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Asylum seekers

Support and advice

The Council has responsibility for supporting asylum seekers. The Asylum Seeker Support Team supports families and single adults who are dispersed by the UK Borders Agency| .

If you are an asylum seeker in Calderdale you should seek help and advice from the person providing your accommodation. If you can't resolve problems contact:

• Address
• Calderdale Asylum Seeker Support Service
  Northgate House
  Halifax
• Telephone
• 01422 393377

If you have not yet registered your claim for asylum

If you require accommodation and support whilst your asylum claim is processed, you must make your claim for asylum within a few days from arriving in the UK.  You should contact the UK Borders Agency at Liverpool or Leeds.

If you have not done this you may be prevented from accessing the UK Borders Agency..

If you are an asylum seeker waiting for a decision on your claim, then the company providing your accommodation can help you to get services that you need.  In Calderdale these companies are:

• Calderdale Council
• United Property Management
• Angel Group Ltd

Leave to remain

If you have received leave to remain in the UK, you have the same entitlements as other residents in the UK.

If you are planning to settle in Calderdale you can get advice about housing, benefits, education, training, employment and health at:

• Address
• Housing Aid and Homeless Unit
  Crossley Street
  Halifax
• Telephone
• 01422 393360

• Address
• Jobcentre Plus
  Crossfield House
  St James Road
  Halifax

• Address
• Calderdale Council Education Services
  Northgate House
  Halifax

Education

All children between the age of 5 and 16 have to attend school by law. Nursery Education is voluntary but will help your child learn English quickly:

• Nursery School is for 3-4 year olds
• Primary School is for 4-11 year old
• Secondary School is for 11-19 year olds

To find a school place for your child:

• Contact the Admission and Appeals Team by telephoning 0845 245 6000 and ask to be put through to Education
• The staff there will be able to tell you about the schools in your area or search
• Once you have decided on a suitable school, please contact the school directly
• If you have any problems getting a place please contact the Admissions and Appeals Team, who will give you advice and support.

Health

Asylum seekers are entitled to the same health services as other residents. You can find services in your area on the NHS website

Doctors or General Practitioners (GP)

In the UK most health services are provided through your GP. To register with a doctor (GP), take proof of your identity such as an ARC card or Home Office papers and, if possible, proof of address, to a GP surgery near your home. After registering, you can see a doctor whenever you are ill although most GP surgeries require you to make an appointment and will only see emergency patients on the same day.

GPs offer -