I have to go back ! - UK Info & Help

[CharlieH]

I have compiled a few useful resources for those who may be facing the possibility of returning to the UK and dont know what to do etc.

If you feel you may be returning without the support of family etc the following will help you get the right assistance and take those first scary steps.

 

The info here may be of help and guidance to you. There are also regional versions for Scotland & Wales and you should "search" for those.

 

If you land at any of the major airports there is help at hand, here is the Heathrow service:

 

Heathrow Travel Care 

Room 00142, North Wing, Terminal 3,
Heathrow Airport, Hounslow, TW6 1BZ
Tel: 0208 745 7495
Email Us

 

This is the airport crisis social work team. As a registered charity our purpose is to assess, advise and assist.

Lots of useful links and info on their website.(above).

 

"those returning from abroad after many years absence, may need guidance to access local support networks – family, friends, ex-service organizations, or services such as housing, welfare benefits or legal advice, to enable them to leave the airport and improve their difficult situation"

 

What you need to know  :   

Returning to the UK from abroad

 

Shelter  this one is for England but there are also Cymru & Scotish Scotland Scotland versions.

"Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services"

They have an online chat service too.

 

 

Getting accommodation from the council is complex. Shelter have this to say:

 

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/homelessness/get_help_from_the_council/who_qualifies_for_housing

 

Specifically note the bit about Habitual Residence: "The council might ask you more about this if you've lived abroad in the last 2 years".

 

Also, carefully read section 5 where you need a connection to an area. Just randomly picking Brighton without a reason won't work. You need to carefully consider what you say in advance because the council housing officer will look for any way to reject you, not any way to accept you. 

 

If you are an older person you may also get help and guidance from Age UK

 

If you have the financial resources and can at least sort yourself out with accommodation for the first month, then you should approach the Local Council housing dept for the area you have chosen to live in. They can provide further help and guidance based on your circumstances.

 

Local authorities have a legal duty to provide help to certain people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness. The local authority will look at a number of things to decide if you qualify for help. These are whether:

• you are eligible for assistance
• you are homeless or threatened with homelessness
• you have a priority need for housing (this test was abolished in Scotland on 31 December 2012)
• you are not intentionally homeless
• you have a local connection.

Generally, the more of these stages you get through, the more the local authority will have to do to help you.

 

The various charities can also offer help but ONLY once you are on the ground and in the UK.

 

Other Resources:

• Citizens Advice
• Airbnb -UK   (might sort you out for the first month, good deals depending on location etc)
• Samaritans UK : These can help if you are worried and need to talk. It often helps to write things out and work through them.You can email them : [email protected]
• Fact Sheet from AgeUK  for those of Pensionable age.
• https://www.rightmove.co.uk.  You can search rental accommodation 
• Fact Sheet: Guide to benefits for people under pension credit age

 

HMG: Returning to the UK

 

Luggage storage: many locations available.

https://stasher.com/luggage-storage/

 

 

 

If you have any useful info that may help others, PM me with it and I'll add it to this topic.