Refugee welcome pack
This pack is designed for sanctuary seekers who have arrived in Wandsworth. It explains how you can access council services and those offered by voluntary and community groups.
This pack should be read alongside the official government guidance for new refugees.
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 Wandsworth.
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 Wandsworth 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 Wandsworth.
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.
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 Wandsworth
- 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 Wandsworth.
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 complete our Housing options enquiry form.
End of sponsorship and rematching - Homes 4 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
Our school admissions page explains how to apply for a place at a primary, junior or secondary school in Wandsworth.
Applications are made online, or by downloadable forms if your child is joining after the school year has already started.
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.
Wandsworth Lifelong Learning
This organisation offers free training for adults, including:
- English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes delivered directly and through community-based partners
- Digital learning, planning for a new future, preparing for a job interview, positively presenting yourself, building resilience, how to use LinkedIn
- One-to-one information, advice and guidance with qualified careers guidance workers
Check eligibility and find out more on the Wandsworth Lifelong Learning website.
Children's services
We offer a wide range of services to support children and families.
Centres and hubs
Children's centres provide a welcoming space where you and your child aged 0 to 5 years old can have fun and learn. They offer a range of courses and activities that allow you to spend quality time with your children, improve your parenting skills and make friends with other parents and carers.
Most sessions will be free of charge, but some will require booking and a small fee.
Family Hubs offer a wide range of services and support for you and your family. Services and support are given to parents and children aged 0 to 19 years old.
You can find your local centres and hubs.
Protecting children
If you're worried about a child’s safety or wellbeing, it's important to share your concerns.
Many people worry that contacting Children’s Services will mean a child is taken into care. However, unless a child is at significant risk of harm we'll work with parents to provide support so that the family can stay together.
- If you have any concerns about a child in Wandsworth, contact the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
- If your concern is urgent and outside office hours, contact the Out of Hours Service
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
Wandsworth is full of safe spaces where you can worship and practice your religion. To look up your local place of worship, check places of worship.
Libraries
Wandsworth 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.
Access for All
Access for All is our ambitious initiative to make key services and local activities more affordable for everyone.
All asylum seekers and refugees living in Wandsworth are eligible for Access for All. Find out more and apply for Access for All.
Things to do in Wandsworth
Wandsworth has a variety of parks, leisure facilities, cultural venues, and local attractions. These include:
Visit our leisure and culture page for more information.
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 Wandsworth
Local directories and key services
Important local services and lists are available to you.
Wandsworth Welcomes Refugees
This charity has put together the Wandsworth Directory. It includes over 60 services for refugees, including education, housing, health, and employment.
Read the Wandsworth Directory.
Citizens Advice Wandsworth
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 Wandsworth website for more information.