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Information about housing for displaced people in Elmbridge Housing Elmbridge CAN can't provide housing but we can advise you on your options and we can sometimes help you look for accommodation in the private rent sector. For Ukrainians, we can try to 'rematch' you with a new host. Read on for more information. Please note that most of the information below is relevant only if you have permission to remain in the UK. For information about the asylum system in the UK including financial support see Right to Remain . Can I get my own accommodation from the council? Social housing in the UK is in very short supply, especially for larger households, and particularly in Elmbridge as it is an expensive area and there is a shortage of housing. There are very long waiting lists for social housing. If you are in danger of homelessness and are in a priority group where the council has a duty to help you, then they may be able to support you with emergency accommodation. This may be in a bed and breakfast and it may be outside of Elmbridge. You can find out more information including how to apply for social housing on the council’s website here Elmbridge Borough Council - Housing . How can I get my own accommodation? Whether you have children or not, your Universal Credit benefit can include help with rental costs, also known as Housing Benefit. The Housing Benefit allowance was increased in Elmbridge in April 2024. You can check out the local Housing Benefit allowance here . Depending on your circumstances, Elmbridge Borough Council may also be able to help you with finding rental accommodation. See Find a place to live . You can also look at websites like Rightmove for a property to rent. Being in employment can sometimes help with securing accommodation. Finding housing can be hard. It is important to be persistent and not lose hope. Our charity doesn't offer a property search service but if you are homeless or vulnerably housed, Rentstart is a local charity which has a very useful guide to renting privately on low incomes. Rentstart primarily helps people who are not on the council’s priority list, such as single adults without children. In the UK, many younger single people, or couples, form a group with friends to rent accommodation together. See also these useful guides for Ukrainians on how to rent property in the UK in Ukrainian and Russian . Discretionary housing payments available for housing are occasionally available from Elmbridge Council: Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) . For Ukrainians under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme: how can I change my host? We are working closely with Elmbridge Council to help ensure that re-matches can be arranged where there is a priority need for this, for example if there is a medical need or if there is an irreversible breakdown in relationships. Please get in touch with us if you think this might apply to you, by emailing contact@elmbridgecan.org.uk or coming to one of our hubs (see our What’s on page ). There may also be ways that we can help you resolve differences with your original host family.

Finding affordable suitable accommodation is one of the biggest challenges faced by displaced people in Elmbridge. Rent your property Finding affordable, suitable accommodation is one of the biggest challenges faced by displaced people in Elmbridge. Many families are keen to stay in the area, especially if they have children settled in local schools. Lots of the people we support have already experienced considerable upheaval. The property market is tough: rents are expensive and landlords are often reluctant to accept tenants who rely on Universal Credit. Yet for landlords who can be a bit flexible, this is one of the biggest ways you can help and extend a lifeline to people experiencing the most desperate time of their lives. Is my property suitable for a displaced family? It may be if it meets these criteria: a self-contained dwelling with 1 bedroom or more in a reasonable condition available for at least 12 months, preferably longer in or near Elmbridge, ideally with good access to public transport and local amenities such as shops and schools. at a rent which is affordable and sustainable (i.e. close to the Local Housing Allowance rate ) as with any other tenancy, all relevant certification must be in place - gas safety (where relevant), electrical safety and an energy performance rating of “E” or above. If you are interested in renting a property to a displaced household, we recommend that you get in touch with Elmbridge Borough Council’s housing team, either by email on housingpolicy@elmbridge.gov.uk or telephone on 01372 474632. If you would like an informal chat with one of us first, please get in touch on contact@elmbridgecan.org.uk . While we do not offer a property search service or get directly involved in setting up tenancies, we can support clients as needed with various other aspects of the tenancy such as sourcing furniture and equipment, moving costs and setting up accounts for utilities. See also Elmbridge Borough Council’s information on the Afghan Locally Employed Staff Relocation Scheme , including details of the kind of properties needed to resettle households under this scheme and the support offered to landlords. If you think you might be interested in hosting a Ukrainian family or individual in your own home or a self-contained property you own, see our Become a host page for more information on what’s involved and the support available. Spread the word Even if you don't have a home to rent you can still help by sharing the need with friends and neighbours, by signing up for our newsletter to hear about future needs and appeals, or by following us on social media and sharing our posts. Thanks to everyone once again for your generosity, support, and for making our new beginning in this beautiful place so much easier. Natalia

Useful information and tools to help you get informed on the issues or take action.    Get informed To stay up-to-date on our activities you can read our recent newsletters on our Latest news page and sign up to receive future newsletters here . You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram (links at the bottom of the page). This page contains useful information and tools to help you get informed on the broader issues. National organisations Although we are a local organisation, forcibly displaced people coming to Elmbridge are of course affected by the wider issues on both a national and international scale. It helps to be informed. We recommend you check out Refugee Action or the Refugee Council , where you can find a wealth of information, including useful explainers , for example, the truth about asylum or the real facts about refugees . The sites are packed with relevant facts, statistics and stories. Alternatively, visit Citizens UK Campaigns or simply write to your local MP . Films and documentaries There are lots of great films available to help you become better informed. Here’s a few to get you started. Human Flow - 2017 Why do we have so much migration coming our way? If you want a big picture perspective, this is the one. Filmed across 23 countries by international artist and filmmaker Ai Weiwei, this film studies the global issue of migration with a completely apolitical approach. Rather, it aims to show the human side of the phenomenon, putting a face to the huge numbers of people following migration routes every year. Available to watch on Amazon Prime. Here’s the trailer . For Sama - 2019, BAFTA winner, Oscar-nominated for best documentary An intimate and visceral documentary, this multi-award-winning film is a journey though motherhood during the bombings of the Syrian civil war. Waad al-Kateab's first feature documentary is a story of love, resilience and hope, framed by suffering and harsh dilemmas. Available to watch on Channel 4 Another News Story - 2019 Directed by Verity Wislowki, shot across nine countries from Greece to Germany, the film goes behind the scenes of the news crews reporting the refugee story at the height of the European crisis. It takes the viewer to the other side of the camera and inspires us to re-evaluate our relationship with the global media and how we consume news. Available to watch on Amazon Prime . Read and share Gray Bees by Andrey Kurkov, a famous Ukrainian novelist who dramatises the conflict raging in his country with his trademark wry humour, through the adventures of a beekeeper. Sea Prayer by Khaled Hosseini (author of The Kite Runner). Based on a Syrian father’s reflections, while watching his sleeping son, as they await the perilous journey across the Mediterranean. Author proceeds are donated to UNHCR. Shatila Stories published by Peirene who commissioned nine refugees to tell their ‘Shatila Stories’. The result is a piece of collaborative fiction unlike any other. Read if you want to understand the chaos of the Middle East, or just to enjoy a beautiful love story. No Friend but the Mountains by Behrouz Boochani, a Kurdish journalist who was illegally detained on Manus Island and laboriously typed his story on a mobile phone. Translated from Farsi. In the Wars by Dr Waheed Arian. Feel inspired by this incredible Afghan doctor's story. Hope Not Fear by Hassan Akkad, about his harrowing experience leaving Syria and the kindness he experienced in the UK, which helped him get back on his feet and rebuild his life. Would you like to receive occasional updates on our work? Sign up to receive our newsletter .

We have created a full guide for you to understand the different transport options in Elmbridge. Transport The public transport network of trains and buses can be confusing for new arrivals to Elmbridge. We have created a full guide for you to understand the different options and help you get around the local area: Public transport information sheet Homes for Ukraine (H4U) temporary bus pass scheme Surrey County Council has worked with bus companies in Surrey to set up this scheme. It offers those who arrived on the H4U scheme a free bus pass for 6 months for travel on their most used bus route. Participating companies include Stagecoach, Compass, Metrobus, Falcon, White Bus and Reptons. Find out more details and how to apply here . Driving in the UK Can I use my driving licence issued by my home country? This government webpage has a tool you can use to see if you can drive in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) on your licence issued by another country. In most cases, you can drive any type of small vehicle (for example cars or motorcycles) listed on your licence for 12 months from when you first arrived in Great Britain. However, Ukrainians (who entered on a Ukraine visa scheme) can continue driving here for three years from arrival. After the end of this period, you will need to either exchange your licence for a UK licence or pass theory and practical tests to acquire a UK licence. Visit this page to find out how to do this. Can I drive my car that I brought with me from another country? Generally you will be allowed to drive your car for up to six months. After that time you must “import” your vehicle which involves registering and taxing it. See this government webpage for more detail on the process. How can I get a UK driving licence? You will need to follow these steps in order to get a UK driving licence. This includes applying for a provisional licence, and passing both a theory test and a practical test. Elmbridge CAN runs driving theory lessons, visit our What’s On page to find out more. We recommend these books to help you pass the theory test: The Official DVSA Highway Code The Official DVSA Guide to Driving There are also various apps which can help, such as the Official DVSA theory test kit. You can buy and download this using these links: App for iOS / Apple App for Android eLearning platform (to use on a tablet, computer or mobile device) Once you are learning to drive, there are videos on YouTube which can help you, such as these: DGN Driving Drive London How expensive is it to run a car? The AA (Automobile Association) has published some useful guidance on the cost of running a car, here . In addition to the cost of buying and maintaining the car, and the cost of fuel, there are various other costs to consider - including tax, insurance and MOT (annual safety check), all of which are mandatory in the UK. Oxshott Care This local charity arranges lifts for Oxshott residents to medical appointments. They may be able to help with lifts to other important appointments, and with shopping and picking up prescriptions. See their website for more details or call them on 07950 478329 (phone line open from 9am to 12pm Monday to Friday. You can also leave a message).

Contact Elmbridge CAN by email or fill in this form. Contact us Sign up to receive our newsletter or contact us if you have a specific enquiry. We’d love to hear from you! Sign up to our newsletter Contact us First name* Last name Email* Message Submit Other ways to contact Elmbridge CAN Email: contact@elmbridgecan.org.uk Write to us : PO Box 112, East Molesey, KT8 8EN. You can also find us on:

Find out more about the work of Elmbridge CAN by signing up for our newsletter. Newsletter sign up We send newsletters by email roughly every quarter, to update our supporters on our activities. Occasionally we run an emergency appeal, in which case we would send an additional newsletter focussing on that. You can find all our recent newsletters on our Latest news page . Our pledge to you: We won't bombard you with emails We will keep your data safe and secure We won't share your data without permission You can opt out at any time Newsletter sign up First name* Last name* Email* Subscribe You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by emailing contact@elmbridgecan.org.uk . We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform and by clicking the subscribe button, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy policy here . Subject to the above, we will never share your data with third parties unless we have your permission or are required by law to do so. For more detail on how we use your data see our privacy policy .

Building a life in a new country can be challenging. We provide practical information, such as how to register with your local doctor, as well as other support which you or your family members might need. Health and wellbeing We recognise that building a life in a new country can be challenging. On this page you can find practical information, such as how to register with your local doctor, as well as other support which you or your family members might need. There are also some self-help resources which you may find useful. Doctors Dentist Pharmacy Mental health Help yourself Young people Therapy options Doctors Contact your doctor (GP) in the first instance for all medical issues. They will decide if you need to see a specialist and refer you for an appointment. In the UK you must register with your local NHS GP (National Health Service General Practitioner) practice as soon as possible. Do not wait until you are ill. Find your nearest doctor . If you are new to using the NHS (free National Health Service), start with this short guide: English version , Dari version *If you are an asylum seeker, with an active application or appeal, you are eligible and will need an HC2 card to access free care. This guide will help you understand our NHS services and entitlements for migrants. Back to top Dentist Dental health is important too. There is a shortage of free NHS dentists, so you should get on the waiting list for your local NHS dentist as soon as you can. Back to top Pharmacy In some cases, a pharmacist can help you. If you have common infections such as a sore throat, earache or infected insect bite, you can go to your local pharmacy and speak to the pharmacist for advice and medication. Alternatively you can call 111, which is a NHS service which will direct you to the best place to get help for your symptoms. Check here to see if your pharmacist can help. Back to top Mental health Problems sleeping, poor memory, lack of focus, anger, helplessness, low energy and flashbacks are some normal reactions to trauma. Know that you are not alone if you experience these. Contact your doctor for help. The first thing to do is make an appointment to see your GP. If you are feeling overwhelmed or suicidal or need to speak to someone immediately, there are people who can help. See below organisations offering 24/7 help, including some specifically for young people. Get help now Childline 24-hour confidential support up to age 19 PAPYRUS (9am-midnight) for young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide Back to top Help yourself Understanding trauma can really help - everyone responds in different ways. The charity Mind has some online resources which may help. Learn some practical tools to help feel better: Learn how to stop PTSD Nightmares with Dr Justin Havens https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv38dzpcxfA Also available in Arabic: تعلمْ كيفيةَ إيقافِ كوابيسِ اضطرابِ ما بعدَ الصدمةِ مع د.جاستن هيفينز and Ukrainian: Дізнайтеся, як зупинити кошмари посттравматичного стресового розладу здоктором Джастіном Хейвенсом YouTube Video -Coping with scary and distressing memories | UK Trauma Council Back to top Resources for young people and adults The UK Trauma Council has lots of useful information in different languages which may help. You can also watch their video . Trauma from war and conflict: what’s difficult and what helps? This is a useful document, written by and for young people, which explains the symptoms experienced after war and trauma and also what may help. Practical tools for young people Here’s a list of free apps especially for young people which may be of use: https://www.good-thinking.uk/free-apps-for/apps-young-people . Find out more about free activities locally - visit our What’s on page for some ideas. Back to top Therapy options In the UK it's generally accepted that most people can benefit from professional therapy at some point in their life. Here are some useful links and services. Some are free or offer a discount for displaced people. Refer yourself to free NHS Talking Therapy - CBT online, counsellors 1-2-1 face to face or zoom usually 6-8 sessions. Waterloo Community Counselling - based in London but also on Zoom and FREE for refugees and asylum seekers. Trauma Response Network - if you feel ready to address some past trauma, they offer EMDR therapy which can be very effective. Therapy is only offered in English with up to eight sessions online. The Counselling Partnership - is an independent local community charity, based in Walton. The Kingston Women’s Centre - offers women-only counselling. Ask Hanna offers counselling and wellbeing support in Ukrainian. Surrey County Council has provided a FREE membership for Ukrainians. Please email contact@elmbridgecan.org.uk for details. It’s Complicated - offers Ukrainian speaking therapists and counselling, in person and online. You can also find a private therapist. All qualified therapists should be in this Counselling Directory . Here’s a full list of support services on offer in the county of Surrey. Still not sure about therapy? This short video may help: Absolutely Not - and other thoughts you might have about mental health support . Back to top

Information about the UK education system and childcare options for children. Children In the UK, education is compulsory for all children between the ages of 5 and 16. There are five stages of education: Early years Primary Secondary Further Education (FE) Higher Education - university (HE) Education Further Education is not compulsory and includes any study after secondary education that is not taken as part of an undergraduate or graduate degree. Courses range from basic English and Maths to Higher National Diplomas (HND). Higher Education is study beyond A levels and their equivalent which, for most full-time students, takes place in universities and colleges. Primary and secondary school: registering your child in a local school and other information How does my child apply for higher education courses and university? Childcare for young children What childcare support do I get for my pre-school children in the UK? Holiday activities What kids clubs and holiday activities are available for my children? After school clubs Once your child reaches school age, you might be able to use Tax-Free Childcare and Universal Credit childcare to financially support pre and after school care (known as wraparound care). If you need extra childcare support to work or your children are full of energy; keen to make new friends or looking for a new hobby, there are many activities available for children after school in the Elmbridge area. The first place to ask about after school clubs would be your child’s school. There are lots of other activities in Elmbridge to keep children busy. See our What’s On page for more information. Additional childcare support More information on where to find extra support: Surrey County Council Choosing Childcare . Free Parenting Course - Surrey County Council delivers courses to support parents (with children of different ages) through the complexities of parenting. Spurgeons - Elmbridge Family Centre Services Spurgeons support families with parenting children age 0-11. Home-Start Elmbridge - Home Start provide support to families in Elmbridge. Tutoring Elmbridge CAN works with a small number of volunteer tutors who provide free, one-to-one tutoring support in a variety of subjects including English, Maths and Science. We are a small team, and often fully booked, so we may not be able immediately to meet your child’s needs. If you would like to be added to our waiting list, please get in touch by emailing contact@elmbridgecan.org.uk giving your child’s name, age, school year and the subject they are looking for help in. In addition to our face-to-face tutors, we also work closely with the sixth form of a local school whose students offer online tutoring for students up to GCSE level. If this would be of interest, please get in touch. Revision support for secondary school children There are many online apps and resources that can help your child with their revision. Please make sure you check the GCSE exam board you are studying ie AQA, Edexcel, OCR, before using the websites or revision books to ensure you are focusing on the correct content. Still no answer to your question? Surrey Family Information Service (FIS) is a free impartial information and signposting service for families with children aged 0 to 25. We can help you find organisations and services that may be able to support your family including information about childcare, finances, parenting and activities in your local area. www.surreycc.gov.uk/children/support-and-advice/families