Refugee and Migrant support

It is well recognised that young people with refugee status, asylum seekers and young migrants face a unique set of challenges when settling in the UK. While Healthier Together as a whole is designed to be accessible to people from all backgrounds, this page is designed to offer more specific guidance for those less familiar with the NHS, as well as signposting the support available for this group.

What is Healthier Together?

This is a website that has been developed in partnership between parents and healthcare professionals.

It provides clear information on common childhood illnesses, including advice on what signs to look out for, where to seek help if required, and how long your child’s symptoms are likely to last.

This website allows parents to feel empowered and clearly signposts when to seek the advice of a healthcare professional.

Families receive consistent and appropriate advice across all the health service providers in South West London.

These pages are reviewed regularly to ensure patient safety and reliable advice.

It’s very important to register at a GP surgery as soon as possible. GPs are doctors who work in community clinics called surgeries, or health centres. A GP can offer free medical advice, provide a diagnosis and prescribe medicines.

They might be your first point of contact for many physical and mental health concerns.

The GP practice is also responsible for coordinating and managing your long term healthcare and they can refer you if you need more specialised hospital services.

Everyone in the UK, including asylum seekers and refugees, is allowed GP care, free of charge. You do not need an address, proof of immigration status, or proof of ID to register.

To find out how to register with a GP, visit www.nhs.uk/register

To find your nearest GP, visit www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-GP

GP clinics are usually open from 8am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday. You can make appointments by phone, in person and (sometimes) online. Appointments might be face-to-face or a phone call. If you need an interpreter, tell the receptionist when you book.

If you are having difficulty registering with a GP you can:

• Download a GP Access Card and show this to the GP receptionist. www.doctorsoftheworld.org.uk/gp-access-cards/

• phone NHS England (0300 311 22 33 ) or Doctors of the World (0808 1647 686) for help

Find a dentist (Looks after your teeth)

https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist

If your tooth is painful you should call 111 for Urgent Dental Care Services.

Some dental treatments are free for everyone, and all clinically necessary dental treatment is free if you have an HC2 certificate.

Find an optician (Looks after your eyes)

https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/opticians/

Pharmacists can offer clinical advice and medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains. The pharmacist will let you know if you need to visit a doctor or direct you to other healthcare professionals to make sure you get the help you need.

GPs might prescribe medicines that can be collected at a pharmacy with a prescription. Asylum seekers and refugees are entitled to free prescriptions. For this you will need to complete an HC1 form which will give you an HC2 certificate. For help filling this in, speak to your GP.

You can also buy medicines for minor illnesses or first-aid supplies in a pharmacy or supermarket.

To find the nearest pharmacy, go to:

https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy

The Healthy Child Programme is designed to offer every family support in making healthy choices. It includes immunisations, health information, developmental reviews, and access to a range of community services and resources.

The Health Visiting team supports you and your family from the birth of your baby up until your child goes to school. Click here for more information

School nurses care for children and young people, aged 5 - 19, and their families, to ensure their health needs are supported within their school and community. Click here for more information

You want to do what is best for your child. You know about the importance of car seats, stair gates and other ways to keep them safe. But, did you know that one of the best ways to protect them is to make sure they have all of their vaccinations at the time they are recommended to ensure the mostly timely protection.

- Immunisations can save your child’s life

- Vaccinations are very safe and effective

- Immunisation protects others you care about

Find out more on our Vaccination page

Your GP practice nurse can help you get your child up to date with their vaccinations regardless of their age.

It can be scary when your child is unwell and you are unsure of where to get help.

The pages below will help you with these questions and provide the answers.

1. Child under 3 months

2. Child over 3 months

3. Should my child go to school or nursery

Medical emergency or life-threatening situation:

Call 999 if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk. The telephone operator will advise you what to do or where to go next. An ambulance may be sent to provide treatment or transport the patient to hospita to the Emergency Department (A&E).

Emergency departments are open 24 hours a day and treatment is free of charge.

You can access these services directly and without an appointment

You might be admitted to hospital to be treated if needed.

NHS 111:

If you have a medical problem but are not sure what service you need, or your GP is closed, call 111, free phone line open 24 hours a day. You can get free medical help and advice from trained advisers. They are supported by experienced nurses and paramedics. Your problem might be treated over the phone, or you might be directed to a pharmacy, GP, emergency department, dentist, or another service. You can ask for an interpreter in your language by saying "interpreter please".

Walk in centres:

If you need urgent medical care for minor injuries such as cuts, sprains and small fractures, or urgent medical advice, you can directly go to a walk-in or urgent care centre without an appointment. These centres are usually open during daytime hours.

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There is help available if you, your child or a family member is struggling with how they are feeling- Click here for more information.

If you have seriously harmed yourself or are about to do so, call 999 for an ambulance or go straight to A&E.

If you are thinking about suicide and are an adult talk to someone at the Samaritans by calling 116 123.

If you are under 18 and need help NOW, Click Here

Further information here https://www.swlondon-healthiertogether.nhs.uk/pregnancy

These health services are free for everyone:

- GP advice and treatment

- Services that are provided as part of the NHS 111 telephone advice line

- Accident and Emergency services provided at an A&E department, walk-in centre, minor injuries unit or urgent care centre

- Diagnosis and treatment of some infectious and sexually transmitted diseases

- NHS services provided for COVID-19 investigation, diagnosis, treatment and vaccination

- Family planning services (contraception)

- Treatment for a physical or mental condition caused by torture, female genital mutilation, domestic violence or sexual violence

Specialist health services are also free for:

- Refugees

- Asylum seekers

- Victims or suspected victims of Modern Slavery

- Dependants

People whose application for asylum has been rejected may still have access to free NHS services. Check if you are entitled to free health care here.

Prescription medicines, dental and eye care are normally not free in England but asylum seekers who are financially supported by the Home Office will be given an HC2 certificate to get full help with these health costs. Anyone can apply for this support, see further advice on how to apply here.

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Find a range of information on housing and finance here.

https://helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk/

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/how-to-get-help-if-you-re-struggling-with-your-energy-bills-/

https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en

Accessing Support in the Community

Extra support for Young Refugees

Merton Borough Support for Young Refugees

Telephone number: 020 7704 5670 / 07950 914063

The Red Cross offers a range of services for young refugees and teenagers aged 15-25 years, including support through the asylum process, as well as referral and signposting to other services where appropriate. In South West London they also offer ‘group learning meetings’ weekly in Croydon.

London: 020 7704 3367, londonyrs@redcross.org.uk

Barnardo's is one of the UK's leading children's charities. Services include counselling, vocational training, disability inclusion groups and short breaks for disabled children.