding issues outside the asylum process including maintenance issues, requests for assistance and asylum payment issues. It is possible to read their website in your native language and to request for an interpreter on the phone. This line is a key service for individuals requiring help with their asylum claim or support.

Migrant Voice

Migrant Voice is a migrant led advocacy organisation that aims to create a space for migrants to speak for themselves and call for justice for all across the UK.

Rainbow Migration

Rainbow Migration is an organisation offering practical and emotional support to LGBTQI+ individuals seeking asylum in the UK.

Refugee Action

Refugee Action is a national organisation focused on helping asylum seekers and refugees living in the UK. They provide help and advice on issues regarding the asylum process and can signpost to further specific services.

Refugee Council

The Refugee Council is a UK based organisation supporting refugees and asylum seekers. Offering practical support and advice for men, women and separated children. They also offer a freephone infoline that can connect you with relevant information and services to avoid or reduce crisis. This line is open Monday and Thursday between 9:30 - 12:30. They also offer a wide range of services from resettlement, health, employment, homelessness to children and young people. To find more about these services explore their website.

Safe Passage UK

Safe Passage is an organisation that works to reunite refugee children with their families in the UK.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

UNHCR is an international organisation who leads and coordinates actions to protect refugees worldwide. Its aim is to safeguard the wellbeing and rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless individuals, through advocating, guardian and training local authorities. The organisation ensures that everyone has the right to seek asylum in another state. Their UK HELP site provides information on the asylum procedure and legal assistance in the UK.

Local organisations

Articulate

Articulate creates safe spaces for children and young people who have faced or continue to face tough challenges in their lives. Through creating safe places they help young people creatively express, explore and enjoy themselves through art.

Best Foot Music

Best Foot Music works in collaboration with musicians who have moved to the UK from around the world, their aim is to create social cohesion through the avenue of music. Activities include: Collectively working with musicians from across the globe with their diverse heritages; Documenting and supporting music made by refugees and migrants; Booking artists for events held by other organisations and Event production.

Brighton Exiled/Refugee Trauma Project (BERTS)

BERTS is a specialist service for serious mental health treatment, hosted by Brighton & Hove CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). They provide free specialist trauma counselling and psychotherapy to refugees and asylum seekers, to help them come to terms with their relocation in the UK, after what can be a very difficult experience for themselves and their family in their country of origin. You need to be referred to this service by either your doctor or social worker.

Brighton Migrant Solidarity

Brighton Migrant Solidarity is a campaign group that works to support migrants within Brighton & Hove and beyond. They welcome those with experience of fleeing conflict or seeking asylum to all their meetings and events.

Eastbourne Networx

A group of local individuals in Eastbourne with the aim of providing daily needs and integration to refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants. They work with other organisations in Eastbourne to provide an encouraging and welcoming environment.

Enthum House

Enthum House is a charity based in Eastbourne which provides a safe and sustainable home for unaccompanied asylum seeking children aged 16-18 years old, especially young men. Developed from their work in the Calais Jungle, an unofficial refugee camp in Northern France, they provide people-centric support to young people helping them to build resilience and integrate into the local community.

Hummingbird Project

The Hummingbird Project was established to help assist refugees in Calais and Dunkirk refugee camps. Since the camps’ closure, the organisation now works to assist young refugees and asylum seekers, in Brighton. They run a youth club every Monday at the BMECP centre fleet street, between 17:00 - 19:00 Young people can drop in and meet new people in the area. They also offer individual support, with experienced staff who have worked 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)

Run by Switchboard and Conversations Over Borders, ISIS 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.

Jollof Cafe

Jollof Cafe is a project of Sussex Refugee and Migrant Self Support Group. Run by refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants, Jollof Cafe provides a space where everyone can come together to socialise over lunch. The food is a pay as you feel system, where all proceeds go to the groups destitution funds. The cafe is open every Wednesday at 13:00.

Lewes Organisation in Support of Refugees and Asylum Seekers (LOSRAS).

LOSRAS aims to support asylum seekers and refugees through advocacy, raising awareness and providing practical help, in Lewes distract. Membership is open to those who support the organisation's aims and they hold regular open meetings.

Migrant English Project

The Migrant English Project holds free and informal English classes to refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in the Brighton & Hove area every Monday between 10:30 - 15:30. It aims to reduce isolation among migrants through creating a space where people gain the skills and confidence in both written and spoken English.

Refugee Radio

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Back to top

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: 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: 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: nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy/results/Brighton%20and%20Hove

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: nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy/results/Lewes

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: nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy/results/Worthing

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:

nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist

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.

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:

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): 111.nhs.uk

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

Urgent Treatment Centre in Eastbourne

Eastbourne District General Hospital

Urgent Care Centre in Lewes

Lewes Victoria Hospital Urgent Treatment Centre

Urgent Care Centre in Worthing

Worthing Urgent Treatment Centre

A&E Hospitals across Sussex

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Healthwatch East Sussex

Healthwatch West Sussex

Living with HIV

Sussex Beacon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Back to top

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 - 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 brighton-hove.gov.uk/cost-living-support
• Help with housing brighton-hove.gov.uk/housing
• Support for people affected by domestic abuse safeinsussex.co.uk
• Drug and alcohol recovery support 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 uok.org.uk/talk-to-us Visit: uok.org.uk
• If you are a carer for someone with a mental health difficulty: 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 - healthinmind.org.uk

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

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 uok.org.uk/talk-to-us Visit: uok.org.uk or 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: 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

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 - westsussextalkingtherapies.nhs.uk

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

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.

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

Mental Wellbeing Organisations

Bramber Bakehouse

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Refugee Radio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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:

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

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]

BERTS is a specialist service for serious mental health treatment, hosted by Brighton & Hove CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). They provide free specialist trauma counselling and psychotherapy to refugees and asylum seekers, to help them come to terms with their relocation in the UK, after what can be a very difficult experience for themselves and their family in their country of origin. You need to be referred to this service by either your doctor or social worker.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 the Grassroots website.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Back to top

Abuse and Violence

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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: 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 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

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: 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:

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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.

Back to top

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

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

R&A Global Store

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

Asian

Emmanuel International Groceries

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

18 Grocery

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

Eastern European

Mr. Patisson International Food, Polish Grocery Cafe.

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

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

Middle Eastern

Pamir Grocery

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

Taj the Grocer

A selection of Middle Eastern food and Indian food available

South American

Brazilian Centre, Brighton & Hove

This store offers a variety of Brazilian and Portuguese products.

Eastbourne

Africa

Proudly African

This store offers a variety of African and Afro Caribbean products

Asian

Femys Oriental Foods

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

East European

Eastbourne Gastronom

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

Middle Eastern

Halal Shop

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

South American

Costa Verde - The Latin Deli

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

Lewes

Asian

Pestle & Mortar

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

Worthing

Asian

MB Grocers

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

Wing Wah Oriental Food Market

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

Eastern European

Ladya

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

Middle Eastern

Brothers Halal Food and Butchery

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

Back to top

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

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

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

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

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

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

The cafe is open Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 - 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

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

Real Junk Food Project - Hollingdean

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

St Peter's Church

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Old Boat Corner Community Fridge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hangleton & West Blatchington Food bank

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

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

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

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

Oasis Foodbank

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

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:

Food Banks in Eastbourne

Eastbourne food bank

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

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

Food banks in Lewes

Fitzjohn’s Food bank

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

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

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

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

Food banks in Worthing

St Matthew’s Church

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Back to top

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

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

Brighton Housing Trust in Eastbourne

This office covers Eastbourne, Wealden and Lewes.

Brighton Housing Trust in Hastings

This office provides service in Hastings and Rother.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Salvation Army

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

Homeless service in Lewes

Lewes Open Door

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

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.

Back to top

Welfare

Welfare and monetary organisations

Brighton & Hove Council Welfare Office

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

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

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

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

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

Or, you can request a call back or email advice by filling out their online enquiry form, which you can access here: 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

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

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

Lewes Citizens Advice Bureau

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

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: advicewestsussex.org.uk/contact-us/email

Mental Health & Money Advice

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

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

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

MoneyHelper

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: moneyhelper.org.uk/en/contact-us/money-guidance/money-guidance-enquiry-form

Moneyworks Advice Line

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:

If the line is busy or closed, you can request a call back or email from an advisor here: advicebrighton-hove.org.uk/adviceline-questionnaire.

One Stop Junction

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

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: Requesting support from Project 17.

Refugee Radio

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.

St Luke's Advice Service

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

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 wavecb.org.uk/join-us

Please note that we accept no responsibility for, nor do we endorse Wave Community Bank.

Welfare benefits project

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

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.

Back to top

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: 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): 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.

1. 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.
2. 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: 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: 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: 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

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

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

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

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

Or, you can request a call back or email advice by filling out their online enquiry form, which you can access here: 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

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

Lewes Citizens Advice Bureau

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

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: advicewestsussex.org.uk/contact-us/email

Gatwick Detainees Welfare Group

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

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

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

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

Migrant Help is an organisation aimed to support asylum seekers, refugees and victims of human trafficking and modern slavery. They are the main refugee organisation in the UK. They offer a helpline, open all year round, 24 hours, offering a wide range of advice and guidance to help through the asylum process. They can provide advice in your own language, please just ask the operator when contacting.

Migration Law Clinic at University of Sussex

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: sussex.ac.uk/law/clinical-legal-education/free-legal-advice

Money Advice Plus

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

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

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

Bindmans

Birnberg Peirce and Partners

Duncan Lewis

Elder Rahimi

Fadiga & Co

Irvine Thanvi Natas

Islington Law Centre

Leigh Day

Luqmani Thompson

Sutovic & Hartigan Solicitors

Back to top

Improving your English Language skills

English language skills teaching - Courses available in Sussex

Adult Learning Service

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

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

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

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

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.

Lewes Organization in Support of Refugee and Asylum Seekers

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)

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)

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 10:20 till 15:30 at the address above.

TWIN Group

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

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

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

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

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

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:

Conversation Over Borders

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

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.

Back to top

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

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

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)

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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)

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

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)

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

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

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

Voices in Exile run four weekly support groups for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, to help you integrate and build a community in Brighton & Hove. These groups run between 10:00-13:00 on Monday, 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:

Community Groups in Eastbourne

Archery Youth Hub

Archery youth club provides activities and drop in sessions for young people in eastbourne to make new friends and learn new skills. They are LGBTQ+ friendly and run a specific LGBTQ+ group that meets once a month. They also welcome young people with special education needs and disabilities.

Devonshire Collective

Devonshire Collective is a creative and cultural hub in Eastbourne, with studios, workshops, gallery and cafe for artists, community members and the public. They run a series of art programmes that are free, inclusive, artist-led, art activities for the local community. Activities and classes change all year round.

Never Alone

Never Alone is an activity group set up by CPK Field Haine & Son and supported by St John Ambulance. The group provides an opportunity to meet new people in the community over free tea, coffee and cake. They meet every last Tuesday of the month, from 11:00 - 12:00.

Sanctuary

Sanctuary Cafe is an organisation based in Eastbourne, providing a warm and welcoming community for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. They run a drop-in every Friday between 10:00 - 12:00, giving you the chance to meet other refugees and asylum seekers. As well as access to advice, an art table, signposting and translation services.

Outside of their Friday sessions, Sanctuary also offers social events including walk and talk sessions and supporting events.

Community Groups in Lewes

Lewes Organisation in Support of Refugee and Asylum Seekers (LOSRAS)

LOSRAS is a charity based in Lewes committed to supporting people seeking sanctuary through raising awareness, campaigning and responding to local needs. LOSRAS holds regular events and open meetings throughout the year. To see what is coming up, take a look at their website.

Lewes Quakers Meeting House

Meeting weakly, Quakers are a group of individuals who place equality at the heart of their life. They are open to lessons learned from everyone's life experiences and to the insight of other faiths. Some Quakers identify as Christian, others do not. Some believe in God while others do not. They believe what is important is how individuals live their lives, not what they believe.

Wildflower Lewes

Wildflower Lewes is a group set up to encourage and increase wildflowers throughout Lewes, working with councils and other agencies to improve the environment. They meet monthly online and in person annually. If you are interested in joining this group, please contact the Secretary.

Community Groups in Worthing

Groups at Worthing Libraries

Worthing Libraries services offers multiple groups and activities for you to interact with others and make friends, targeted both to Adults and teenagers, including Knit and Natter groups, board game groups and reading groups.

LGBTQ+ Community of Worthing

An open and inclusive group committed to creating safe, social, and supportive spaces for local LGBT+ community, both in person and online.

Worthing Homes Community House

Worthing Homes Community House is a place where people can meet up informally, or take part in activities. They offer several different groups, activities, and clubs from a women's group to well-being walks.

Back to top

Activities and Life in Brighton & Hove

Brighton & Hove is a vibrant and lively city with a lot of cultural and social activity going on. A lot of activities are free and open to anyone. It is important as an asylum seeker or refugee to try to connect to your new home through meeting people and getting out of the home, seeing new things and trying out new activities. This is great for your mental health. It is important for all people to have a community that they form part of and have a sense of belonging.

Religious Centres

This is a list of some religious facilities in Brighton & Hove:

Buddhist

Most of the Buddhist centres in Brighton & Hove practice Western Buddhism but all Buddhists are welcome.

Brighton Buddhist Centre

As a part of the Triratna movement, this centre offers weekly meditation classes both online and in person. They also offer monthly mediation sessions for the LGBTQ+ community.

Christian

There are dozens of Christian churches in Brighton & Hove, some of which offer specific support to asylum seekers, and some also have a food bank.

St Matthias Church

An Anglican church in the centre of Brighton which hosts multiple events, including an anxiety help and a marriage course.

One Church

A Baptist church, focused on building an inclusive and vibrant Christian community in Brighton & Hove. They run multiple projects focused on equality.

St Josephs & St John the Baptist

A Catholic parish in East Brighton offering multiple events

Holland Road Baptist Church

A Lutheran catholic church in Hove with information in both Cantonese and Farsi.

Jewish

Brighton & Hove Progessive Synagogue

A progressive synagogue abiding by the affirmations of Liberal Judaism, with over 300 members.

Hove Hebrew Congregation

A modern orthodox Jewish congregation in Hove.

Muslim

Al-Medinah Mosque

A community based mosque offering services for both muslim and non muslims.

Brighton Mosque and Muslim Community Centre

The first Mosque in Brighton, Brighton Mosque provides a place of worship and prayer.

Shah Jalal Mosque

The only Mosque in Hove, Shah Jalal Mosque offers a place of worship.

Brighton & Hove Muslim Forum

While this is not a place of worship, Brighton & Hove Muslim forum is a non profit organisation, serving the religious, social and cultural needs of the Muslim community in Brighton & Hove.

Hindu

Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple

Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple is located in Portslade, offering multiple services.

Public Events

Brighton Festival

Held every year in May, Brighton Festival is a multi arts festival held in venues across Brighton & Hove. It includes music, art, debates, acts, film, literature and many more creative art events. Tickets are usually expensive and sell out quickly, but there are often offers and more open access events if you look on the website.

Brighton Fringe

Held yearly around May to June, the Brighton’s Fringe is a large arts festival held across Brighton & Hove. There is a mixture of free and chargeable events.

Artist Open Houses

This festival is held across Brighton in May and December, where artists open their studios or workspaces to share with you their art.

Pride

This event is the UK'S most popular international Pride festival, organised by Brighton Pride to promote equality and diversity of LGBTQ+ community in Brighton & Hove. Join the parade which is free and celebrate your individuality with other members of the LGBTQ+ community. LGBTQ+ is short for ‘Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and more’ community. The event is split into two, there is a Parade from Hove Lawns to Preston Park which is free to watch our join, and then there is a festival in the Park. Tickets are very expensive but the Pride organisation offers some free and very low price ones to local residents, particularly in the months leading up to August. Over 200,000 people attend Pride, if you are afraid of crowds and noise, this is not the one for you!

Burning the Clocks

This event held in December celebrates the shortest day of the year, by having a parade of paper and willow lanterns through the city before having a bonfire on the beach.

Free activities

Brighton & Hove beach

Brighton & Hove is famous in the UK for offering a fantastic beach, sit or take a walk along the beach, to relax and enjoy the sight of the sea. You can also swim in the sea, which has many benefits and is free.

There are safety conditions if you want to swim in the sea, which is highly advised you follow:

• It is highly recommended that you swim during the lifeguard season, where in case of an accident or emergency, they can rescue you. Lifeguard season is from the end of May until the first weekend in September. During this season, always swim between the red and yellow flags on the beach, which mark a safe place to swim. A solid red flag indicates that it is too dangerous for swimming.
• Always check the weather and sea information before swimming, you can look online at visitbrighton.com/plan-your-visit/tides.
• Always swim parallel to the shore and stay within your depth.
• If you feel like you are being pulled out to the sea by the tides, stay calm! And swim diagonally across to the nearest point on the beach.
• When it is high tide and with the strongest onshore winds, it is highly recommended that you do not swim during these times as it is hard to enter and leave the water. This weather also leads to severe shore dump waves, where the waves suddenly rise and crash with great force. These waves are considered an extreme risk to swimmers therefore you are advised to not swim during these conditions.
• Northerly winds, also called offshore winds, can make it dangerous for swimmers, as it causes the risk of being swept out.
• Avoid swimming near the piers and groynes, these areas difficult to swim in due to them having their own fixed currents.
• For clothing, it is recommended for you to wear a wetsuit for warmth and a bright coloured swim hat so that you are visible. Due to the beaches in Brighton being shingle beaches, it is also recommended that you wear suitable shoes to avoid cuts and falls.
• Do not jump from piers and groynes as it is extremely dangerous.
• Even if the weather is sunny and warm, the sea temperature can cause a drop in your body’s temperature. It is recommended that you acclimatise to the water temperature first. To do this, slowly increase the time spent in water. Start with only a few minutes in the sea, at a time and build up the time.
• Do not drink alcohol and swim in the sea, as alcohol decreases your capabilities and can cause hypothermia in cold waters.

If you witness anyone in danger or entering the water in dangerous sea conditions, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

On Facebook there is a group called Salty Seabirds that you can join. They go swimming in the sea throughout the year and will help you understand safety at sea. It is open to both men and women.

The Lanes

Right in the centre of Brighton, this is narrow alleyways filled with independent jewellers, restaurants and pubs. It is free to explore and get to know Brighton’s uniqueness.

Getting out into nature every day is really good for mental and physical health. Vitamin D in daylight is protective against Depression. Try to go out every morning, especially if you have disrupted sleep, to reset your body. Not only does Brighton have a beach but it offers multiple parks and nature reserves:

• Stanmer Park
• Preston Park
• Queens Park
• Hove Park
• St Ann’s Well Gardens
• Dyke Road Park
• East Brighton Park
• The level
• Withdean Park
• Wild Park
• Blakers Park
• Stoneham Park
• Easthill Park
• Hollingbury Park and woods
• Saunders Park
• Stanmer Park
• One Garden Brighton
• Pavilion Gardens

Rainy day? Or not feeling like being outside? Brighton & Hove offer free museums for you to explore:

Booth Museum

Focused on natural science, this museum hosts taxidermy birds, animals and fossils

Brighton Fishing Museum

This museum, right on the beach, takes you on a journey to explore brightons fishing journey, with free entrance.

Old Police Cells Museum

Take a free tour of the old police cells in Brighton and glimpse into the past at this museum. You will need to book in advance.

Hove Museum and Art Gallery

Explore Hove’s history and local art collection at this museum for free.

Back to top

Activities and Life in Eastbourne

It is important as an asylum seeker or refugee to try to connect to your new home through meeting people and getting out of the home, seeing new things and trying out new activities. This is great for your mental health. It is important for all people to have a community that they form part of and have a sense of belonging.

Religious Centres

Buddhist

Eastbourne Buddhism and Meditation

A part of the worldwide community of Buddhists called the Triratna Buddhist Community. Running meditation classes and weakly sangha meetings to engage in practising and communicating the teachings of Buddha in Eastbourne. Everyone is welcome to join, including non Buddhists.

Christian

There are dozens of Christian churches in Eastbourne, all practising different denominations. Some of which offer specific support to asylum seekers, and some also have a food bank. Here's a list of some of the churches in Eastbourne:

All Souls Church

Situated in the city centre of Eastbourne, this church holds to the doctrine of the Church of England and welcomes everyone of all ages and backgrounds. It holds regular events and meetings, to create a warming and welcoming environment.

Kings Church Eastbourne

A Protestant church in Eastbourne with the aim of creating a welcoming community from any background.

Our Lady of Ransom

A Roman Catholic Parish Church situated in the city centre of Eastbourne, just off from the beach. It offers a place of worship in a welcoming environment.

St Saviours Eastbourne

St Saviours is an Anglican Church, in the heart of Eastbourn. They practise and teach the Catholic tradition of the Church of England, as handed down from St Augustine. It is a distribution site for the Eastbourne food bank and holds regular community events.

Jewish

Eastbourne Liberal Jewish Community

The Eastbourne Liberal Jewish Community is a constituent member of Liberal Judaism, a Progessive UK Jewish movement. Members come from the town of Eastbourne, but also from the wider East Sussex area. They meet once a month for services. For more information of when and where these services are, please look at their website.

Muslim

Eastbourne Mosque

Situated just outside Eastbourne city centre, Eastbourne Mosque provides a place of worship. They hold regular events and activities aimed at creating a community and provide teaching of the Quran.

Events

Spring Water Festival

A 10 day festival celebrating water in Eastbourne. This event is usually held in May and offers free events and activities to get you to immerse yourself into Eastbourne seafront. The main focus is on walking to visit and use the Refill station along Eastbourne's coast. There are a variety of free events, including walking, conservation, arts, and health and wellbeing events.

Eastbourne Carnival

Eastbourne has historically been a town carnival and Eastbourne Carnival is the biggest Seafront Carnival in the South East. The main event is a parade along Eastbourne and ending at the seafront, usually held on the last Bank holiday in May. Afterwards, there are a series of other events, including music, but these may cost. There are also events before the parade, with a series of costume makes and dance workshops leading up to the event in May. Over 25,000 people attend Eastbourne Carnival, if you are afraid of crowds and noise, this is not the one for you!

Eastbourne Pride

Eastbourne Pride is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, which is short for ‘Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and more’ community. The event is split into two and held in July. The first is a parade which walks from Eastbourne Pier and heads towards Princess Park. The parade is free to join and everyone is welcome, it is not exclusive to the LGBTQ+ community. The second is a concert, where music acts perform to celebrate Pride. This is no longer free and it does cost to enter. If you are afraid of crowds or loud noises, this one might not be the one for you!

Eastbourne Walking Festival

Eastbourne Walking Festival is a 10 day celebration of the great outdoors, held in September. It acts as a springboard to promoting the health and wellbeing benefits of walking outside. The event is curated to provide something for everyone, despite age or mobility. It brings together knowledgeable volunteers and industry experts to programme walks and talks. The majority of the walks are free although some may include a charge for transportation. Please look at their website for more information.

Free activities

Eastbourne beach

Eastbourne offers a fantastic stony beach, sit or take a walk along the beach, to relax and enjoy the sight of the sea. You can also swim in the sea, which has many benefits and is free.

There are safety conditions if you want to swim in the sea, which is highly advised you follow:

• It is highly recommended that you swim during the lifeguard season, where in case of an accident or emergency, they can rescue you. Lifeguard season is from the 1st of May to 30th of September. During this season, always swim between the red and yellow flags on the beach, which mark a safe place to swim. Lifeguards are located near the Wish Tower.
• In some areas of Eastbourne Coastline, yellow buoys have been placed 200m from the shore. Do not interfere with the buoys in anyway as they have been placed for safety reasons.
• Always check the weather and sea information before swimming, you can look online at tidetimes.co.uk.
• Always swim parallel to the shore and stay within your depth.
• If you feel like you are being pulled out to the sea by the tides, stay calm! And swim diagonally across to the nearest point on the beach.
• When it is high tide and with the strongest onshore winds, it is highly recommended that you do not swim during these times as it is hard to enter and leave the water. This weather also leads to severe shore dump waves, where the waves suddenly rise and crash with great force. These waves are considered an extreme risk to swimmers therefore you are advised to not swim during these conditions.
• Northerly winds, also called offshore winds, can make it dangerous for swimmers, as it causes the risk of being swept out.
• Avoid swimming near the piers and groynes, these areas difficult to swim in due to them having their own fixed currents.
• For clothing, it is recommended for you to wear a wetsuit for warmth and a bright coloured swim hat so that you are visible. Due to the beaches being shingle beaches, it is also recommended that you wear suitable shoes to avoid cuts and falls.
• It is encouraged to not use inflatables along Eastbourne beaches, as they can get caught in coral winds or be pulled out to sea by strong currents.
• Do not jump from piers and groynes as it is extremely dangerous.
• Even if the weather is sunny and warm, the sea temperature can cause a drop in your body’s temperature. It is recommended that you acclimatise to the water temperature first. To do this, slowly increase the time spent in water. Start with only a few minutes in the sea, at a time and build up the time.
• Do not drink alcohol and swim in the sea, as alcohol decreases your capabilities and can cause hypothermia in cold waters.

If you are on the beach, never place yourself at the base of the cliff, as there is a genuine risk that the rock above could collapse down on you. This is due to the cliffs being made of chalk and they can crumble very easily. For the same reason, never stand too close to a cliff edge if visiting the top of eastbourne cliffs. If you see a crack on a cliff, please contact your local council here: eastsussex.gov.uk/your-council/about/district-borough-contact

If you witness anyone in danger or entering the water in dangerous sea conditions, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

Eastbourne Pier

Eastbourne Pier opened in 1872 and is an example of a Victorian pier. You can walk along the pier and take a look at Eastbourne from this fantastic and unique vantage point, for free. The pier also has shops and cafes.

Beachy Head Cliffs

The dramatic 530 feet high cliffs of Beachy Head provide stunning views over Eastbourne and the English Channel. It is the UK's highest chalk sea cliff at western end of Eastbourne Seafront in the South Downs National Park and Seven Sisters Country Park. Walk you from the western end of Eastbourne seafront at Meads Village.

Please note that you should never stand close to the cliff edge, as it can collapse underneath you very easily, as it is made of chalk.

Getting out into nature every day is really good for mental and physical health. Vitamin D in daylight is protective against Depression. Try to go out every morning, especially if you have disrupted sleep, to reset your body. Not only does Eastbourne have a beach but it offers multiple parks and nature reserves:

• Butts Brow
• Beachy Head Ringing Station
• Carpet and Seafront Gardens
• Gildredge Park and Manor Gardens
• Hampden Park
• Meads Parks and Gardens
• Old Town Recreation Ground
• Princess Park
• Sovereign Park

If you don't feel like being outside in the fresh air or it's a rainy day, don't worry! Eastbourne has free museums for you to explore:

Eastbourne Lifeboat Museum

Eastbourne Lifeboat Museum exhibits the story of nearly 200 years of life boating in the town. It covers the lifeboats involvement with the evacuation of Allied troops from Dunkirk during the Second World War to the development of search and rescue.

The Beachy Head Story

The latest project from Heritage Eastbourne, it allows visitors to discover the story and formation of the South Downs. Discover the importance of Beachy Head for people thousands of years ago and the people who have shaped the landscape. They also have a local art exhibition invoking key themes of heritage, environment and folklore.

Towner Eastbourne

Towner holds a collection and exhibits contemporary British art. It is best known for its modern art collection and has a growing collection of international contemporary art. Towner is a free and welcoming community space that also provides a place for study and relaxation. There can be a cost for temporary exhibitions at the museum. Please check their website for up to date information.

Back to top

Activities and Life in Lewes

It is important as an asylum seeker or refugee to try to connect to your new home through meeting people and getting out of the home, seeing new things and trying out new activities. This is great for your mental health. It is important for all people to have a community that they form part of and have a sense of belonging.

Religious Centres

Christian

There are dozens of Christian churches in Lewes, all practising different denominations. Some of which offer specific support to asylum seekers, and some also have a food bank. Here's a list of some of the churches in Lewes:

Christ Church, Lewes

St Michael

An Anglo-Catholic church based within the wall of Lewes, holding services weekly.

Trinity Church

Following the Church of English, Trinity holds meetings across 3 locations and 6 congregations throughout Lewes. They have regular events and meetings to create a welcoming community.

Muslim

Peace Community Centre & Mosque

Outside Lewes City, Peace Community Centre & Mosque in Peacehaven is the closest Islamic Centre to Lewes. Holding weekly meetings and regular events to create a welcoming community.

Events

Artwave

Artwave is held annually in September, across Lewes, Seaford, Newhaven, Peacehaven and the surrounding villages. It provides the chance for people to discover new art and meet artists. All exhibitions are free to visit.

Heritage Open Days

Heritage Open Days hosted in September is England's largest festival of history and culture. In Lewes, some country homes, estates and historical houses open their doors, free of charge, to bring people together to celebrate heritage, community and history.

Lewes bonfire night

Remember, remember the fifth of November. Held every 5th November (unless it falls on a sunday in which case it's held on Saturday 4th), Lewes bonfire is the largest celebration of bonfire night in the UK. The main event with a parade down Lewes high street is free, other events and entry into bonsites do cost. This is a loud event, with up to 80,000 people attending. If you are afraid of crowds and noise, this is not the one for you!

Free activities

Twittens in Lewes

Twittens are narrow paths or passages between two walls or hedges. Explore Lewes town twittens which date back to the Anglo-Saxon times, offering some fantastic scenery.

Ruins of Lewes Priory

The priory dates back to the 11th century where it remained for 450 years until the Dissolution of Monasteries. Now a part of Priory Park, you can take a walk and explore the ruins of Lewes Priory.

Getting out into nature every day is really good for mental and physical health. Vitamin D in daylight is protective against Depression. Try to go out every morning, especially if you have disrupted sleep, to reset your body. Lewes offers multiple parks and nature reserves:

• Bell Lane recreation ground
• Landport recreation ground
• Landport Bottom Nature Reserve
• Malling recreation ground
• Railway Land Nature Reserve
• Southover Grange gardens
• Stanley Turner ground

Back to top

Activities and Life in Worthing

It is important as an asylum seeker or refugee to try to connect to your new home through meeting people and getting out of the home, seeing new things and trying out new activities. This is great for your mental health. It is important for all people to have a community that they form part of and have a sense of belonging.

Religious Centres

Buddhist

Triratna Buddhist Group in Worthing

A part of the worldwide community of Buddhists called the Triratna Buddhist Community. Running weekly meetings, they place the emphasis on friendliness, meditation and bringing our understanding of Buddhism to our daily lives. Everyone is welcome.

Christian

There are dozens of Christian churches in Worthing, all practising different denominations. Here's a list of some of the churches in Worthing:

Maybridge Community Church

Maybridge Community Church is a friendly and informal church for people of all ages and backgrounds to explore and live the Christian faith. They are a part of the Worthing 4 Refugees organisation.

West Worthing Baptist Church

A Baptist church in Worthing that is open to anyone from any background. They have weekly meetings and regular events to create a welcoming environment.

St George’s Church

An evangelical parish church in east Worthing. Along with weekly mass, they have regular events and meetings to create a welcoming community.

Broadwater Parish

Broadway Parish is one church over three sites. A part of the Church of England, the three sites operate multiple meetings and events.

Jewish

Worthing and district Jewish Community

While there is no official synagogue in Worthing, with the closest one being in Brighton and Hove, there is a Jewish community that organises to hold some services and social events. To find out more, contact the Worthing Jewish Community by the email above.

Muslim

Worthing Masjid

Worthing Majid provides Muslims and non-Muslims the opportunity learn and understand Islam, through a mixture of dialogue, discussion and social interactions.

Events

Worthing Pride

A three day event celebration the LGBTQ+ community, LGBTQ+ is short for ‘Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and more’ community. The event is held in July, and the parade is free to enter and watch. You do not have to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community to enjoy Pride, everyone is welcome! This event can be loud, as many people join the parade, so if you are afraid of loud noises or crowds, this event may not be for you.

Worthing Summer Seafront Festival

Held and run by the Worthing Lions to support the Worthing community, this festival spans three days along Worthing Seafront and Steyne Gardens. There are a variety of events and activities held, including Fireworks, car shows and music events, all of which are free to attend.

Worthing Rotary Carnival

A 3-day festival held in August with the main event being the Parade on the last day. Where people walk along the Promenade towards Steyne Gardens. There are a series of other events, including music, but these may cost. This event can be loud, as many people join the parade, so if you are afraid of loud noises or crowds, this event may not be for you.

5th November Firework Display

Remember, remember the 5th of November! Celebrating Guy Fawkes on Bonfire Night, the Worthing Loins set off fireworks at 7:30pm at the pier. You are able to view these from the beach or promenade, for free.

Free activities

Worthing beach

A mixture of shingle and sandy, Worthing beach provides a great opportunity to sit and relax or take a walk and observe the scenery. It is recommended that you do not swim in Worthing sea as there are no lifeguards present.

If you witness anyone in danger or entering the water in dangerous sea conditions, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

Worthing Pier

Built in 1862, Worthing Pier offers the opportunity to see Worthing from a different angle, enjoy the views of the chalk cliffs, Brighton & Hove to the East and Beaches to the West. You can also try fishing off the pier, or relax in a deckchair. Do not jump from the pier into the sea, as this is a risk to your life and you can be fined for doing so.

East Beach Studios

A series of colourful studios in the artist quarter of Worthing, near the beach. You can find a variety of artwork from fine arts and silver jewellery, explore the artwork and the views of Sussex coast.

Getting out into nature every day is really good for mental and physical health. Vitamin D in daylight is protective against Depression. Try to go out every morning, especially if you have disrupted sleep, to reset your body. Lewes offers multiple parks and nature reserves:

• Amelia Park
• Beach House Gardens
• Bourne Close
• Broadwater Green
• Brooklands Park
• Charmandean Open Space
• Church House Grounds
• Denton Gardens
• Dominion Road Open Space
• Durrington Recreation Ground
• Field Place Park
• Fernhurst Recreation Ground
• Foxglove Walk Park
• Goring Hall Recreation Ground
• Heene Terrace
• Highdown Field
• Highdown Gardens
• Homefield Park
• Ilex Way
• Marine Gardens
• Palatine Park
• The plantation
• Steyne Gardens
• Victoria Park
• Waterwise Gardens
• Windsor Lawns
• Winterbourne Way Park

Is it a rainy day? Or do you not feel like being outside? No worries! Worthing has free or cheap museums for you to explore:

Worthing Museum and Gallery

Worthing Museum and Gallery is at the heart of Worthing. Having a selection of exhibitions including architecture treasures, custom collection and artworks. Explore the story of Worthing, for free.

High Salvington Windmill

High Salvington Windmill is an example of a working post mill dating from the 1750-1770. The mill was able to restart grinding in 1991. It is open to the public for about 14 days throughout the year, with free timed tours. Entrance for adults is £1 and for accompanied minors it is free.

Back to top

Library Service

Libraries are free to join and free to roam around, offering books, newspapers and sometimes DVDs for you to borrow. (Please note that it is free to use the library computers for one hour, after that there is a small fee. For the exact price, ask the library staff as it can vary)

Brighton & Hove

Brighton & Hove library service offers asylum seekers an extemp library card this means that you get free hours on a PC instead of one and you will not receive a fine if you are late to return a book. For those with refugee status, you are able to receive a concession card, 2 hours instead of one hour free on the PC and half price fines if you are late to return a book.

In Brighton & Hove libraries you do not need a proof of address in order to receive a library. Please discuss with the library team to find out more.

Here is a list of libraries in Brighton and Hove:

Jubilee Library

The main library in Brighton offers free Wifi, computers and even has newspapers in Arabic, as well as some books in Arabic, Hebrew, and Hindi.

Coldean Library

This library has free Wifi, access to computers and a small collection of toys to borrow.

Hangleton Library

This library has free Wifi and access to computers

Hollingbury Library

This library has free Wifi and access to computers.

Hove Library

This library has facilities including free Wifi, computers, newspapers and magazines.

Moulsecoomb Library

This library has free Wifi and access to computers with internet.

Patcham Library

This library has free Wifi and access to computers

Portslade Library

This library has free Wifi and computers with internet access.

Rottingdean Library

This library has free wifi and access to computers

Saltdean Library

This library has free Wifi and access to computers

Westdene Library

This library has free Wifi and access to computers

Whitehawk Library

This library has free Wifi and access to computers, there is also a toy library to borrow toys for children.

Woodingdean Library

This library has free Wifi and access to computers with internet.

For information on up to date opening times, please visit: brighton-hove.gov.uk/directories/local-libraries

Eastbourne

Here is a list of libraries in the Eastbourne area, and the facilities they provide:

Eastbourne Library

The main library in Eastbourne, offering free wifi, computer access and photocopier (this may have a charge to use).

Hampden Park Library

Situated outside Eastbourne city centre in Hampton Park, this library offers free wifi and computer access.

Old Town Community Library

Not a part of the East Sussex council libraries, Old Town Community Library is a charity library run by volunteers, which offers books, free internet, laptops and printing.

Lewes

Lewes Library

This is the only library in Lewes and offers free Wifi, computer access and a study area.

Worthing

Worthing Library

The main library in Worthing, offering access to free Wifi, computers with internet access.

Broadwater Library

This library offers free Wifi, computers and study spaces.

Durrington Library

This library offers free Wifi, access to computers with internet access and a study space.

Findon Valley Library

This library offers free Wifi, access to computers with internet access and a study space.

Goring Library

Located not far from the seafront, Goring Library offers free Wifi, access to computers and study spaces.

Library Cards

To access computers at any of the council libraries you will need a library card to get one you only need your current UK address. You can order a library in the library or online.

To get access to a Brighton and Hove Library card online, please look at this website: brighton-hove.gov.uk/libraries-leisure-and-arts/libraries/register-library-card-online

To get access to an East Sussex library card online, including Eastbourne and Lewes, please look at this website: eastsussex.gov.uk/libraries/local/library-membership/join-the-library

To get access to an West Sussex library card online, which includes Worthing, please look at this website: westsussex.gov.uk/libraries/join-the-library

Back to top

Transportation

To get around Sussex here is a list of key bus and train companies:

Brighton & Hove Buses

Brighton & Hove Buses is the main bus service provider in Brighton & Hove. Operating buses citywide and to Eastbourne and Lewes, they have an app available that can tell you which buses can get you to your destination. For all information including bus fares, bus routes and timetables, look at their website. Brighton & Hove Buses give newly arrived refugees a free month of bus travel.

Compass Travel

Compass Travel operated Bus Services throughout East & West Sussex, including Eastbourne, Lewes, Worthing and Brighton & Hove. Their buses do not run every day so please check their website for bus timetables and bus fares.

Great Western Railway

Great Western Railway operates from the West of England and South Wales to London. They operate trains from Brighton and Worthing train station. For more information on their travel routes, including timetables and fares, please look at their website.

Metrobus

Metrobus operated across Sussex, as well as Kent and Surrey, this includes Brighton & Hove, Eastbourne, Lewes, and Worthing. For all information including bus fares, bus routes and timetables, look at their website.

National Express

A coach company that operates across the UK including Brighton and Hove, Eastbourne, Lewes, and Worthing. It provides long distance travel to different cities and regions in the UK. For more information on their travel routes, including fares, please look at their website.

Southern

A train company operating across Sussex, Southern services cover London to the south coast. For more information on their travel routes, including timetables and fares, please look at their website.

Stagecoach South

Stagecoach South operates across Sussex, including Brighton & Hove, Eastbourne, Lewes, and Worthing. For all information including bus fares, bus routes and timetables, look at their website.

Thameslink

A train company that operates services from Brighton & Hove, Eastbourne, Lewes and Worthing passing through London and further north. For more information on their travel routes, including timetables and fares, please look at their website.

The Big Lemon

Operating solely in Brighton & Hove, The Big Lemon has 3 public bus services. For all information including bus fares, bus routes and timetables, look at their website.

Back to top