lewes refugee support group
LEWES refugee support group
Lewes Refugee Support Group (formerly known as LOSRAS) is a local charity based in Lewes, East Sussex, founded in 2002, and run entirely by volunteers. We are committed to supporting the cause of people seeking sanctuary through raising awareness, campaigning and responding to local need.
SUPPOrting the welfare of
refugees & people seeking asylum in the Lewes District and beyond
We opposed the previous government’s hostile environment policy and its fundamentally racist and unjust attitude towards vulnerable people and we will campaign to do all we can to promote racial justice and to counter racism in all its forms. Learning from people with lived experience of surviving our asylum system is a key principle underpinning our work.
Supporting host families and Ukrainian guests
Lewes Refugee Support Group can help guests with:
- Language learning either in small groups or one-to-one tuition
- Costs of books and exam fees for English language courses/tuition
- Cost of basic household goods if you are moving into rented accommodation
If you need help with these, email us at: info@losras.org
Host families: do contact us if you have concerns and we will try and help or signpost you to the right support, however we cannot arrange any accommodation or moves or new hosts. Email us at: info@losras.org
East Sussex County Council provides support and contacts for Hosts and Guests of HFU:
- Homes for Ukraine contact centre. If you need advice, call 01273 337010 (pick Option 1 to speak to someone in English, Option 2 to speak to someone in Ukrainian). Alternatively, email: ukraine@eastsussex.gov.uk
- Please register for the regular newsletter ‘Homes for Ukraine Hosts’; the latest edition (March 2025) has important information about CAB guidance for Ukrainians claiming Universal Credit; webinars for people turning 16; host payment changes; and the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme which opened in February. Do sign up for the newsletter if you haven’t already done so!
- Stay Connected. It’s important you keep in touch so please let East Sussex County Council know if your guests are due to arrive, or leave.
- Moving on: Support for you and your guest when they move house and advice on how to access the private rented sector Move On Grant Scheme.
- Support into work: Free employment support and assistance is available to guests wanting to get a job. Email supportintowork@sussexcommunity.org.uk.
- Mediating between guest and host: Free mediation and one-to-one support is available for guests and their hosts. For more information visit: Mediation Plus
- It is important the County Council is able to contact guests, many of whom are using Ukrainian Sims. Please notify the Council when guests change their contact details.
housing
If you are a Ukrainian guest and trying to find a host – please read this information which lists possible organisations to contact.
There is a desperate need for hosts for Ukrainian guests; if you are interested in hosting a guest or guests, please contact:
Ariane.Plumley@3va.org.uk
Support for young people
Sussex Community Development Association (SCDA) funded by ESCC are offering a social prescribing approach to provide Ukrainian children and young people aged 5-16, living in East Sussex, access to funded positive activities of their choosing. The activities aim to help young people make personal progress, to improve emotional wellbeing, confidence and friendships. Referrals can be made by parents, teachers or support practitioners.
For more information please use this link:
STEP Ukraine
STEP Ukraine is a free, 12-week intensive, virtual programme run in partnership with the British Council and funded by the UK Government. It offers English language and Employment Support to Ukrainians in the UK:
- An intensive 10 weeks of 2.5 hour daily English classes by the British Council, with options to take the lessons morning, afternoon or evening.
- 12 weeks of weekly employment support with a dedicated employment advisor, to support with: CV writing, job applications, interview prep, support with job search, and specialist workshops
- All classes are remote, and teacher led. They are streamed so all classmates are at a similar level.
For further information in English or Ukrainian, please use this link where you can apply, by completing the STEP Ukraine referral form.
urgent dental help
If you need urgent dental care and cannot find a dentist, the Sussex Dental Helpline can book you an urgent appointment with a NHS dentist. For information please call 0300 123 1663 or alternatively, email: kcht.dentalhelpdesk@nhs.net for more information.
If you need help with a referral, please contact us: info@losras.org
OUR AIMS
Raising awareness / Campaigning / Providing local support
RAISING AWARENESS
We raise awareness of issues relating to asylum seekers and refugees by holding open meetings, a regular newsletter, street stalls and work in schools.
CAMPAIGNING
As well as supporting national campaigns we also lobby our MP, organise local events and demonstrations and actively join with other like-minded, local campaign groups.
LOCAL Support
We have a committed group of volunteers who visit refugee families and individuals, providing language and other support. We also co-ordinate a group of prison-visitors.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Key dates for your diary
March for racial justice and equality
Saturday march 22nd
LDARA
See above e poster for information about the Lewes District Anti-Racism Alliance rally on March 22nd starting at 10.00 from Newhaven Bridge. This marks the UN international day to eliminate racial discrimination.
HOW CAN I HELP?
Become a member
We are a membership organisation and welcome new members who share our aims.
Volunteer
We rely on a body of volunteers who fulfil specific roles in the organisation.
Donate
All money donated goes directly to fund the work of the charity. We are all volunteers and have no paid staff.
our
Resources:
NEWSLETTER
We produce a regular newsletter with updates on issues and events both local and national.
Read our recent newsletters below:
Open
meetings
Regular open meetings are held with invited speakers.
See upcoming events for details.
