We're working closely with local communities and forming partnerships to provide a welcome for those seeking sanctuary in Brighton & Hove.
Brighton & Hove has a proud history of solidarity and welcome for refugees, and we do all we can to support people fleeing violence and conflict.
Those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine
For information about applying for the Ukraine Family Scheme visa, visit gov.uk.
For immigration advice for Ukrainians seeking assistance, visit Ukraine Advice Project UK.
For the latest information about services and support in Brighton & Hove, visit our supporting the Ukrainian humanitarian crisis webpages.
Housing for refugees
We are still in need of self-contained, affordable properties for refugees from Afghanistan, Syria and other parts of the world. If any landlords can offer us properties on a long-term basis, please email refugeehelp@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Here are some of the other ways that you can help to provide a welcome for those seeking sanctuary in the city
Simple acts of kindness
This is something we can all do, talk to the parents of the new child at school pickup, find out more about the different communities in your neighbourhood, smile at a stranger, offer to give directions to someone who is looking a bit lost.
If you see or hear something that concerns you - report hate crime
If you see people being abused because of who they are, report it.
You can do that using our online anti-social behaviour and hate incident reporting form or by contacting our Community Safety team by emailing communitysafety.casework@brighton-hove.gov.uk or calling 01273 292735.
Can you volunteer some time?
Voices in Exile
We're working in partnership with a local charity, Voices in Exile, to support refugee households arriving in Brighton & Hove through the government's resettlement programmes. Voices in Exile also assist other refugees and asylum seekers in the city.
You can help by becoming a mentor or offering other skills through Voices in Exile's Volunteer Mentoring Scheme please email administrator@voicesinexile.org or call 01273 328598. Voices in Exile also provide a rent deposit scheme and will accept donations of food, toys and money to assist local refugees.
Other voluntary groups
You can find out about other groups supporting refugees in the city and further afield in the directory of resources for refugees and migrants in Brighton & Hove.
Become a foster carer or a provider of supported lodgings
Do you have a spare bedroom and childcare experience? We're looking for foster carers for children and young people in Brighton & Hove, including unaccompanied asylum seeking children.
Children who arrive in the UK without their parents or carers usually go into the care of their nearest public authority and will often live with approved foster carers when there is no suitable family member or guardian to care for them. This specialist type of fostering can be incredibly rewarding in its own unique way. Discover some of the reasons why UASC Foster Carers love this type of fostering.
If you feel you could offer a vulnerable young person security, care and support, we're keen to hear from you.
If you are interested in becoming a foster carer, please e-mail fosteringrecruitment@brighton-hove.gov.uk or go to our fostering website to find out more.
If you are interested in becoming a Supported Lodgings Carer, please e-mail SupportedLodgings@brighton-hove.gov.uk.
You can also ring the fostering team 01273 295444 or complete an online fostering enquiry form.
Opportunities for work experience, apprenticeships and jobs
Refugees bring skills, experience and qualifications, but they often face barriers finding employment. If you are an employer you can help refugees by advertising opportunities through some of the organisations listed in the directory of services. These organisations are in touch with refugees seeking employment.
By advertising with these organisations you are sending a clear message that refugees are welcome to apply.
Find out more by going to the directory of resources for refugees and migrants in Brighton & Hove.