Refugees

See also:

Responding to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine

The Councils stand in solidarity with Ukraine and seek to add to the countless voices calling for peace. The following information on how residents can best respond to evolving humanitarian crises will be updated on a regular basis.

Help for refugees in the UK

The government's latest information for support for family members of British nationals in Ukraine, and Ukrainian nationals in Ukraine and the UK is available on their website:

For Ukrainians seeking refuge in the UK, West Sussex County Council's Resettlement Team is ready with various local and national partners to welcome and support families and individuals, and they await further guidance from the government on its plans.

West Sussex County Council (WSCC) will be updating the refugee resettlement pages on their website as more information becomes available. You'll also find more about the team's ongoing work to support refugees who've arrived in West Sussex from across the world, and how people can help further.

The email address to make contact with WSCC with regard to Ukrainian refugees is:

Providing financial support

Many residents would like to help people fleeing the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and there are a number of charities calling for support.

The UK Government recommends that support is best given to Ukraine through cash donations to registered aid organisations and charities. Charities with experience of responding to disasters are best placed to reach victims on the ground. At the moment goods donations are not encouraged.

The UK Government provides the following guidance with regard to providing support to those who need it most:

The route for charitable giving is through the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC):

A number of national and international charities have also launched appeals:

Ukraine Family Scheme

The Ukraine Family Scheme allows for family members living in the UK to support relatives fleeing from Ukraine. Arriving relatives to the UK need to have the necessary visas to be allowed entry to the UK. Once in the UK families are responsible for supporting those arrivals, but WSCC in partnership with Adur and Worthing Councils will ensure arrivals have access to services (including schooling). WSCC will support applications for access to services including schools' admissions, registration at GP surgeries, and support to access to Universal Credit where applicable.

All enquiries for support from sponsoring families may be directed to the Refugee Resettlement Team:

Further details are here:

Applying to be a sponsor (Homes for Ukraine)

This scheme will enable individuals, charities, community groups and businesses to volunteer accommodation and provide a route to safety for Ukrainians, and their immediate family members, forced to escape their homeland. Sponsors should provide accommodation for as long as they are able, and Government has said they are looking for a minimum expectation of 6 months

Further details, including how to register your interest, are found here:

Travel to Ukraine

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office currently advises against all travel to Ukraine due to the security situation in the country:

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Afghan relocation and assistance scheme

Adur & Worthing Councils are working closely with West Sussex County Council and the community and voluntary sector in supporting the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Scheme.

Local residents and community groups have been contacting us to offer support to those fleeing the situation in Afghanistan. Thank you to everyone who has been in touch.

West Sussex County Council (WSCC) has overall responsibility for the refugee resettlement process and is collecting information and offers of help through the following email address:

For more information see:

See also:

  • Press release: Leaders pledge support to find shelter for Afghan refugees

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Other ways to help and support refugees

In addition, here are some of the ways that you can help to provide a welcome to refugees and asylum seekers in Adur and Worthing:

I want to make a donation

Recommended and experienced humanitarian and charitable agencies that you can support include:

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I want to volunteer and support groups helping refugees

Several charities and organisations are working with refugees in Adur and Worthing and will seek to support Afghans under the relocation scheme.

Worthing 4 Refugees is the main local charity and whilst the details of the Afghan resettlement scheme is being confirmed they are asking people interested in volunteering or donating funds and resources to first register with them. See:

The West Sussex Independent Visitor Scheme is a befriending scheme for children and young people between the ages of 8 and 17 years old who are looked after by the local authority and who will not be returning home. See:

Other local charities include:

To find out more about volunteering to support asylum seekers and refugees already in the UK you could also contact:

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I have clothes / books / toys etc that I want to donate

Because of the logistical challenges in storing and transporting donated items please check with your local refugee organisations to see what they need.

You can donate items to:

The items won't go directly to child refugees, but the money raised helps charities to support them.

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I have a free room in my house

Many organisations in the UK operate accommodation hosting projects to help vulnerable asylum seekers and refugees.

NACCOM is a national charity supporting local agencies who provide accommodation to asylum seekers whose applications have been refused. See:

Supported Lodging Scheme is an accommodation scheme for young people who need a secure and supportive environment in which to stay. As a Supported Lodgings carer, you will be giving them a helping hand towards independence. There is an assessment process and it takes around 3 months. See:

Refugees at Home is a UK charity which connects those with a spare room in their home to refugees and asylum seekers in need of somewhere to stay. See:

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I have a property that could be used to house refugees

If you have a property that you want to offer or a more generalised support opportunity please email:

Opening Doors is a free residential letting service operating across Adur and Worthing. Run by Adur & Worthing Councils, it offers landlords a comprehensive letting service including financial security, legal assistance and landlord support - and all for free. Find out more about:

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Other sources of support and information

Sanctuary on Sea has an extensive list of national local sources of support and information:

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Page last updated: 06 December 2022

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