A resettled person

The ARAP (Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy) scheme supports the resettlement of Afghan nationals. It helps with housing, school places, healthcare, employment and learning the English language.  

Discover more about:

• support for Afghan nationals in West Northamptonshire
• ARAP on the Government website

You can also read through the Government’s welcome pack for resettled Afghan citizens.

No recourse to public funds is a condition imposed on someone’s immigration status. It states that a person has ‘no recourse to public funds’ if they are ‘subject to immigration control’.  

The 3 main groups who can apply for assistance from us are:

• families who are destitute or who are at risk of being destitute - this includes families experiencing homelessness or struggling to meet their essential needs
• single adults with care needs - this includes adults with complex needs who require care and support due to a disability
• young people leaving care

You can apply for assistance by contacting us by:  

• filling out an online form
• calling us on: 0300 126 7000

Find more information and details on the process.   

We have put together health-related information, including advice about GPs and the NHS, for those joining us from Ukraine.

Find health and wellbeing support for migrants from Ukraine.

Opening a bank account is very important when you are recognised as a refugee. It helps you keep your money safe and enables you to receive payments from employers or social security benefits.  

There are various banks that you can register with, and you will be able to choose one that suits your needs best.  

An account with a digital bank is easiest to set up.  

This includes:

• Monzo  
• Revolut  
• Starling  

To open a bank account, you will need to complete an application form either in the bank, in person or online. They will ask for several documents as proof of identity including full name, date of birth and address. This will usually mean a passport, driving license or utility bill.  

You will receive an account number, a sort code and a bank card that you can use in shops, online, and at ATMs. 

A refugee status means you will have the right to work as soon as you arrive in the UK and will need a National Insurance Number (NINO or NI number).  

A National Insurance number is a code with a mixture of letters and numbers that is unique to you and cannot be changed or transferred. This is to ensure your National Insurance contributions and tax are recorded against your name only.  

If you do not have a National Insurance number, you can find information on how to get one here.

The Jobcentre can help you prepare, search and progress in work. Find your nearest Jobcentre.

Every employer in the country must pay their employees a minimum amount per hour. As of April 2024, these are the current rates: 

The Refugee Employability Programme (REP) is aimed at supporting refugees in achieving employment, or better employment, within the East Midlands region. This programme is free and is open to eligible people living across the East Midlands. This includes Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, and Nottinghamshire.

Support can include:  

• English language training  
• employability skills (CV writing, interview practice, job application training)  
• cultural orientation and help adapting to the British workplace  
• assistance with skills training, qualifications and achieving recognised qualifications for existing skills  
• networking support and help finding job roles  
• ACE Workplace learning  

Further support can be accessed at ACE Workplace Learning. You can find specialist advisors, trainers and tutors who will help you to make informed decisions about your career.

Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help you with your living costs in the UK. You can access Universal Credit if you’re on a low income, out of work or you cannot work (for example because of a health condition).  

Universal Credit can be used to pay for your living expenses such as food, clothing, transport, household bills and anything else you would like to purchase.  

To claim, you need to make an account online through the GOV.UK website.  

To set up an account, you will need:  

your bank account details  

an email address  

access to a phone  

You will also need to prove your identity. Examples include (but are not all required):

• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)  

• Driving License  

• Passport  

• Debit or Credit Card  

• Payslip or P60 

We will help you find social or affordable homes to rent within West Northamptonshire. These are owned by housing associations, or ‘registered providers’.  

These homes are allocated to people on our housing register (waiting list). The rent on these homes is lower than the same home on the open market and is available to those on lower incomes that meet our criteria.  

Find out more about affordable housing. 

We work closely with the charity Mind, as well as the NHS. Both provide care to those struggling with their mental health. They also help people who are just in need of a little support and need someone to talk to.  

Find mental health services and support. 

Make sure you are registered at a GP surgery near you. If you aren’t registered somewhere, you will have a much longer wait to be seen. The GP may not have your medical information that ensures you receive the most effective care.

The UK emergency services ensure public safety and health and are available 24/7. Police, Fire and Ambulance can all be contacted in an emergency on the same number, 999.  

• Police 

  if a serious offence is in progress or there is immediate danger – telephone 999  

• Ambulance 

  if someone’s life is at risk – telephone 999

• Fire & Rescue 

  if there is a fire – telephone 999  

We are working to create a network of welcoming spaces within West Northamptonshire. These are places where you can find warm drinks, conversation and can stay out of the cold together.  

Find out more about our welcoming spaces.

Community centres often host events for their local community. These include raffles, food larders, dances, holiday events and more.

Discover your local community centre. 

Your local library has internet, books to read, CDs, DVDs and places to sit. If you need support in applying for a Blue Badge or a bus pass, your library will be able to assist.  

It is also possible to apply for a Blue Badge or bus pass through our website.

Find information on services offered at libraries.