Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse is defined as any incident or pattern of controlling, coercive, or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can include, but is not limited to:
- psychological
- physical
- sexual
- financial
- emotional
If you disclose to the Council that you are experiencing domestic abuse, we will support you to ensure you can either return to the property safely or to find somewhere else to live.
If you are homelessness or threatened with homelessness within 56 days you should request housing advice and assistance
There are a range of options available depending upon your current housing situation:
- Call the Police on 999 if you are in immediate danger
Contact Change Grow Live, the specialist domestic abuse services for East Sussex. They can be contacted on 0300 323 9985. For more information on their services visit: Domestic Abuse Service – East Sussex | Change Grow Live | Supporting survivors of abuse and violence
Refuge placements and 24hr free National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247. The Council can also help find a Refuge for you. You can access this service by calling us on 01323 443380. Find out more about the Refuge services
- Contact us or ask your support worker to refer you to the Wealden Sanctuary Scheme to help you remain in your home safely. If you are a professional supporting a client, please contact us on 01323 443380 or email housingoptions@wealden.gov.uk to request a referral form
- 24hr Aanchal helpline 0845 4512 547 – If English isn’t your first language
- Women’s Aid and the Survivor’s handbook
- Mankind Helpline 01823 334244 – for men experiencing domestic abuse
- NHS Choices help for domestic violence
- Respect which also provides a helpline for men experiencing domestic abuse on 0808 801 0321 and a helpline for people concerned about their behaviour on 0808 802 4020
Prison or Youth detention leavers
Whilst the Probation service has the responsibility of supervising ex-offenders in the community the housing service will assess your accommodation and support needs and provide housing advice. We will work with the probation service in doing this.Options may include:
- Assistance to find accommodation in the private rented sector
- Applying to join the Council’s housing register.
- Referrals to other supported accommodation or support providers.
Care leavers
If you are aged 16 or 17 years old and consider yourself homeless, contact the Duty and Assessment Team on 01323 747373 who will assess your housing and support needs under the Children’s Act 1989 (as amended).If you are a care leaver who has been looked after by East Sussex County Council aged 18-21 years your social worker would usually help you to apply to the Council for help to meet your ongoing housing need.
Options may include:-
- Referrals to other supported accommodation, such as YMCA
- Assistance to find accommodation in the private rented sector
- Applying to join the Council’s housing register.
You or your support worker can request housing advice and assistance so that we can help find the right housing solution for you.
As a care leaver you are exempt from the rule that under 25 year olds cannot claim Housing Benefit or Universal Credit for housing costs.
Former Members of the armed forces
Former members of the armed forces who are leaving armed forces accommodation or are otherwise threatened with homelessness will be given housing advice and support by the council.
If you are homelessness or threatened with homelessness within 56 days you should request housing advice and assistance .
Housing Options include assistance to access the private rented sector, low cost home ownership, and applying to join the housing register. Members of the Armed and Reserved Forces are exempt from the requirement to have a local connection to the Wealden area in order to join the housing register, however, other qualifying criteria may apply.
Those leaving hospital
If you are about to be discharged from hospital but have nowhere to live or your current accommodation is unsuitable for you to return to, speak to your Health care professional on the ward at the earliest stage.
If you are homelessness or threatened with homelessness within 56 days you or hospital staff on your behalf, should request housing advice and assistance
We will work with hospital staff and other agencies, to try to resolve your housing issues prior to discharge.
Those experiencing mental health issues
There is no specialist accommodation within the District for those with who need supported accommodation. However, the Council works closely with other organisations to ensure support is made available. We may make referrals to a range of organisations. For information and support for mental health
If you are homelessness or threatened with homelessness within 56 days you or a mental health professional on your behalf, should request housing advice and assistance .
Learning Disabilities
We have worked with East Sussex County Council to provide specialist accommodation for people with Learning Disabilities in the district. Find out more about the accommodation and support options available locally
If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness within 56 days you should request housing advice and assistance
Rough Sleepers
If you are rough sleeping, or at risk of rough sleeping, you should complete our housing advice assistance form or call 01323 443322 to access help and advice from the Housing Options team.
If you have nowhere to stay tonight and the office is closed please call our out of hours service on 0330 123 3517. The Council does not have a duty to provide accommodation for everyone who may be sleeping rough. Only those considered to be in ‘priority need’ would be offered emergency accommodation.
In severe weather, emergency accommodation can be offered.
Reporting a Rough Sleeper
If you are concerned about someone over the age of 18 that you have seen sleeping rough, or are sleeping rough yourself, in England or Wales, send an alert to StreetLink to connect the person with local services.
Support services available to rough sleepers in East Sussex
Surviving the Streets (Hastings)
07929 176462 / support@stsdirect.uk – support (including food) for the homeless.
Warming up the homeless
Eastbourne Outreach Services
01424 552929 / 07367 060708 / hello@wuth.org
Support and supplies such as food, toiletries, sleeping bags, warm clothes and blankets.
Always available: Hot food, Hot drinks, Sandwiches, Cakes & Fruit
Additionally, Opposite the Grand Hotel: Clothing, Toiletries & Pet Food
- Mondays (7.30pm-8.15pm) Opposite the Grand Hotel Eastbourne (8.15-9pm) Around Eastbourne town
- Tuesdays (7.30pm-8.15pm) Opposite the Grand Hotel Eastbourne (8.15-9pm) Around Eastbourne town
- Thursdays (7.30pm-8.30pm) Opposite the Grand Hotel Eastbourne
- Saturdays (7.30pm-8.30pm) Opposite the Grand Hotel Eastbourne
- Sundays (4.30pm-7.00pm) All Souls Church, Susans Road, Eastbourne
Salvation Army
Homeless Services at the salvation Army.
Hot meals provided on Tuesday & Friday evenings at 6pm for homeless and vulnerable.
Healthy Breakfast on Friday from 9am till 12 noon. With sign posting for other support and advice on finance, housing health and welfare.
Address: 141 Langney Road, Centre, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN22 8AG
Email: eastbourne@salvationarmy.org.uk or telephone: 01323 640382
Matthew 25
- Providing food, clothing and basic necessities
- Support and practical help
Open Monday to Friday from 8am to 2pm
Address: Matthew 25 Mission, Brodie Hall, Seaside, Eastbourne, BN22 7NN.
Email: manager@matthew25mission.org
Telephone: 01323 726960
Kingdom Way Trust
Kingdom Way Trust Emergency Housing : Primarily for rough sleepers. Up to 3-month placement.
Daytime Support workers. Main focus to support people to move into longer term/stable accommodation. Though support and signposting for other issues included.
Single rooms in HMOs (some with ensuite facilities). Guests need to be able to cope with shared living environment.
Male or Female. Guests can be using substances but this is not permitted on the premises.
Contact: Amanda amanda@kingdomwaytrust.org 07522 552117
Free food provision & services Eastbourne area
Monday
08.30 – 10:00 The Matthew 25 Mission Eat-In or Takeaway Breakfast
12.30 – 14:00 The Matthew 25 Mission Eat-In or Takeaway Dinner
19.30 – 21.00 Warming Up The Homeless Takeaway Hot Food and Snacks (Opposite The Grand Hotel, Bandstand, Terminus Road, Train Station, Jevington Gardens)
Tuesday
08:30 – 10:00 The Matthew 25 Mission Eat-In or Takeaway Breakfast
12.30 – 14:00 The Matthew 25 Mission Eat-In or Takeaway Dinner
14:00 – 16:00 St. Saviour’s Church Wellbeing Café – Tea, Coffee and Cake
18:00 – 19:00 Salvation Army Citadel Eat-In Two Course Hot Meal
19:30 – 21:00 Warming Up The Homeless Takeaway Hot Food and Snacks (Opposite The Grand Hotel, Bandstand, Terminus Road, Train Station, Jevington Gardens)
Wednesday
08.30 – 10:00 The Matthew 25 Mission Eat-In or Takeaway Breakfast
12.30 – 14:00 The Matthew 25 Mission Eat-In or Takeaway Dinner
19:30 – 20:30 Feedbourners Takeaway Hot Food, Snacks and Clothing (Outside Tall Guy Coffee Co, Eastbourne Town Centre)
Thursday
08.30 – 10:00 The Matthew 25 Mission Eat-In or Takeaway Breakfast
12.30 – 14:00 The Matthew 25 Mission Eat-In or Takeaway Dinner
18:30 – 19:30 Absolute Angels (Outside Poundland) Takeaway Hot Food and Snacks
19:30 – 20:30 Warming Up The Homeless Takeaway Hot Food and Snacks (Opposite The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne Seafront)
Friday
08.30 – 10:00 The Matthew 25 Mission Eat-In or Takeaway Breakfast
09.30 – 12:00 Salvation Army Hot Healthy Breakfast
12.30 – 14:00 The Matthew 25 Mission Eat-In Light Lunch
18:00 – 19:00 Salvation Army Citadel Eat-In Two Course Hot Meal
19:00 – 20:00 Food4Thought at The Matthew 25 Mission Takeaway Hot Food and Snacks
Saturday
19:30 – 20:30 Warming Up The Homeless Takeaway Hot food and Snacks (Opposite The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne Seafront)
SECOND SATURDAY of each month
Light Refreshments and Drinks
10.00 – 12:00 St. Saviour’s Church
SECOND and FOURTH SATURDAY of each month
Eat-In Hot/Cold Snacks and Drinks 10.30 – 15:30 Kingdom Way Trust Weekend Drop-in, The Way
Sunday
16:15 – 19:00 Warming Up The Homeless, All Souls Church Hall Supper Club – Eat-In Hot Meal
SECOND and FOURTH SUNDAY of each month
Eat-In Hot/Cold Snacks and Drinks 10.30 – 15:30 Kingdom Way Trust Weekend Drop-in, The Way
Provision Location Details
The Matthew 25 Mission – Brodie Hall, Christ Church, Seaside, Eastbourne, BN22 7NN
Salvation Army Citadel -141 Langney Road, Eastbourne, BN22 8AG
The Way – 91-93 Seaside Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3PL
St. Saviour’s Church – South Street, Eastbourne, BN21 4UT
All Souls Church – Hall Entrance, Wellesley Rd, Eastbourne, BN21 3RJ
Tall Guy Coffee – 69 Terminus Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3NJ
Other Homelessness Services
Southdown Housing Association – Assertive Outreach and Move on Service is available:
Tuesdays 09:00 – 12:00 The Matthew 25 Mission
Fridays 09:00 – 12:00 Salvation Army
Victoria Medical Centre is available:
Tuesdays 09:00 – 12:00 The Matthew 25 Mission (Nurse)
Fridays 09:00 – 12:00 Salvation Army (Doctor and Nurse)
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SPFT) – Mental Health is available:
Tuesdays 09:00 – 12:00 The Matthew 25 Mission
Fridays 09:00 – 12:00 Salvation Army
Change Grow Live (CGL) is available:
Tuesdays 09:00 – 12:00 The Matthew 25 Mission
Fridays 09:00 – 12:00 Salvation Army
Adult Social Care (ASC) – Social Worker is available:
Tuesdays 09:00 – 12:00 The Matthew 25 Mission
Fridays 09:00 – 12:00 Salvation Army
Please Note: the availability of the above support services from the Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery (RSPaR) Programme, including Outreach and Move on Support, physical and mental health, ASC and CGL, can change each week subject to capacity.
Citizens Advice Bureau Service
Thursdays 09:30 – 14:00 The Matthew 25 Mission
Barber Service
Last Friday of the month 09:30 – 12:00 The Matthew 25 Mission
TechResort
First Monday of the month 10:00 – 11:30 The Matthew 25 Mission
Employment Plus – helping people back into work is available:
Mondays 13:00 – 16:00 Salvation Army
Fridays 09:00 – 12:00 Salvation Army
Podiatrist Plus is available:
Fridays 18:00 – 19:00 Salvation Army
This service is monthly. Please see the notice board for details.
Showers of Clothes Washing
Mondays 13:00 – 16:00 Salvation Army Citadel
Fridays 09:00 – 12:00 Salvation Army Citadel
Form Filling Support – by appointment only, please call 07955 759811
Mondays 13:00 – 16:00 Salvation Army
Gypsies and Travellers
There are three authorised Gypsy and Traveller sites in Wealden:
- Swan Barn Caravan Site, Hailsham (9 pitches), Downash Road, Hailsham, BN27 2RU
- Batts Bridge Caravan Site, Maresfield (10 pitches), Batts Bridge Road, Maresfield, Uckfield, TN22 2HN
- Polly Arch Caravan Site, Polegate (6 pitches, Polly Arch, Lynholm Road, Polegate, BN26 6JP
Sites in East Sussex include:
- Redlands Lane Caravan Park, Robertsbridge (8 pitches), Redlands Lane, Salehurst, Robertsbridge, TH32 5NE
- Bridie’s Tan Transit Site, Lewes (9 pitches), Southerham Lane, Southerham, Lewes, BN8 6DY
All of these sites are managed by East Sussex County Council, further information is available on their website
Older People
There are a number of options within Wealden for older people. Depending upon the scheme older people are those aged either 55+ or 60+ years of age, including leasehold/shared ownership options. Many schemes benefit from onsite facilities and/or Lifeline service. Options include:
- Retirement Living – Council (click on the to rent tab) and Housing Association
- Age restricted properties – Council and Housing Association
To be considered for any of these properties to rent applicants need to apply to join the housing register . All available vacancies are advertised on Sussex Homemove and you will be able to bid once you are registered.
In addition there is extra care provided by East Sussex County Council . Extra Care is only available to those whom have been assessed by Adult Social Care as having an eligible care and support need.
If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness within 56 days you should request housing advice and assistance