WHAT WE DO
WE OPENED OUR DOORS IN 2017 AS A COMMUNITY GROUP TO PROVIDE WELCOME FOR PEOPLE WHO HAD RECENTLY ARRIVED IN HASTINGS SEEKING REFUGE AND SAFETY. NOW, WE ARE A REFUGEE AND MIGRANT LED, REGISTERED CHARITY SUPPORTING FAMILIES and individuals THROUGH BUDDYING, ADVOCACY, FINANCIAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT FOR THE MOST VULNERABLE IN OUR COMMUNITY. SINCE 2017, WE’VE EXPANDED OUR SUPPORT TO ROTHER AND WEALDEN AS WELL AS HASTINGS. INCREASED SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE IN THE ASYLUM SYSTEM THE PROJECT ALSO WORKS WITH THE WIDER COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE SEEKING REFUGE IN HASTINGS WHO ARE IN THE HOME OFFICE ASYLUM DISPERSAL SCHEME, IN WHICH PEOPLE ARE STILL IN THE PROCESS OF CLAIMING ASYLUM
THE BUDDY PROGRAMME
BUDDYING IS AT THE HEART OF WHAT WE DO, MATCHING LOCAL PEOPLE WITH NEWLY ARRIVING PEOPLE SEEKING REFUGE.
referral
Please include as much information as you are happy to share so we can assign you to the most appropriate staff member. PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION FORM
THE DOVE CAFE
THE DOVE CAFE OPENED IN 2022 AND IS A WELCOMING SPACE OF HOSPITALITY, WHERE THERE ARE FREQUENT COOKING AND EATING EVENTS TAKING PLACE THAT INCLUDE THE SHARING OF OTHER CULTURES RELATED TO ART, MUSIC, AND STITCHING. INVARIABLY, AT THESE EVENTS, PARTICIPANTS SHARE STORIES OF HOME AND BELONGING AND FORM LASTING FRIENDSHIPS. the DOVE CAFE IS A SPACE OF PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH, AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PARTICIPANTS TO ACQUIRE SKILLS REQUIRED FOR THE WORKPLACE AND TO LOOK TOWARDS THEIR FUTURES.
STITCH FOR CHANGE
STITCH FOR CHANGE, A COMMUNITY SEWING AND PATCHWORK STORYTELLING PROJECT, INSPIRED BY THE CHILEAN ARPILLERA MOVEMENT. THIS PROJECT MEETS AT THE DOVE CAFE WHERE, IN A STRUCTURED AND SUPPORTED ENVIRONMENT, IT FACILITATES THE SHARING OF PERSONAL STORIES OF DISPLACEMENT AND SEEKING REFUGE. PARTICIPANTS TO THE PROJECT ARE ENCOURAGED TO ENABLE THE LOCAL COMMUNITY TO VIEW THE WORK CREATED AT STITCH FOR CHANGE THROUGH ORGANISED AND LOCALLY BASED EXHIBITIONS, ATTENDED BY HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WHO ACKNOWLEDGE THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS WORK FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT.
Refugee Week
The Refugee Buddy Project works with local artists in the development of and arts led program to celebrate Refugee Week. we produce an inclusive public arts programme and build on the creative relationships we have developed across our community over the past few years, ensuring Refugee Week becomes an anticipated annual celebration, promoting a culture of welcome.
For the past 2 years we have been able to do this with Arts Council England funding. Thanks to this funding, our programme of activities is able to involve commissioning new artists and working collaboratively with new partners in Bexhill and Rye. we have also been able to continue to build on our valued partnerships holding events at the De La Warr Pavilion and the Hastings Museum and Art Gallery.
We offer opportunities for artists, local businesses individuals and community groups to get involved.
Upcoming events.
Make a donation.
Your generous support for the funding of various programs at Refugee Buddy will significantly aid individuals in need of refuge. We kindly ask you to consider making a donation, and for smaller contributions, please select the custom amount option.