Welcome pack for refugees and asylum seekers

• We have a plan for what we will do to help refugees and asylum seekers.
• We work with local councils, the health service and support organisations to help refugees and people seeking asylum live safely and with dignity with communities.
• Wales is one of 4 countries in the United Kingdom. Wales has its own government called the Welsh Government. We are responsible for housing, education, healthcare and transport. 
• The UK Government has responsibility for some things in Wales, such as the police, welfare payments, employment rules and immigration laws.

• Wales has its own language and culture. The language is called ‘Welsh’ and it is spoken by about 20% of the population. ‘English’ is the most widely spoken language in Wales.
• People from different cultures and nations live in all parts of Wales. Wales has a long history of welcoming people from all over the world.
• Wales is proud to welcome people from different cultures, faiths and backgrounds and we want them all to call Wales their home. We believe that the mix of different cultures has made Wales even better. We hope you can be part of improving Wales for future generations.
• Wales is a small part of the UK and is home to over 3 million people. Cardiff is our capital city. 
• The National Day of Wales is known as Saint David’s Day. It is celebrated on 1 March every year. 
• The symbols of Wales are the red dragon, the daffodil and the leek.
• Wales is divided up into 22 areas managed by local authorities (also known as Councils).
• Wales also has a rich history which can be explored online, or at museums and castles across the country.

Education is free in Wales.

For children

• Children can go to nursery from the age of 3.
• Children must go to school from age 5 to 16.
• Parents must send their children to school (this is the law).
• Schools teach in English or Welsh.
• All children learn some Welsh.
• Free school meals may be available.
• Free transport if live far from school.

School ages

• Primary school: ages 5 to 11.
• Secondary school: ages 11 to 16.
• Children take exams called GCSEs at age 16.

After age 16

Young people can continue learning, they can:

• go to college
• do an apprenticeship (learn while working)
• go to university later (further education)

For adults (age 18 and over)

• Free classes to learn English.
• Learning Welsh can help you find work.

Help at school

Your child can get help:

• learning English or Welsh if finding it hard
• from a school counsellor for feelings and worries

We understand many people have been through difficult experiences. Support is available.

Healthcare services

• Healthcare is free through the National Health Service (NHS).
• Includes mental health support.
• You have the right to information in your own language and to have a free interpreter when you need to talk to a medical professional.

Doctor and health checks

• Register with a local doctor, known as a GP as soon as possible.
• Free health checks are available to help find health problems early.

Free practical tips and advice is available from Teulu Cymru on:

• children’s behaviour
• how you can help your child
• parenting and childcare
• support for children with additional needs
• support for parents

Work can help you rebuild your life in Wales.

Working in the UK

• Not everyone has the right to work, it is dependent on a person's immigration or citizenship status.
• The UK Government decides who can work .
• To work, you need: 
  • permission
  • a National Insurance Number

If you are unable to work, you can volunteer with charities or local councils.

Housing in Wales is managed by the Welsh Government. Housing for asylum seekers is managed by the UK Government.

Renting a home

If you rent:

• you will have a landlord.
• you must receive written information about: 
  • rent payments
  • when you may need to leave
  • repairs

Your rights

Your housing rights depend on your status as:

• an asylum seeker
• a refused asylum seeker
• a refugee

You may not be able to work straight away. This could be because:

• you do not yet have permission to work
• you are still learning English or Welsh

You may be able to get financial help from:

• UK Government asylum support
• Benefits (if you are a refugee)
• other local support if needed from the local authority where you are living

Medical emergencies

• Visit NHS 111 Wales.
• Call 111 for urgent medical help.
• Call 999 in a life threatening emergency.
• Care is free.
• Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Interpreters are available.

Mental health crisis

• Call 111 and select Option 2 for urgent mental health.
•  Visit C.A.L.L. Mental Health Helpline.
• Available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Housing emergency

• Contact your local council if you are homeless or at risk.
• Asylum seekers should also contact their housing provider or Migrant Help

Food and essentials

You can get help from:

• food banks
• local charities

They may provide:

• food
• clothes
• toiletries
• baby items

Staying safe

• If you are in danger, call 999 in an emergency.
• In a non-emergency call 101.
• If you, a family member a friend, or someone you are concerned about has experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence, you can contact the Live Fear Free Helpline 24 hours a day 7 days a week, for free advice and support or to talk through your options.
• The  Wales Hate Support Centre provides free and confidential support and reporting options to victims of Hate Crime across Wales. Hate crime is a crime that has been committed against someone because of their: 
  • race
  • religion
  • sexual orientation
  • disability
  • transgender identity