Families who have come to the UK for Safety (Asylum seekers and Refugees)
Families who have come to the UK for Safety (Asylum seekers and Refugees)
Families who have come to the UK for Safety (Asylum seekers and Refugees)
You are welcome here
We welcome all families who have come to the UK for safety. You do not need to worry. We will help you understand health services and support your children.
Supporting You in
For Babies and Young Children (0-5)
We can support young people by:
Youth groups and activities:
We help you find youth groups, sports and activities that support learning, confidence and wellbeing.
Safe space to talk:
We offer a safe, private space to talk about stress, trauma, family separation, bullying, school worries or money concerns.
Mental health support:
We show you how to get support from youth mental health services.
Registering with health services:
We help your family register with a GP, dentist and local support services.
For children (5–11 years)
We can support your family by:
Activities and clubs:
We help you find after‑school clubs, holiday clubs and free local activities to support learning and reduce isolation.
Understanding letters and information:
We help families understand letters from school, health services, or other important services.
Connecting to support services:
We help you find local support if you need extra help with housing, money, food or wellbeing.
Supporting school worries:
We talk with you and your child about any school worries or changes.
For young people (11–19 years)
We can support young people by:
Youth groups and activities:
We help you find youth groups, sports and activities that support learning, confidence and wellbeing.
Safe space to talk:
We offer a safe, private space to talk about stress, trauma, family separation, bullying, school worries or money concerns.
Mental health support:
We show you how to get support from youth mental health services.
Registering with health services:
We help your family register with a GP, dentist and local support services.
Mum and Dads
English as a second language
Have you recently come to the UK and English is not your first language or do you struggle with English? Darlington Learning and Skills offer free courses on English for speakers or other languages (ESOL). You have the opportunity to work with students from many different countries, make new friends and boost your confidence in reading, speaking and writing English: Darlington BC – English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)
Getting Help When You Feel Overwhelmed
If you are struggling to cope, please call the Samaritans for free on 116 123 or contact other sources of support, such as those listed on the NHS help for suicidal thoughts webpage. In a mental health crisis call NHS 111 and select the mental health option (2). Support is available around the clock, every day of the year, providing a safe place for you, whoever you are and however you are feeling.
Useful Support Links
Support
Darlington Assistance for Refugees – is a registered charity based in Darlington. They work alongside refugees and asylum seekers as they rebuild their lives in Darlington Home – DAR
Tees Valley of Sanctuary – part of a national network building a culture of hospitality and welcome. They support and link with a wide range of organisations and projects supporting refugees and asylum seekers. Home – Tees Valley of Sanctuary Tees Valley of Sanctuary
North East Migration Partnership offers a useful information guide welcoming you to Darlington. Darlington – Mears Local Information Guide – North East Migration Partnership | North East Migration Partnership
Government website – Provides useful information and support to Asylum Seekers and Refugees click on the links to access: Asylum support: Overview – GOV.UK and Refugees, asylum and human rights – GOV.UK
Local Baby Banks
Local Baby Banks – Baby banks in Darlington give families free or low‑cost baby clothes and equipment when they need extra help
- GrowBaby – Growbaby provides quality clothing and equipment for babies and children, as well as other support, for free, regardless of income, faith or background: Growbaby Darlington
- Darlington Baby Bank – The Well Methodist Church and Community Hub located 164 North Road, Darlington, DL1 2EL. Opening times – Wed – Fri. They also have their own Facebook Page.
- Baby Bank at The Edge Centre – Located Edge Centre, Darlington Baptist Church, Corporation Road, Darlington, DL3 6AR, Thursday mornings 9am – 11am (term time only) Web site: Families and Children | Edge Centre
Local Low Cost Food Option
The Bread and Butter Thing – a charity that helps people save money on food. Supermarkets give food to local hubs, where it is packed and sold cheap. How to sign up: Text: 07537 416040 Email: hello@breadandbutterthing.org
or fill in the form on their website: www.breadandbutterthing.org/members
Hubs are based at: Harrowgate Hill Primary School, Skerne Park Community Centre, Eastbourne Park Community Hub, Windsor Court, Corporation Road Primary School, Red Hall Primary School and Firthmoor Community Centre
Darlington Community Grocery – help families get cheap food. You can find fruit, veg, fridge and cupboard items for much less than normal shop prices. If you need help feeding your family, you can join as a member. Darlington Community Grocery – Community Grocery
Free things to do – Find fun activities for kids that are free
Darlington Family Hubs are a one stop shop of support and activities for children and families from pregnancy up to age 19:
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Darlington-Childrens-Centres-521403784553882/
To find out more call: 01325 406 250
Creative Play @ The Hullabaloo (check website for sessions) – FREE The Hullabaloo, Borough Road, Darlington, DL1 1SG
Email: info@theatrehullabaloo.org.uk
Call: 01325 405 405
King’s Toddlers (0-4) (booking needed) – FREE. Kings Church, Whessoe Road, Darlington DL3 0QT
Visit: TODDLERS | King’s Church https://www.kingsdarlington.org/king-s-toddlers To book
Email: admin@kingschurchdarlington.org
Call: 01325 469 884
Little Tiddlers Toddler Group & Baby Bank (term time only) – FREE Edge Centre, Darlington Baptist Church, Corporation Road, Darlington DL3 6AR. Families and Children | Edge Centre
Email: darlingtonbaptist.org/young-people/toddler-group
Tippy Toes Parent & Toddler Group FREE – Darlington Vineyard Church, Salt Yard, Darlington, DL3 7AB.
Email: charlotte@darlingtonvineyard.church
Call: 07377397147
Darlington Libraries – Darlington Libraries membership is free and available to anyone who lives or works in Darlington, they also offer some free events and workshops.
Visit their website at : Home – Darlington Libraries
Online access
- Support with Digital Skills – Learn My Way is a free website that helps people learn simple digital skills, like how to use the internet and stay safe online.
You can learn on a phone, tablet, or computer, and the short topics make it easy to try things at your own pace. Learn My Way | Develop Your Digital Skills
- If you have no data – The National Databank provides free mobile data SIM cards to people who can’t afford internet access, working like a ‘food bank’ but for mobile data.
It is run by Good Things Foundation with support from partners like Virgin Media O2, Vodafone and Three, and distributes data through thousands of local community organisations across the UK. What Is The National Databank | Free Mobile Data For Digital Inclusion | Good Things Foundation
Accessing Health Services: Find out how to access health services
How to access NHS Service and what services you are entitled to: Who to see and when, how to register with a GP, and how to get help fast. [healthwatch.co.uk]
Emergency and non‑emergency: Call 999 in an emergency; use NHS 111 when it’s urgent but not life‑threatening. [nhs.uk]
How to feed your baby – Information on how to feed your baby is available in multiple languages.
Breastfeeding Information Sheets are available in multiple languages: Foreign language resources – breastfeeding – Baby Friendly Initiative
Bottle Feeding information sheets are available in a variety of languages: Foreign language resources – bottle feeding – Baby Friendly Initiative
Language help (interpreters)
Tell us your spoken and written language. We will book an interpreter. You do not have to pay for language support at NHS appointments. You can ask for a professional interpreter at NHS appointments Does the NHS provide an interpreter?
Financial Help
Financial Help gives advice on what financial help available to you and your family:
Health Advice and Support for your child and family:
Healthier Together is like a helpful friend for families: it gives trusted health advice, supports safe and healthy children, and shows when to get medical help. http://www.nenc-healthiertogether.nhs.uk/
Best Start in Life: gives advice and support for your child’s development from pregnancy through to starting school – Best Start in Life – Best Start in Life
Immunisation
All routine NHS vaccinations are free for asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants—just register with a GP to access them:
Staying Safe at Home
Everyone deserves to feel safe at home.
If someone in your family is hurting you, shouting at you, trying to control you or making you feel scared this is not your fault. You are not alone. Help is there for women and men using the links below:
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police. If you can’t speak and are calling on a mobile press 55 to have your call transferred to the police. Find out how to call the police when you can’t speak.
Refuge offers free confidential support and advice and is available 24 hours a day. This is a website that is easy to leave quickly if you need to. The website has clear information to help you if you are facing domestic abuse: Homepage – National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Respect Men’s Advice Line support men affected by domestic abuse. This is a website that is easy to leave quickly if you need to. The website has clear information to help you if you are facing domestic abuse: Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men | Men’s Advice Line UK
Contact Us
You and your child matter. We are here for all families — every culture, every background, every situation. Our team is here to listen, help, and support you at every stage. If you need support or have a question please just contact us.
Phone: 03000030013
Email: hdft.0-19darlington@nhs.net
Join Our Family Focus Group
We would love to hear your views!
Help us make our services better for all families.
✔ It’s free, friendly and informal
✔ Everyone is welcome
You don’t need to write much — just a few details so we can contact you.
Your information is private. We will only use it to contact you about the focus group.
🌟 Your voice matters. Together we can make a difference.
👉 Sign up today and help shape the future of family care.
