Events

Explore community events, activities, and workshops on the East Sussex Community Information Service website.  

Education

English lessons

As a Ukrainian refugee, you can get government-funded English classes for speakers of other languages. This will probably be for around 6 hours per week.   

If you're Ukrainian, have just arrived and would like to learn English, get help to learn English through our Adult Education hub.

If you have any questions, send an email to AEH@brighton-hove.gov.uk.

You can also find more information on available courses on the Voices in Exile Resources hub.

Open University free online resources for refugees

The Open University (OU) has translated its package of free online resources into Ukrainian for Ukrainian refugees in the UK. This includes courses covering subjects from the English language to articles on writing a CV.

Access free online resources from the Open University.

Children and young people

Childcare

Find information and advice about childcare and local support for families. Use the online form to send your contact details and they will contact you about your needs. 

Finding a school or college

Children aged 5 to 16 must be in full-time education.

Schools are divided into:

  • primary schools for children aged 4 to 11
  • secondary schools for children aged 11 to 16
  • college/sixth form for young people aged 16 to 18 

Apply for school or college places in the city.

Youth Employment Hub

Any young adult aged 16 to 25 (including those who will be 16 by 31 August 2022) can get support through the Youth Employment Hub. The Youth Employment Hub provides careers information and guidance, and signposts to other support services.

To contact the Youth Employment Hub send an email to youthemploymenthub@brighton-hove.gov.uk.

Community support in Brighton & Hove

Brighton & Hove Stand for Ukraine

The Brighton & Hove Stand for Ukraine community group provides information on support, activities and events taking place across the city.

Information and social support drop-ins take place on Saturdays from 1pm to 3pm at: All Saints Church, The Drive, Hove BN3 3QE.

Drop- in to:

  • meet other Ukrainians
  • find out about social events in the city
  • get advice about employment, education, benefits and housing

Together Co

Together Co is a Brighton & Hove charity who are working with friendly volunteers to help Ukrainian refugees connect with their local community.  

Together Co supports Ukrainian guests to:

  • explore the city
  • find free child-friendly activities
  • practice English

Find out more about Together Co.

To contact Together Co:

Libraries

Our Brighton & Hove public libraries are an amazing resource and a free public space to visit.   

They offer a large selection of books, eBooks, audiobooks, magazines and online resources. 

You can:

  • borrow books and audiobooks
  • access computers with internet and scanner free of charge
  • use photocopiers and printers for a small fee

The libraries also:

  • provide a wide variety of support and advice services
  • organise events for children and adults

Find your nearest library.

Transport

Bus pass

Brighton & Hove Buses is offering a month’s free bus pass for all newly arrived refugees. The bus pass covers the area where Brighton & Hove bus services operate. We will contact you about this using the contact details registered with the Homes for Ukrainians scheme.

Cycling

We're offering free cycling training courses for refugees.  

Find out more about transport in the city.

Mobile phones

The mobile phone provider, Three, has introduced a support package for Ukrainians arriving in the UK. You can get a free, 30-day ‘pay as you go’ SIM card with unlimited UK calls and texts and free calls and texts from the UK to Ukraine.   

Virgin Media O2 has removed charges for using data in Ukraine. They will also credit charges for calls and texts to and from Ukraine and the UK.   

Reuniting with your pets

If you are from Ukraine and are seeking refuge in the UK, you can bring your pet dog, cat or ferret without it going into quarantine under certain circumstances.   

Bringing your pet to the UK from Ukraine.

Policing and reporting war crimes 

Sussex Police

Sussex Police is responsible for policing the county of Sussex, including Brighton & Hove.  

Sussex Police work closely with other organisations, such as Brighton & Hove City Council, to ensure that together we are keeping you, your families and the wider residents of Sussex safe.  

In an emergency, contact the police by telephoning 999. An emergency is one where:

  • a serious incident has happened or is happening
  • someone is at risk of immediate danger or harm
  • property is in danger of being damaged
  • something has happened which will cause disruption to others in the area, for example, a car accident

If you need to contact Sussex Police and it is not an emergency:  

  • visit the Sussex Police’s website where you can report a range of non-emergency crimes including anti-social behaviour, fraud and sexual assault
  • phone 101 which is our non-emergency telephone number
  • send Sussex Police a private message on social media – find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by searching ‘Sussex Police’
  • visit your local police station

War Crimes in Ukraine  

In support of the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into possible war crimes committed in Ukraine since 21 November 2013, Sussex Police would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed or been a victim of any war crimes or crimes against humanity.  

They are also interested in hearing from anyone who may hold evidence of war crimes committed in the Ukraine, such as video footage or images.  

To report this to us:  

  • visit ‘Report a War Crime’ on the Sussex Police website  
  • phone on 101 at any time to report information  
  • visit your local police station  

Be aware that any evidence gathered by the police may be shared with the International Criminal Court in support of their investigation. They will treat all information you provide in confidence.