This page contains useful information for people arriving in Lewisham through the Homes for Ukraine scheme or on a Ukrainian Family visa.

The UK Government have published a comprehensive guide to the Homes for Ukraine Scheme and life in the UK. We recommend you take time to read this.

Financial support and finding a job

If you are arriving through the Homes for Ukraine scheme, you are entitled to a one-off payment of £200 to help with immediate costs. You will be contacted by the Council and/or Refugee Council who will make sure you receive this money.

Please note: If you have arrived in the UK on a Ukrainian Family visa, you are not entitled to the £200 payment.

You are entitled to work while you are living in the UK. Before you can start work, you need to apply for a National Insurance number. If you are unable to find a job straight away, or need additional financial support, you are eligible to apply for benefits immediately. Find out what support is available to you.

A local Jobcentre can also help you find employment and assess you for financial benefits.

English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) classes are available through our Adult Education Service.

Education and support for children

Any child under 18 will be entitled to enrol in a Lewisham school. Refugee Council will support you to enrol in a school.

Find out more information about schools in Lewisham and how to enrol your child.

Find out about other local childcare options for children under the age of five.

Healthcare

You will have access to free healthcare while in the UK through the National Health Service (NHS).

The first thing you should do is register with a local GP. GP surgeries are usually the first contact if you have a health problem. They can treat many conditions and give health advice. They can also refer you to other NHS services, including mental health.

Find out more information about how the NHS works:

How the NHS works (English PDF)

Як працює Національна служба здоров'я (НСЗ): посібник для мігрант (Ukrainian PDF) 

COVID-19 vaccine

Everyone living in the UK aged 12 and over, and some children aged 5 to 11, can also get a 1st and 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. People aged 16 and over, and some children aged 12 to 15, can also get a booster dose.

Find out how to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Support for vulnerable adults

Adult Social Care can help people who are elderly or have disabilities. They can also help you connect with local neighbourhood groups, and services such as libraries and health services. They can also help you if you look after someone else.

Find out more about Adult Social Care provision in Lewisham.

Living in Lewisham

Lewisham is a friendly and welcoming borough, with plenty to offer locally.

Find out more about:

• Parks and open spaces
• Sports and leisure facilities
• Arts and entertainment
• Libraries

More useful information:

• Parking
• Waste and recycling
• Sign up to our e-newsletter for news and updates
• Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

Contact

If you are unable to find the information you need on these pages or on our website you can contact us via email at homesforukraine@lewisham.gov.uk.

Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network also provide support and advice to refugees and migrants based in Lewisham.

Barnados has set up a Ukrainian Support Helpline to provide a holistic support service. The helpline is available to anyone fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. Call 0800 148 8586 (Mon-Fri 10am-8pm or Sat 10am-3pm) or email ukrainiansupport@barnardos.org.uk.