lewes refugee support group (LRSG)
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 oppose any 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
East Sussex County Council provides a range of support and contacts for Hosts and Guests of HFU. Please see this summary of information and read ESCC’s latest news update.
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
housing
If you are a Ukrainian guest and trying to find a host – please read this information which lists possible organisations to contact.
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 to help young people’s emotional wellbeing, confidence and friendships. Referrals can be made by parents, teachers or support practitioners. For more information please use this link:
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
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:
- Temporarily removed
Annual report
The Annual Report for 2021-2022 is available.
Temporarily removed
Open
meetings
Regular open meetings are held with invited speakers.
See upcoming events for details.