Thirty-three years ago, Ukraine declared independence. Much has happened to the country in those three decades, and today Ukraine Independence Day continues to hold the same importance it did in 1991.
Many Ukrainian guests now call East Sussex home – whether that’s long or short-term.
People in East Sussex have been moved by the invasion of Ukraine and the suffering it’s caused. They’ve opened their homes and hearts to offer our Ukrainian guests a safe place to live. Since the start of the Homes for Ukraine scheme in 2022, many of our guests have rebuilt their lives. Guests have secured full-time jobs, enrolled their children into the county’s schools and moved into their own homes.
For many, Ukraine Independence Day on 24 August will be a day to reflect and remember. We’re proud to celebrate the annual holiday with our guests.
Independence Day in East Sussex
Ukrainian guests have arrived in our county through East Sussex County Council’s Homes for Ukraine scheme, as well as through other routes.
Since 2022 our guests have created a vibrant community and have become valued contributors to our county’s social, cultural and economic life.
Ukraine’s Independence Day gives all of us a chance to further support the county’s Ukrainian community, and perhaps attend an event celebrating Ukrainian culture.
What Independence means to me
Liudmyla
Liudmyla Kondratiuk has been in the UK since June 2022. She used to live in Rivne. However, all her family has moved to the Western Ukraine now.
Liudmyla said: ‘Ukrainians are independent by their nature. Having your own home and land, being free to express your thoughts and bring up your children in a safe and happy place are crucial.
‘For me, living in an independent Ukraine means always having a choice. I’m happy that I can choose where to live, what music to listen to, which books to read, where I can travel, work and study without any judgment or pressure – and be responsible for my decisions. The feeling of freedom is very important for the society of any independent country.’
Events to celebrate the day
A music event is being held at the Cavendish Hotel, Eastbourne on 24 August. The event will see both English and Ukrainian musicians perform – including the winner of Ukraine’s version of The Voice.
The event opens at 6.30pm with the show beginning an hour later. It will end at 10pm. Entry is free and there will be a raffle to raise money on behalf of the Life Aid Project, which provides medical equipment and supplies to Ukraine.
The Con Club in Lewes is holding an event with live music on 23 August between 6pm to 10pm.
Live music will be courtesy of Agata Vilchyk, Valentyna Rozum, Liudmyla Kulakova and Julia Lypova. Ukrainian dance group Yi will be there and you have the chance to dance the night away at a Ukrainian ‘classics’ disco.
Being a guest – gaining independence in Eastbourne
We’ve been privileged to see, and support, the growth of so many of our guests; from being hosted on first arrival to moving into employment or further study, to gaining full independence by moving into their own homes.
Many Ukrainian guests are, of course, still in happy and successful hosting situations and have developed close bonds with their hosts. We share these wonderful stories each month in our Homes for Ukraine newsletter. Sign up to receive your e-newsletter each month.
You can hear from the people at the heart of the Homes for Ukraine scheme – the guests and hosts – on our Youtube channel.
Becoming a host
When we launched the Homes for Ukraine scheme in East Sussex there was a great and urgent need for hosts to offer their homes to people fleeing conflict.
Two years on, and that need is not so great. But, there is still a need for hosts in the county.
We spoke with host Clare, who told us of her experience of hosting. She is just one of the hundreds of hosts who have – and continue – to give Ukrainian guests ‘the strength to recover and face the future’.
If you’re a UK resident who would be interested in learning more about how you can support the Homes for Ukraine scheme, perhaps by hosting a Ukrainian guest then please contact us on Ukraine@eastsussex.gov.uk
There’s also lots of information on our website, including:
