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.
How the NHS works - For translated health information visit Doctors of the World
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.
For more information in multiple languages about how to access the National Health Service NHS.
Use a GP registration transfer card if you need to move from one GP to another - they are available in most languages.
Mental health and wellbeing | Hertfordshire County Council – translated information on how to access mental health and wellbeing support.
Physical health and mental health and wellbeing
Physical health
Government’s migrant health guide: Assessing new patients from overseas: migrant health guide - GOV.UK
For general information about local health services in Hertfordshire including self help support, please visit Health in Herts | Hertfordshire County Council
GP: Everyone should be registered with a local surgery. People should discuss any existing health and mental health conditions with their GP
Dentist: A person does not need to wait for problems to appear before seeing a dentist. Dental health: migrant health guide - GOV.UK
How the NHS works - For translated health information visit Doctors of the World
For more information in multiple languages about how to access the National Health Service NHS.
GP transfer card
Accessing healthcare can be a challenge for vulnerable migrants in temporary accommodation. Language and communication barriers can also increase access issues. Healthcare access can also be disrupted where people are relocated at short notice.
The cards aim to improve continuity of care and avoid duplication by supporting newly arrived individuals to re-register (or register if a first registration) as soon as possible after they move.
They are available in more than 30 languages.
Mental Health Continuum of Need (PDF 172KB)
Mental health and wellbeing community support service
The countywide Flourish service is here to provide advice, information, onward referral and holistic support to refugees and asylum seekers who are experiencing mental ill health or need support with their mental wellbeing or daily challenges. This service is available to refugees and asylum seekers aged 16 and above.
Visit the Flourish website for group information and referral form, or email flourish@hertsmindnetwork.org.
For a higher level of mental health support
Hertfordshire Partnership Foundation Trust (HPFT) is the NHS provider responsible for Hertfordshire’s Mental Health services for cases that require a higher level of support.
Hertfordshire Partnership Foundation Trust (HPFT) Mental Health Service
Single Point of Access (SPA) hpft.spa@nhs.net
Housing information and support
When asylum support ends, people have 42 days to find new housing. Councils may help only those in priority need (e.g., families with children or serious health conditions).
Do:
- Look early for affordable private rentals
- Stay in contact with housing teams and support groups
- Provide all documents quickly
Don’t:
- Wait until eviction to act
- Refuse suitable private accommodation – councils may not make another offer
Families with children at risk of homelessness can be referred to Children’s Services. Adults should contact their local District or Borough Council for help.
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.
For enquiries about school places for refugee and asylum seeking children, please do not approach the school directly. Contact Migration.Admissions@Hertfordshire.gov.uk or call 01992 588366
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
- For more information about the support available in your area, see ESOL
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
For government guidance regarding permission to work, please see Permission to work and volunteering for asylum seekers (accessible) - GOV.UK
For general advice and support contact Dacorum Citizens Advice
For general support getting a job, contact The Refugee Council
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Connect to work
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An experienced Employment Advisor will work with clients on a one-to-one basis. Building a plan that works towards you finding a job to matches skills, experience, and interests. Aim is to rapidly “place and train” into a role rather than use traditional job searching methods.
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You must;
Live in Herts
Be over 18
Have the right to work
Be currently unemployed
Open to; Resettled Afghans, Ukrainians on the H4U Scheme & all other refugees
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Job Centre Plus
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Restart - A program that is mandatory for those claiming UC who are assessed as able to work after 6 months of claiming without finding work. They are referred through the job centre and receive 15 months support to find work
Additional WC Time - Extra support for those with health conditions on a voluntary basis including 30 minute appointments with a dedicated work coach to move closer to or into work. Need to claim UC.
Normal JCP Offer - Includes signposting to jobs, CV /Interview help. Job clubs/ employment opportunities. As per the GOV.UK Website.
Low value Procurement - Short term, low cost provision for a specific need to enable a job start. Pays for training/certificates if for a specific qualification to enhance ability to secure a specific job. Provided on individual, discretionary basis.
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Open to all who are;
Currently claiming Universal Credit
All refugees with right to work
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Community Action Dacorum
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Pathways project - for those that have been housed by Dacorum Borough Council, offering ESOL, Job Seeking (looking at CV writing and transferrable skills), Know Your Employability Rights, Life In The Uk, Basic IT skills, Setting Up Your Own Business.
ESOL for Employment – step 2 skills
How the support is accessed?
Referral from DBC, HCC, HWR, Refugee Council, Reed, Job Centres and general advertising. Progression from other providers such as West Herts College, through Job clubs such as Southhall Centre.
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Referral through
District & Boroughs
Herts Welcome Refugees
Refugee Council
Job Centre
Other job clubs
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Strategic Migration Partnership
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Employability for Overseas Nationals
CV preparation, cover letters, assistance with applications and interview practice.
Specialist employment adviser for graduates and professional careers, including high skills job
search course and mentoring.
Assistance to restart a medical career, including referrals for medical support worker and clinical attachment roles. Courses to prepare for International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Occupational English Test (OET) exams.
Help with driving theory including an online self-study course.
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East Herts residents only
Hong Kong BN(O)s
Ukrainian Guests
VPRS/VCRS
Former UASC now over 18
(with permission to work)
Asylum Seekers
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Skillsum
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A comprehensive range of employability and skills support, including:
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NHS employment supporting participants into entry-level and administrative roles.
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Construction pathways, including full support with CSCS training, preparation and card attainment.
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Retail and warehouse employment, supported through partnerships with local employers and agencies.
A short, targeted programme that combines:
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Digital skills and AI literacy – introducing practical tools (AI basics, productivity, job search automation)
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Employability training – CVs, interview preparation, and LinkedIn
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Business English – to build confidence in both written and spoken communication
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Mentoring and coaching – strengthening resilience, workplace readiness, and long-term integration
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Open to;
Refugees, asylum seekers with permission to work particular focus on supporting residents currently living in refugee hotels
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Specialist Training and Employment STEP Programme
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Employment support and English language classes to up to 4,000 Ukrainians and HK BNO(s) residing in England.
3-month programme
6-month programme
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Open to;
HKBNO
Ukrainians
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GoVolHerts
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Volunteering can be an activity that helps in the search for work.
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Anyone/everyone can freely visit to search for opportunities to volunteer with non-profit endeavours in Hertfordshire
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Anyone/everyone can freely and easily create an account in order to contact the organisations via the website to find out more or apply
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Model is digital self-service.
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We have a Help centre with step by step guides Help | GoVolHerts
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We also have a newsletter that anyone with an email address can sign up to and get information about volunteering, events, news etc
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Open to;
Anyone over 16 years old
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Money and benefits information
Banking
A UK bank account is needed for benefits or wages. Options include:
High street banks are also available.
Hertfordshire money advice unit can provide advice and information about benefits and budgeting.
Tel: 01438 843456.
Email mauadmin@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Citizens Advice Dacorum can provide countywide advice and information about money and benefits
Claiming Universal Credit and other benefits if you are a refugee - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Immigration support and advice
Citizens Advice Stevenage provide an immigration advice service for refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants. immigration@castevenage.org.uk
Citizen’s Advice Dacorum Asylum Refugee Support - countywide, confidential, independent information helpline providing holistic advice and general support. Please note, this is a rights advice service, it will not find accommodation for someone.
Always contact your local housing team as soon as possible.
Interactive map for local and countywide services
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
Modern slavery or exploitation, for any concerns please report it here
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
Displaced International Recruits (DIRs)
Some people came to the UK to work in the care sector, but their employers lost their licences, leaving them without jobs or valid visas. Funding is available to help them find new work with approved sponsors.
If you know someone affected, direct them to Displaced International Workers – Essex, Southend, Thurrock, Hertfordshire & Suffolk Support to fill out an online form.
Email internationalrecruitsupport@hertfordshire.gov.uk for advice.
People with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)
People seeking asylum, those refused asylum, or anyone without legal immigration status usually cannot get public benefits, housing, or some healthcare.
See NRPF Network for information and guidance on rights and support.
Check the NRPF guidance sheet to confirm someone’s immigration status.
Children and Young People
Separated Migrant Children
Hertfordshire County Council provides support for children who arrive in the UK without parents or guardians.
Healthcare
Access to healthcare can be difficult for those in temporary housing or who don’t speak English.
- GP registration transfer cards (available in 30+ languages) help people register with a doctor when they move.
- The All About Me booklet helps refugees and asylum seekers share personal information once, reducing the need to repeat it to different services.
Supporting Children with Trauma
Free, evidence-based resources for children affected by war or migration are available from the UK Trauma Council
Local and National Support
Migrant Help
Provides free advice and guidance on the asylum process, housing issues, and eVisa help.
Contact:
Find more local services in hertfordshire.gov.uk
Support for Organisations
Funding is available for community projects that:
- Help people build confidence and independence
- Support integration into local communities
- Prepare families moving on from temporary accommodation
- Improve mental health and wellbeing
For applications or queries, email Community.Wellbeing@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Reporting Concerns
Key Contacts and Networks