Refugee Support
Refugee Support
Library of Sanctuary
The East Sussex Library and Information Service are proud to have been awarded Library of Sanctuary status.
Find out more about
Hastings Community of Sanctuary
We will continue to support sanctuary seekers by ensuring we provide welcoming, safe spaces and offering conversation and language courses as well as free internet access and signposting to other supportive services.
English Learning Pathway
English Learning Pathway for ESOL adults that want to improve their EnglishOnce you have completed a referral form, we match you with the most useful pathway for your level of English, to help you get the most out of your learning experience.
The offer is FREE and is open to anyone 18+ who would like help improving their English language skills, or to be more confident with their English skills.
Learn IT Skills
Learn, improve or refresh your computer skills on our relaxed training courses. The offer is FREE and is open to anyone 18+ who would like help improving their IT skills, or to be more confident with computers.
Find out more about
our IT For You offer
Call 0345 60 80 196 to book your place or book your session.
Conversation Groups
Group drop in sessions to practice your English conversational skills with other English speakers of other languages, led by a volunteer.
Find out more
Ukrainian Stories to Share
We have a very special Ukraine Reading Friends – a group to celebrate Ukraine’s rich literary heritage – translated into English. Meet new friends and have fun.
Find out more
Knit and natter
Do you enjoy knitting and stitching? Why not come to our sociable knitting groups. Meet new friends and enjoy a chat. Everybody is welcome.
Find out more
Learn at Home
Online Learning
Go Citizen
An online study resource for candidates preparing for the Life in the UK test or British citizenship test. Access is free if you have an East Sussex library card. Library membership is free. Ask library staff for more information.
Go Citizen Resources
Future Learn
Introductory online courses from King’s College London, in simple English with Arabic translations.
Future Learn Courses
Books
Books in Other Languages
Digital Resources In Other Languages
eBooks
Access our e-Library for titles in many different languages through our website, or via number of different Apps.
Find out more
Pressreader
Get free access to hundreds of eMagazines and eNewspapers from around the world. You can search by language or by interest category.
Pressreader Website
Local Support
Hastings Voluntary Action
HVA offers support and advice for asylum seekers, refugees and migrant communities living in East Sussex.
Find out more
Together South
Together South works to support refugees and migrants in Hastings & Rother, helping them to connect with and thrive in their communities by providing English language lessons. All activities the programme offers are free of charge.
Find out more
Online and Telephone Support
Migrant Help
Migrant Help provides independent advice and guidance to assist asylum seekers in the UK move through and understand the asylum process.
You can also call them on: 0808 801 0503
Find out more
The Refugee Council
The Refugee Council provides crisis advice, mental health counselling and practical support to help people settle and integrate into their new community. They are also specialists in working with refugee children who arrive in the UK alone.
you can also call them on: 0207 346 6700
Find out more
The UN Refugee Agency
A resource for Refugees, asylum-seekers, and stateless persons who are in the United Kingdom (UK) to find information about their rights and obligations and the services available to them in the UK.
You can also call them on: 0203 761 9500