Hastings & Rother Refugee Buddy Project

Hastings & Rother Refugee Buddy Project

The Buddy Project is taking shape and growing every day. Volunteers have been carrying out ad hoc buddying activities with the newly arriving Syrian families, and in doing so, forming close and friendly relationships.

The refugees usually arrive directly from refugee camps and arrive here with nothing. The Buddies help to prepare a new home for them and provide a warm welcome that will help them start a new life in a peaceful country safe from fear, bombs and loss.

We work closely with the Local Authorities who deliver the Syrian Vulnerable People Resettlement Project in East Sussex. Full-time, paid case officers deal with all education, health, housing, financial and other official matters. The adult refugees normally attend English classes five mornings a week and the children go to local schools.

The Buddy Open Space at OPEN, 19 Grand Parade, is a new shop concept showcasing the talents and creativity of refugees and all people seeking refuge and safety.

http://therefugeebuddyproject.org/contact-us or contact our Café Manager Khadija via email on

19 Grand Parade, St Leonards on Sea (Café)