Support for guests

If you have been sponsored by someone from Lambeth, we will be here to support you and your host as you get settled in the UK.

Support is available from the council, health services, charities and other organisations to help you with common issues like getting a job, accessing healthcare, education and training.

Lambeth is a diverse borough that people from around the world call home and you are very welcome here. 

Welcome pack

Our welcome pack has been designed to help you access the services you need and ensure you settle into the borough and feel happy to call Lambeth your home. 

Read our welcome pack for guests arriving from the Ukraine (PDF 535KB) 

Education

All children are entitled to a place in school and parents should apply through the e-admissions website.

We will place your children in a local school where there are other Ukrainian children to ensure there are others that speak the same language. 

Schools are able to provide children with uniforms and will claim the money back through the council.

Employment

The following organisations offer advice and guidance on getting a job.

  • Opportunity Lambeth - this service offers information, advice and guidance to get into work, including job listings, skills and training opportunities.
  • Lambeth Made - supports young people to reach their full potential through developing their skills, increasing their confidence, and connecting them to inspiring opportunities.
  • Renaisi Transitions Programme - supports London-resident refugee professionals who already have industry-standard qualifications and full permission to work in the UK to showcase their talent, get paid work placements and permanent employment in the UK. Contact Faisal Ahmed on 020 3146 3030 or by email at f.ahmad@renaisi.com
  • Groundwork Together South - support refugees and non-EU migrants in South London. They provide English language lessons, employment advice and community activities, all free of charge. Contact Joshua Schneider on 07912 274 858 or by email at joshua.schneider@groundwork.org.uk

Healthcare

The main way to access healthcare in the UK is through a General Practitioner (GP). Guests will need to register with a GP surgery. Registering with a GP is free and you do not need proof of address, immigration status, identification or an NHS number.

Covid-19

The best way to protect yourself from Covid is to have a vaccine. There are lots of places to get a covid vaccination, including ‘walk-ins’ where you do not need an appointment.

Adults and children aged over 5 can receive Covid vaccines. More information can be found about Covid vaccinations in the UK government welcome pack for Ukrainians.

If you would like to receive information about the Covid vaccination in Ukrainian or Russian, email us at ukrainesupport@lambeth.gov.uk ​​​​

Adult Social Care

Adult social care is a broad term that refers to support provided by a wide range of agencies and individuals to help those in need, including carers, to maintain their independence and wellbeing.

This support includes both formal and informal support with personal care, daily living, social activities.

If you feel you may need social care support due to various reasons including mental health problems, learning or physical disabilities, help is available. Read about our adult social care service.

Housing

Lambeth Council offers housing advice and support for residents who are homeless or are threatened with homelessness. If you need help, please contact the Housing Advice Team.

Debt and welfare advice 

Free, independent advice to help you to get the benefits you are entitled to is available from the following agencies:  

Brixton Advice Centre - 165-167 Railton Rd, London SE24 0LU

  • Phone 0207 733 7554 - 10am to 3pm, Monday to Thursday
  • Visit the centre - 10am to 12pm, Monday to Thursday

Centre 70 - 46 Knights Hill, West Norwood, SE27 0JD
Centre 70 supports adults who are facing social, mental, financial, or other personal difficulties with free and affordable services including advice, counselling and wellbeing, training and advocacy. 

  • Phone 020 8670 0070
  • Walk-in appointments - 10am to 1pm, Tuesday 
  • Benefits, debt advice and form filling help - 11am to 2pm, Thursdays

Citizen’s Advice Merton & Lambeth - provide advice on a range of issues.

Safeguarding

A safeguarding check will be made with you upon arrival and again 6 months later to ensure that you are well and settled.

A guest survey is also made by the Homes for Ukraine team via phone.

Contact us

If you need to contact the council for support during your stay, you can get in touch by: