Piotr
In the past, I would only ask for help at the last minute when I had no other options. Over time I’ve realised that I can save a lot of time by getting support earlier. It’s easier now there is so much on offer in and around Haringey.
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Scroll down the page to view the next sections: 'Support organisations' and 'Helpful phrases'.
Key information
1. Local organisations can help with a range of things from learning English to connecting with people
Government services like the police, fire and ambulance service provide help in an emergency, but there are a number of other organisations who offer free and confidential support with everyday issues. They cover a range of topics such as health, money and housing:
- Read more in the next section ‘Support organisations’
- Check before you visit - many organisations are running remote or limited services because of Coronavirus
2. 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 when there is so much support available.
- Don’t wait until the last minute! Save yourself time and effort by getting the help you need earlier
3. You can get free and confidential support with any issue
Whatever issue you are facing, there is help available - whether you need help to buy food, complete a form, or you just need to talk to someone when things get difficult.
- Get familiar with local support services so you know where to ask for help
- They will not share your personal information without your permission
4. If you are feeling unhappy, stressed or depressed, you can get immediate support from the Samaritans
Samaritans can help if you ever need to talk to someone about anything that is troubling you, no matter how small it may seem. Their service is free of charge and available 24/7. Their trained advisors will:
- Listen without pressure or judgement, and won’t tell you what to do
- Treat anything you say as confidential
5. You don’t need to speak English to get local support
- Appointments with the health service or Jobcentre Plus - you can request an interpreter in advance for your appointment
- Other services - ask someone who speaks English to accompany you or use the Google Translate app on your smartphone to help you communicate
6. Embassies provide a range of services to resident nationals from their home country
They are well known for helping with citizenship services such as passport replacements / renewals, and voting in elections, but many offer additional support. For example, they may provide a list of local doctors and lawyers.
- Learn how to get in touch with them here
Support organisations
Some organisations offer support with a range of issues while others focus on a specific area. Here, we include key organisations that offer face-to-face support in and around Haringey:
- If they cannot help you, they will direct you to an organisation who can
- Check before you visit - many organisations are running remote or limited services because of Coronavirus
Where should I ask for help?
Scroll down further to learn more about each organisation and how you can get in touch with them. Keep in mind that some organisations focus on one issue (e.g. housing), while others offer a range of support (e.g. employment and help to connect with people).
- Read more about each topic by selecting the hyperlinks to our dedicated sections
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General queries and help to get settled in Haringey
This can range from help to complete a form, to dropping in for a chat over tea! Read more about this topic in our dedicated section ‘Your first steps in Haringey’.
- Connected Communities - support to migrants in English
- Citizens Advice Haringey - support to all people in English
- Haringey Migrant Support Centre - support to migrants in various languages
- House of Polish & European community - support to European migrants in English, Polish & French (other languages on request)
- PEEC Family Centre - support to all people in Central & Eastern European languages
- My Romania Community - support to all people in Romanian
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Connecting with people
Read more about this topic in our dedicated sections ‘Local groups and activities’ and ‘Events’. You can also take part in our ‘Haringey Challenge’ to earn local rewards for attending groups and activities.
- Connected Communities - support to migrants in English
- PEEC Family Centre - support to all people in Central & Eastern European languages
- Haringey libraries - support to all people in English
- Haringey community centres - support to all people in English
- Haringey children’s centres - support to parents and children in English
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Emotional and mental health support
- Samaritans - support to all people in English and other languages with advance booking
- Consonant - support to migrants in English (self-refer to a free counselling service for non-urgent needs)
- Refuge - support for women, children and men who experience domestic abuse, in various languages including Polish and Romanian
- Visit your local doctor (GP) - support to all people in English and other languages with advance booking (read more in ‘Seeing a doctor’)
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Accessing health services e.g. registering with a local GP
Read more about this topic in our dedicated section ‘Health’.
- Citizens Advice Haringey - support to all people in English
- Haringey Migrant Support Centre - support to migrants in various languages
- House of Polish & European community - support to European migrants in English, Polish & French (other languages on request)
- Consonant - support to migrants in English
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Housing support & resolving problems with your landlord
Read more about this topic in our dedicated section ‘Finding a home’.
- Connected Communities - support to migrants in English
- House of Polish & European community - support to European migrants in English, Polish & French (other languages on request)
- Citizens Advice Haringey - support to all people in English
- Haringey Council - support to all people in English
- Shelter - support to all people in English
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Financial support
Read more about this topic in our dedicated section ‘Managing your money and home’.
- Connected Communities - support to migrants in English
- Haringey Migrant Support Centre - support to migrants in various languages
- House of Polish & European community - support to European migrants in English, Polish & French (other languages on request)
- PEEC Family Centre - support to all people with urgent needs in Central & Eastern European languages
- Citizens Advice Haringey - support to all people in English
- Jobcentre Plus Haringey - support to all people in English (interpreter on request)
- Haringey children’s centres - support to parents and children in English
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Developing skills and experience (including learning English)
Read more about this topic in our dedicated sections ‘Learning English’ and ‘Gaining skills and experience’.
- Connected Communities - support to migrants in English
- PEEC Family Centre - support to all people in Central & Eastern European languages
- Haringey libraries - support to all people in English
- Jobcentre Plus Haringey - support to all people in English (interpreter on request)
- The College of Haringey, Enfield & North East London - support to all people in English
- Consonant - support to migrants in English
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Finding and applying for work
Read more about this topic in our dedicated section ‘Finding and applying for a job’.
- Connected Communities - support to migrants in English
- Jobcentre Plus Haringey - support to all people in English (interpreter on request)
- House of Polish & European community - support to European migrants in English, Polish & French (other languages on request)
- Consonant - support to migrants in English
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Resolving problems in the workplace, including exploitation
Read more about this topic in our dedicated section ‘Your rights at work’.
- Connected Communities - support to migrants in English
- Citizens Advice Haringey - support to all people in English
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Immigration and the rights of EU citizens
Read more about this topic in our dedicated section ‘My Rights’.
- Connected Communities - support to migrants in English
- We Are Digital - support to migrants in English
- Haringey Migrant Support Centre - support to migrants in various languages
- House of Polish & European community - support to European migrants in English, Polish & French (other languages on request)
- Citizens Advice Haringey - support to all people in English
- Consonant - support to migrants in various languages
- Your embassy in the UK - support to resident nationals from their home country
Helpful phrases
Asking for help
Hi, I need help with something. Is there someone I can speak to?
"Dzień dobry, potrzebuję pomocy. Czy mogę z kimś porozmawiać?
"Asking for help to find a home
Hi, I need help to find a home. Is there someone I can speak to?
"Dzień dobry, potrzebuję pomocy w znalezieniu mieszkania. Czy mogę z kimś porozmawiać?
"Asking for help to get financial support
Hi, I need help to get financial support. Is there someone I can speak to?
"Dzień dobry, potrzebuję pomocy finansowej. Czy mogę z kimś porozmawiać?
"Asking for help to find work
Hi, I need help to find work. Is there someone I can speak to?
"Dzień dobry, potrzebuję pomocy w znalezieniu pracy. Czy mogę z kimś porozmawiać?
"Asking for help to complete a form
Hi, my English is limited and I need help to complete a form. Is there someone who can help me?
"Dzień dobry, mój angielski nie jest zbyt dobry i potrzebuję pomocy w wypełnieniu formularza. Czy ktoś może mi pomóc?
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