A number of support systems are already in place through charities, community groups and local government and we have pulled the following information and signposting links to a range of national and local organisations on the following themes; access to English language provision, health and wellbeing, mental health, housing support, employment and training and access to transport. 

This page is intended for professionals and volunteers working with refugees and asylum seekers for signposting purposes and for residents that may be experiencing challenges in accessing support from countries including Ukraine and Afghanistan.

For general queries - please email communitynorth@easthants.gov.uk or communitysouth@easthants.gov.uk.

General support

Hampshire County Council

Welcome to Hampshire’ booklet for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and young people in English, Arabic, Farsi, and Pashto. 

The guide is also available in an audio format and is available in English, Arabic, Farsi, and Pashto.

Rural Refugee Network

The Rural Refugee Network was set up in September 2015 by a group of volunteers in the Hampshire and West Sussex area with the express aim of taking practical action to help the current Syrian Refugee crisis.

Infoline

An England wide signposting, information and casework service. The service works with people seeking asylum who are experiencing, or at risk of, crisis and destitution.

Please call 0808 196 7272 (lines open Monday and Thursday, 9:30am –12:30pm).

Migrant Help

Migrant Help provides independent advice and guidance to assist asylum seekers in the UK move through and understand the asylum process. 

Citizen's Advice

Citizen's Advice offers drop in advice sessions at Petersfield Library, Monday 9:30am to 4pm, Tuesdays 9:30am to 4pm, Wednesdays 9:30am to 4pm, Saturdays 9:30am to 12:30pm.

British Red Cross 

International Rescue Committee

Reset UK

Reset UK empowers volunteers to welcome refugees to their local community across the UK.

Bridge to Unity 

Bridge to Unity offer practical assistance and support to refugees entering the UK, encouraging integration and independence, with a focus on community, education and employment.

Adult education

English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) classes for adults 19+ who’s first language is not English. These classes are run by Hampshire Learns.

City of Portsmouth College, Highbury Campus - adult beginner English classes, full and part time.

ESOL - Online language classes, resources and interpreting support. 

Havant and South Downs College

Step Ahead – World Jewish Relief  - our new online English language and employment programme – STEP Ahead – is launching today in partnership with the British Council and funded by the Home Office - https://www.worldjewishrelief.org/

Hampshire learns - a range of english, maths, employment support and adult education courses (online and face to face).

Email - adult.learning@hants.gov.uk.

Mental health support

Barnardos

Barnardos offers free therapeutic support for children and young people aged 21 and under on the Ukraine and Afghanistan pathways living in England via the refugee family helpline. 

Phone number: 0808 156 9877 (lines open Monday to Friday 10am-8pm, Saturday 10am-3pm).

Email address: refugeefamilyhelpline@barnardos.org.uk.

Barnardos Boloh Helpline offers advice, signposting, emotional support and 8 free sessions of therapy by qualified Barnardo’s therapists to adult asylum seekers across the UK. 

Phone number: 0800 151 2605 (lines open Monday to Friday 10am-8pm, Saturday 10am-3pm).

Email address: boloh.helpline@barnardos.org.uk.

Havant and East Hants Mind

Havant and East Hants Mind work to promote good mental health, seek to support and empower people to lead a full life as part of their local community through 1-1 support, workshops, courses and peer support groups. 

You can self-refer yourself through their website or call them on 02392 498916.

Refugee and asylum seeker housing support

Shelter

Employment and training

If you require international qualifications to be converted, please visit the UK National Information Centre for the recognition and evaluation of international qualifications and skills.

Transport

Working with various partners such as Community First and Hampshire County Council, East Hampshire District Council supports and funds various community transport schemes.

Petersfield Voluntary Care Group (PVCG)

Petersfield Voluntary Care Group (PVCG) are offering guests free of charge transport to a medical or legal appointment. 

They can take guests from Petersfield, Sheet, Steep, Froxfield, and Stroud to hospitals such as QA and St Mary’s at Portsmouth, St Richard’s at Chichester, Southampton, Basingstoke, Frimley and Winchester and dentists at Waterlooville, Bedhampton and Grayshott.

Liss Men’s Shed

Liss Men’s Shed offer repaired bikes for refugees and others in need. 

If you are interested in taking up this offer you can get in touch with Liss Men’s Shed.

Bikeability

Bikeability is run by Hampshire County Council and is a training programme to give children the confidence to cycle from home to school.

Exercise and fitness

Get up and Go

The Get Up and Go program provides physical activity classes for East Hampshire residents who are 18 or over with a physical or mental health condition. The program is funded by Hampshire County Council. 

For more information, please visit the Get Up and Go East Hants website or email welfare@easthants.gov.uk.

Wellbeing walks

Wellbeing walks are free to attend and suitable for people of all abilities, from beginners to more experienced walkers. It’s a great way to improve your health and wellbeing and meet new people.

All walks are led by trained walk leaders who are there to offer information and support on the walk. You will need suitable footwear and comfortable clothing as walks take place in all weathers.

For first time walkers, we recommend calling or going to the website to check the walk is going ahead.

For more information, please contact the wellbeing walks coordinator by email healthwalks@easthants.gov.uk or phone 07341 462825.

Family support

Homestart

Homestart Butser - covers Petersfield, Liss, Greatham & Rowlands Castle.

The main criteria is that there is a child at home under the age of 5 and that they live in our area.

Homestart Hampshire (Weywater) - covers Bordon, Meon Valley & Alton.

Homestart in Hampshire may be able to help you by offering you a volunteer if you:

  • live in a local scheme area in Hampshire.
  • have at least one or more child age 0-11 years
  • are going through a difficult time in your life

Kings Arms

Kings Arms, Petersfield and Alton - youth activities for 11–18 year olds.

Winton House Community Cafe

Winton House Community Cafe, Monday to Friday 10am – 1.30pm.

Hampshire libraries

Hampshire libraries recently received the library of sanctuary award. As a library of sanctuary, Hampshire libraries have purchased books in a range of languages, international newspapers, as well as universal games and activities to make visits to the library more accessible and enjoyable for sanctuary seekers and their families. 

Community connections

Community connections at Alton Library (every Saturday 1pm-3pm).

Open to all seekers of sanctuary for a chat, helpful information and signposting.

Resources for professionals

Hampshire County Councils Asylum seekers and refugees guide

Hampshire County Council has produced this guide for teachers and schools that may have a child asylum seeker or refugee.  

UK Trauma council

Support with food

There are several foodbanks, community pantries and cupboards in East Hampshire. A list of them can be found here

How to access the NHS

Call NHS 111 if you urgently need medical help or advice but it's not a life-threatening situation. You can also call NHS 111 if you're not sure which NHS service you need.

Call 999 if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

Translations on how the NHS works and migrant rights to healthcare.

Childcare and early years education information

Hampshire County Council have produced a useful guide to explaining childcare and early years education information in the UK.