Ukraine
Hong Kong British Nationals (Overseas) (‘HKBNOs’)
Health
Refugees have the same access to healthcare as any other resident.
Asylum Seekers also have access to healthcare, including doctors, dental, eye care, and free prescriptions.
Undocumented Migrants have No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) and are only entitled to free secondary health care (that's things like hospital referrals) in certain circumstances.
To access healthcare in the UK you need to register with a family doctor known as a ‘GP’ near to where you live. Even if you have registered with a GP in another part of the UK you need to find a GP near to where you are living now. Find your nearest surgery here: Find a GP - (www.nhs.uk) Your Housing Officer from Clearsprings Ready Homes can give you this information if you are not sure of how to find your GP.
The staff at your local GP’s surgery can guide through the registration process, either in person or on the phone. You don't need proof of address, immigration status, ID or an NHS number to register, but it would be helpful to bring any background medical information.
Guide to understanding health services in the UK – translated information on how to access healthcare
Mental health and wellbeing | Hertfordshire County Council – translated information on how to access mental health and wellbeing support.
Housing information and support
If you are living in Home Office provided accommodation, you will have less than 2 months to leave this accommodation after receiving a decision on your asylum claim.
You will not be provided with accommodation by the Council unless you have a priority need.
Contact your local housing team who will determine if you meet priority need or assist you to find homes or rooms to rent.
Always contact the local housing team as soon as possible Interactive map for local and countywide services
Citizen’s Advice Dacorum Asylum Refugee Support - can provide you with advice and support around housing and employment rights. Please note, this is a rights advice service, it will not find you accommodation.
Education – schools and English language lessons
Schools
Refugee and asylum seeking children in the UK, who are up to 18 years old, can go to school. If you need help finding a school for your child, you can contact the Hertfordshire County Council schools admission team directly for help. Email Migration.Admissions@Hertfordshire.gov.uk for more information.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
- Asylum seekers cannot get government-funded English lessons for the first 6 months in the UK.
- But, there are many volunteer groups that offer free English lessons to asylum seekers, no matter how long they have been in the UK.
- You can find details of all English lessons (both government-funded and free) here: Hertfordshire ESOL Provision - Google My Maps
- You can also check the Direct Support Available Guidance Sheet (PDF 398KB) for information about all support available in your area.
Step2Skills gives free English classes to asylum seekers who have waited more than 6 months. Call 01992 556194 or email step2skills@hertfordshire.gov.uk to enquire about eligibility.
Employment - how to get a job
Generally, as an asylum seeker you are not allowed to work for the first 12 months in the UK, after this time you may be permitted to work but only in certain jobs.
To improve your chances of getting a job when you are allowed to work
- Improve your English
- Volunteer– this is a great way to improve employment skills and will help when you apply for paid jobs in the future.
Contact Citizens Advice Dacorum for more information.
Jobcentre Plus
Find your nearest Jobcentre Plus – they can:
- provide job seekers with courses on CV writing and interview preparation.
- share details of local employers who have job vacancies and support refugee schemes.
- offer help with travel costs to people who find employment. Temporary bus passes and cheaper travel cards may also be available.
Find full and part-time jobs - use your eVisa as evidence of your immigration status in the UK and your right to work. Visit GOV.UK to prove your right to work.
The Refugee Council - support with getting a job.
Employment support – apply for personalised support from an employment advisor, job coach or mentor.
Work skills courses in Hertfordshire - find online and in-person lessons to help improve your employability.
If you need to prove your qualifications, you could get a statement of comparability even if your original document is not available.
Money and benefits information
Immigration support and advice
Citizens Advice Stevenage provide an immigration advice service for refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants. immigration@castevenage.org.uk
Safety and Safeguarding
Call emergency services on 999 if you or another person is in immediate danger or if a crime is being committed. If there is no immediate risk but a police response is required, call 101 as soon as possible, or if health advice is required, call 111.
If you have concerns about a child, please report to Children’s services safeguarding
If you have concerns about an adult, please report to Adult safeguarding
For support with domestic abuse: Herts Beacon Domestic Abuse Outreach Triage 0300 002 0008
The police want to help everyone in the community to feel safe and trust them. They want people to tell them if something is wrong, like a crime or a problem in the neighbourhood. Special officers, called Engagement Officers, will work with other groups and talk to people to give advice. They will be the main contact for the police and can help you find the right department if you need more help. You can contact Dani and Emma at communityengagement@herts.police.uk.