Monika W
It can be difficult to navigate the UK systems, but I’ve managed it with the support of local advisors. They’ve helped me with many things from applying for jobs, to getting help with house repairs. I still drop-in when I have a query!
Top tips
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Ask for help with whatever issue you are facing
Whatever the concern, there are people and organisations who offer free and confidential support. They cover a range of topics from health and money, to emergencies
- Get familiar with local support services so you know where to ask for help
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Don’t suffer in silence - there is no shame in asking for help
We’ve all needed support at some stage, even if it’s just to have a chat and see a friendly face. We know it’s not always easy to ask for help but there’s no need to struggle alone.
- Don’t wait until the last minute! Save yourself time and effort by getting the help you need earlier
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In the event of an emergency, call 999
There is one number to call all emergency services - the Police, Fire or Ambulance service
- It’s free to call (999)
- They are available 24/7
- State which service you need after the call connects
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You don’t need to speak English to get help
- Emergency phone services (999) - request an interpreter by saying your language aloud
- Appointments with the health service (NHS) or Jobcentre Plus - request an interpreter in advance for your appointment
- Other services - ask someone who speaks English to accompany you or use the Google Translate app
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If you are unwell and the concern is not urgent, your first point of contact is your local doctor (GP)
However, the services below offer medical advice without seeing a GP:
- Local pharmacies
- Family planning and sexual health clinics
- Urgent care clinics
- Dental & eye care clinic
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Get in touch with the free ‘NHS 111 advice service’ if you’re unsure of where to go
Their service is free of charge and available 24/7 (interpreters are available on request). Trained advisors will ask you about your health problem and advise your next steps, for example, getting medication or going to a walk-in clinic. Get in touch by choosing one of the following options:
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If you are feeling unhappy, stressed or depressed, you can get immediate support
Samaritans can help if you ever need to talk to someone about anything that is troubling you. Their service is free of charge and available 24/7. Their trained advisors will:
- Listen without pressure or judgement, and treat anything you say as confidential
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Use a free navigation app to search for local services
The quickest way to find the nearest services is to use a free navigation app like Google Maps. Enter keywords in the search bar, for example ‘A&E’, ‘library’, ‘Jobcentre Plus’.
