Advice drop-in, form filling and signposting
Every Wednesday we have a drop-in where people can come for whatever help and support they need – usually for assistance in communicating with health and housing services, schools, benefits agencies or energy companies.
We help with translations, basic advice and referrals to local specialists. We also have four volunteers who attend appointments with people to help with translation and advocacy.
For those who need help and support with legal or immigration matters, we are able to refer them to Voices in Exile (Brighton), the law clinic at Sussex University and local law firms.
We also refer to Money Advice Plus, Citizens Advice Bureau and a local lettings agency, where we have been able to make arrangements for local families to rent accommodation without a guarantor.
Befriending
We have volunteers from the local community who visit Syrian women and families in their own home to help out with English and translation. Many have built up strong friendships and attend our community events.
Breakfast Club
We bring our community together on Wednesday mornings to share time together over a hearty breakfast of traditional Syrian food. This is really important, especially for the older members of our community, to just have the opportunity to spend time together, chat, laugh, reminisce, and feel like we are part of a wider family and support network.
(St Mary Magdalene Church, 55 Upper North Street, Brighton)
Euro-Mernet Film Club
We are partnered with Euro-Mernet in collaboration with Brighton and Hove Libraries to show films from around the world for free for Sussex Syrian Community members. These are advertised weekly on our Facebook page, with an easy link attached.