Minority groups and new to the UK
Minority groups and new to the UK
For support and information on anything to do with family life, York Family Information Service can help you. The team provide information to any family, on anything, whether you have a tot, teen or are pregnant. If you're a parent or carer and have a child aged from conception up to 19 years (or 25 years if your child has special educational needs or disabilities) get in touch.
If you're new to York and can't find what you are looking for then get in touch and we'll try and help you. Telephone: 01904 554444 or email: [email protected].
Find help and advice:
- Help to learn English and Translating service
- Education
- Childcare
- NHS Services in York
- Refugee support in York
- Travelling Community
- Ukrainian Families
- Sunflower Kids Club
- Talking to your child about online harm
Help to learn English and Translating service
York Learning offer English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses.
Language Line is an UK translation and interpreting service.
Education
Most children start school full-time in the September after their fourth birthday. This means they’ll turn 5 during their first school year.
For example, if your child’s fourth birthday is between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022 they will usually start school in September 2022.
Find more information on school admissions.
Childcare
In the UK childcare is available for 0 to 5-year-olds and for school aged children who need before and after school childcare and childcare during the school holidays.
NHS Services in York
Search for an NHS GP and an NHS dentist.
City of York Healthy Child Service delivers information and support for children and parents of children aged 0 to 19 years.
Refugee support in York
A refugee is a displaced person due to war or national disaster, who has been forced to cross national boundaries away from their home country, who cannot return home safely.
Since October 1 2016, York obtained national recognition as a City of Sanctuary. A City of Sanctuary is a movement to build a culture of hospitality for people seeking sanctuary in the UK.
Refugee Action York works with refugees, asylum seekers and migrants from within and around the city of York. People can seek information and support, learn new skills and languages and form lasting friendships.
Travelling Community
The term Gypsy, Roma and Traveller is a collective term used to describe a wide variety of cultural and ethnic groups, who currently or have in the past lived a nomadic lifestyle.
Search for universal groups, activities and services dedicated to supporting the Travelling Community.
Ukrainian Families
Our City Hub is the first migrant-led hub for migrants in York. Our City Hub helps migrants settle into their local communities. We work in partnership with stakeholders to promote community cohesion, to offer multi-lingual advice services and to provide practical support to overcome language barriers. Our vision is for communities that respect diversity, welcome newcomers and value their contribution.
Saturdays at York Explore Library, YO1 7DS.
Morning session - 9.30am to 11.30am: support for migrants
- UK Rights and Responsibilities
- health for example, registering with a doctor or dentist
- understanding what the police can help you with
- education for example, registering your child at a school
- housing
- benefits
- assistance with completing forms
- understanding utility bills (water, gas and electricity)
Afternoon session - 1.00pm to 3.00pm: cultural activities
- a platform for migrants to meet and organise cultural workshops and events for their cultures
- know more about people from different backgrounds
- cultural exchange and learning
- unleash your potential
- feel more at home in society
Email: [email protected].
The Our City Hub also provides:
- Little and Young Owls Club - provides a safe and inclusive environment for children to learn and play. It offers a wide range of activities designed to stimulate young minds while promoting cultural awareness and self-esteem
- English cup of tea - if you find it difficult to speak English, come to an English cup of tea! We learn English through arts and crafts. We have a conversation club and we always offer a cup of tea and a biscuit
- In her shoes - promotes the wellbeing, self-esteem and resilience of all women in our community. The group connects women regardless of their cultural background to share their skills and stories. This is a free and confidential space and we're working closely with our partners to make sure that the best outcomes are reached for everyone
- Welcome to York - what do you need as a newcomer from abroad? The information! We have it for you in our welcome to York sessions. Come and find the information you need about housing, health, learning, benefits and English clubs
- Long spoon forum - there is an event for everybody who wants to have their own voice and share their experience in an informal atmosphere. Join us in a comfortable chatting space and have a talk about the issues which disturb you
Sunflower Kids Club
The Sunflower Kids Club is a kids club for Ukrainian refugee children.
Also provide school support, English host workshops and interpreting support.
Talking to your child about online harm
The Marie Collins Foundation have published an online guide about how to talk to your child about harm.
For general information and support visit the City of York Council's support for Ukrainians page.
