Information for Ukrainian nationals arriving in the UK
Arriving in a foreign country has many challenges. The culture is different, the food is different, not to mention the differences in education, healthcare and other systems.
Reading Borough Council are committed to supporting you, your sponsor and your family, as well as keeping you safe.
As a Council we are working closely with the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre to ensure we help you in the best way.
The British Red Cross website has information to help Ukrainian nationals who have recently arrived in the UK understand rights and find out about services and support.
For emotional support please call the free British Red Cross support line: 0808 196 3651 (open between 10am – 6pm daily). If you need an interpreter, call and say, ‘can I speak to an interpreter?’.
Reading Borough Council
Main contact details
Address: Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2UL
Telephone numbers:
- 0118 937 3787 (general enquiries)
- 0118 937 3737 (out-of-hours emergencies)
Apply for Council Tax Support and/or Housing benefit
Claiming Housing Benefit and /or Council Tax Support
Telephone number: 0118 937 3707
Information on schools
To request a school place for your child:
- Email: admissions@brighterfuturesforchildren.org
- Telephone number: 01189 373777 (option 1)
Family Information Service/SEND Local Offer
Including information on funded childcare option, support, activities and information on special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Reading Family Information Service | Reading Services Guide
Email: fis@reading.gov.uk
Telephone number: 0118 937 3777 (option 2)
Housing Advice
Telephone number: 0118 937 2165 (please leave a message and we will call you back)
If you are unable to access Reading Borough Council services online or over the telephone then please visit Customer Services at The Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU.
If you require an interpreter to access Reading Borough Council or Brighter Futures for Children services (above) then please contact the service and a telephone interpreter will be arranged.
Other services
Reading Borough Council are not able to provide interpreters for the services listed below.
If you require an interpreter, please contact them directly.
Universal Credit
Apply for Universal Credit – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Health, NHS doctors and dentists
- How to get an NHS number – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
- How to register with a GP surgery – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
- How to find an NHS dentist – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
- COVID vaccinations – Reading Voluntary Action run a central telephone helpline if you have any questions or need support with booking your COVID vaccine, call 0118 3341091
National insurance
How to get a National Insurance Number – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Legal advice around visa and immigration
- UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- Free UK immigration advice for people fleeing Ukraine (https://advice-ukraine.co.uk/)
- Free advice and support for Ukrainian refugees (https://ro-eehub.org.uk/)
Transport around Reading
Reading Buses (reading-buses.co.uk)
Reading Ukrainian Community Centre
Address: 21, Sidmouth Street, Reading, RG1 4QZ
Email: info@rucc.org.uk
Website: www.rucc.uk
Emergency services
- 999 (for all emergencies)
- 111 (for advice on health concerns)
Work and volunteering
Job Centre Plus
- Address: Adelphi House, Friar St, Reading, RG1 1HD
- Telephone number: 0845 604 3719
Reading Voluntary Action
- Address: 3rd Central Library, Reading, RG1 3BQ
- Telephone number: 0118 937 2273
Local shops that sell Ukrainian food
These are just some of the shops that sell Ukrainian food in Reading:
EuroDeli
- Address: 185 Oxford Road, Reading
- Telephone number: 0118 959 9912
Stokrotka Polish Food Shop
- Address: 43 Whitley St. Reading, RG2 0EG
- Telephone number: 0118 304 3411
Pierożek Ethnic Food Shop
- Address: 324 Oxford Rd, Reading, RG30 1AF
- Telephone number: 0162 877 3820
Documents
RBC Welcome Visit Ukraine – English version
Last updated on 29/04/2022
Information for Ukrainian nationals arriving in the UK