Refugee welcome pack

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Refugee Services team

Our team is dedicated to supporting Sanctuary Seekers, resettled families, and guests arriving in the borough.

We work across multiple services to ensure individuals and families feel supported to rebuild their lives in our communities.

Resettlement team

This team provides personalised support for each family member and can help with: benefits, healthcare, education, employment, language learning, banking, housing, and community activities. Email the resettlement team.

Housing team

This team within Refugee Services can assist Sanctuary Seekers who are facing homelessness. If this applies to you, complete our housing options enquiry form and a housing officer will contact you.

Homes for Ukraine

Find out about the support we provide to Ukrainians through the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Money

This section covers the basics of managing your money and finding employment support in Richmond.

Open a bank account

It's important to open a bank account as soon as you receive refugee status. Accounts help you to keep your money safe and receive payments, like benefits and wages from an employer.

Read the latest guidance about opening a bank account.

Apply for benefits

If you have refugee status, you can apply for benefits.

Read the latest guidance on applying for benefits. If you need advice, Citizens Advice Richmond can help.

Employment support

If you have refugee status, you're allowed to work in the UK without any restrictions.

Find out about all the organisations providing employment support in Richmond .

State Pension

The State Pension age is currently 66 but depends on your date of birth. You can check your eligibility date at GOV.UK.

If you're of State Pension age, you're not required to look for work. You can contact the Pension Service if you need more information.

Welcome payments - Homes for Ukraine

Ukrainian guests on a Homes for Ukraine visa are entitled to a one-off £200 welcome payment to help with immediate costs.

Find out more about welcome payments and financial support for Ukrainians.

Health

The NHS provides free healthcare to all UK residents, regardless of their immigration status.

Section 8 of the official government guidance for new refugees covers healthcare services.

You can also check A guide to healthcare rights and NHS charges for people from refugee, asylum seeker and migrant backgrounds.

Quick links and numbers

Find your local general practitioner (GP) - this is a doctor that works in a local surgery. They will usually be your first point of contact if you're unwell
You can speak to your GP if you're worried about mental health, and check mental health services in Richmond
Call 111 or visit 111 online if you're feeling unwell and can't contact your GP
In case of emergencies, call 999 or visit your nearest accident and emergency hospital

Housing

Advice about finding and paying for housing in Richmond.

Renting privately

Renting a home in the private sector gives you flexibility in choosing the type, size, and location of your accommodation.

Read our Finding a place to rent page for useful information.

Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit can help you pay your rent if you're unemployed, on a low income or claiming benefits.

Applying for social housing

Social housing is a lower-cost, long-term housing option. However, there is limited availability and long waiting lists. You may apply to us if you meet certain eligibility requirements.

Find out more information and how to apply for social housing.

If you're at risk of homelessness

You should visit our If you are homeless page.

End of sponsorship and rematching - Homes for Ukraine

If your sponsorship is ending, and you're interested in rematching or long-term housing options please visit I'm a Ukrainian looking at future accommodation arrangements.

Education

All children between the ages of 5 and 16 are entitled to free and compulsory education in the UK.

As a parent or guardian, you're legally responsible for ensuring your children attend school. You should apply for a school place as soon as possible after arriving in the UK.

Education stages

There are five stages of education in the UK:

Early years - 2 to 5 years - check what childcare funding you might be eligible for
Primary - 5 to 11 years
Secondary - 11 to 16 years
Further education - 16 to 18 years
Higher education - 18+ years

Find out more about the types of school and education.

Applying for a school place

The School Admissions Service is provided by Achieving for Children (AfC).

For more information visit the AfC website or email richmond.admissions@achievingforchildren.org.uk.

School meals

Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 at state schools in England are entitled to free school meals.

Older children may still be entitled depending on your household income, or if you receive certain benefits.

Visit our free school meals page to find out more and apply.

English language classes

If English is not your first language and you want to improve your skills, there are several free or low-cost options.

Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College (RHACC) - The main provider of adult education, offering a range of English courses (ESOL and EFL)
Richmond EAL Friendship Group - English classes combined with social support and help accessing services
Learn English at Home (LEAH) - One-to-one support for residents with limited English who can't attend regular classes
Multicultural Richmond - Offers ESOL classes, advice, and support for people from ethnic minority backgrounds

We do not run English classes directly, and can't recommend private language schools. Read more about adult and community education.

Children's services

Achieving for Children (AfC) offer a wide range of services to support children and families.

Centres and hubs

AfC offer support services for families through children’s centres and one central Family Hub.

Support for Children and families

If you’re worried about a child or need help for your family, AfC's Single Point of Access (SPA) is here to support you.

SPA is a team of professionals including social workers, health visitors, mental health clinicians, and police officers. They work together to make sure children and families get the right help quickly and safely.

You can contact SPA for:

Concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing
Parenting support or family challenges
Mental health advice for children and young people
Help accessing social care or early help services

Contact SPA

Phone: 020 8547 5008 - Monday to Thursday 8am to 5.15pm and Friday 8am to 5pm
Out of hours: 020 8770 5000
SPA referral form

Always call 999 in an emergency.

Adult services

Our Adult social care team provides support for adults with mental or physical disabilities, the elderly and frail, and people who support vulnerable adults.

The team helps them to stay independent and live fulfilling lives.

When you contact the team they'll carry out a needs assessment, and a financial assessment to decide if you need to contribute to your care costs.

Domestic abuse support

Domestic abuse is any behaviour which is abusive towards you from a current or ex-partner or family member. This regardless of gender or sexuality, provided you are both aged 16 or over.

Find out about national and local domestic abuse support services.

Culture, religion and leisure

Discover places of worship and interest, and things to do in the borough.

Places of worship

Richmond is full of safe spaces where you can worship and practice your religion. To look up your local place of worship, check our licensed religious buildings page.

Libraries

Richmond is home to several local libraries where everyone can read, learn, and connect. Many libraries offer dual language books, as well as:

Access to computers and help using them
Employment, skills, and business support
Reliable health information and wellbeing resources
After-school support and activities
Free Wi-Fi

You can find your nearest library.

Things to do in Richmond

Richmond has a variety of parks, leisure facilities, cultural venues, and local attractions.

Check the Visit Richmond page and explore our local parks.

Richmond Leisure Card concessions

Sanctuary Seekers in Richmond can apply for a free concession Richmond Card with an active leisure subscription, giving free access to:

General swimming in indoor pools
Group exercise classes
Gym sessions at selected centres

Get more information on our Fairer and free access concessions page.

Getting around

To travel around London, you’ll need a contactless bank card or an Oyster card. These are used to pay for travel on buses, trains, the Tube (Underground), and trams.

You can check if you're eligible for free or reduced fares
Find out more about public transport in Richmond

Local services

A number of local organisations offer important services to refugees.

Refugees Welcome in Richmond

Volunteer group supporting Sanctuary Seekers with befriending, housing, and a Ukrainian Social Club.

Find out more about Refugees Welcome in Richmond.

Multicultural Richmond

Promotes an inclusive multicultural community with services like ESOL, youth groups, and digital skills.

Check the Multicultural Richmond website for more information.

Refugee Action Kingston

Offers legal advice, counselling, ESOL, employment support, and community activities across south London.

Visit the Refugee Action Kingston website to find out more.

Citizens Advice Richmond

Citizens Advice is a free, confidential, and independent service. It offers help on a wide range of everyday issues, including housing, finances and immigration support.

Visit the Citizens Advice Richmond website for more information.

Up to: Services for refugees

Updated: 18 September 2025