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Hastings responds to the refugee crisis

Hastings Borough Council is actively making plans to assist with the Syrian refugee crisis. Council leader Cllr Peter Chowney explains.

“Currently it’s not clear when we are to expect the arrival of the first refugees in East Sussex, but it’s likely to be some time yet. In Hastings we are offering to take 100 refugees; 20 per year over the next five years and it’s expected that any additional financial costs to local service providers will be met in full by central Government.

“We will be working closely with the Government and other local partners including East Sussex County Council, other borough and district councils as well as health, voluntary and community groups to ensure that any refugees are properly supported by the local community.

“Considering the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Syria, I believe this is the least we can do. I have already received many messages of support and offers of help from local people, so I am confident that Hastings will be able to give the refugees a warm welcome.”

What we can do

Residents wishing to make offers of help can find out more by visiting the Government response website or by contacting the Red Cross.

In the meantime the Hastings Supports Refugees Group are arranging drop-off points for donations to be taken to Calais to link up with organisations on the ground there.

The next drop off points in Hastings are on Tuesday 22 September at the Community Contact Centre at the Town Hall 10am – 3pm and at The Observer Building, Cambridge Road from 4pm.

Items needed most are:
Men’s shoes – hiking shoes/boots and trainers, size 40 – 43
Men’s waterproof jackets, small and medium (not large)
Men’s socks
Men’s warm hats, gloves and scarves
Tents and tarpaulins
Sleeping bags and blankets
Basic cooking equipment – pots/pans & tin openers.
Food – dried, cans with ring pull tops – a food parcel could contain rice, kidney beans, chopped tomatoes, all spice.

Please sort and label donations clearly and please don’t bring women’s or children’s clothing or shoes, as they are not currently needed.

If you miss this date, please visit Sussex Refugee Solidarity and/or Hastings Supports Refugees on Facebook to find out more information and get involved in helping the community effort.

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