Everyone in the UK is entitled to use the National Health Service (NHS).
The first step is to register with a general practitioner (called a GP or family doctor).
How to register with GP surgery
Find a GP that suits what you need. Some GP surgeries offer more services than others. You can look up GP surgeries to see what they offer and how they compare.
Because of coronavirus (COVID-19), try to avoid going into a GP surgery to register.
You can:
- check the GP surgery website to see if you can register online
- call or email the GP surgery and ask to be registered as a patient
You can download a GMS1 registration for on the Governement website if you are asked to complete one.
Download a GMS1 registration form
You do not need proof of ID to register with a GP, but it might help of you have one or more of the following:
- passport
- birth certificate
- HC2 certificate
- rough sleepers' identity badge
- hostel or accommodation registration or mail forwarding letter
Useful links
- Registering with a GP surgery outside the area you live
- GP appointments and bookings
- Using an online form to contact your GP surgery
- Video consultations
- What to ask your doctor
- Using online services
- Online health and prescription services
- Health Visting and school nursing
Dental Treatment
There is no need to register with a dentist in the same way as with a GP because you are not bound to a catchment area.
Simply find a dental surgery that's convenient for you, whether it's near your home or work, and phone them to see if there are any appointments available.
You can search for an NHS dentist near you on this site.
If after contacting several dental surgeries you still cannot find a dentist accepting NHS patients, call NHS England's Customer Contact Centre on 0300 311 2233.
Free Dental care with an HC2 certificate
A HC2 form is a certificate delivered by the NHS allowing you to get full help with your healthcare expenses.
People who are refugees with settled status can apply for and obtain an HC2 certificate which entitles them to free dental care with Smile Together, a B Corp certified dental practice in multiple locations in Cornwall.
Dental emergencies
In the case of a dental emergency, unregistered patients who don’t have a dentist should call Smile Together on 0333 405 0290. A dentist will give advice about the dental problem and any patients who require emergency treatment will be referred to an Urgent Dental Care Hub.
If it is out of hours, call NHS 111.
If an HC2 is produced, treatment will be free of charge, otherwise normal NHS patient charge applies.
British Red Cross
The Red Cross can often help you do this, depending on where you are in the UK.
Local Refugee Service for Cornwall
Email: plymouthrefugeesupport@redcross.org.uk
Call: 01752 831619
Dental Charges
Find out more about NHS dental charges
What to do if you need to access emergency dental care in Cornwall
If you aren’t registered with a dentist, call or email the Cornwall dental helpline on:
T: 0333 405 0290
westcountrydental.care@nhs.net
If you have an emergency out of hours please call NHS 111.
Finding a pharmacy
Emotional support
It is common to feel a lot of different emotions after leaving your homeland.
Call the British Red Cross Support Line
You can call the British Red Cross support line, which provides help in more than 200 languages.
It helps people who are lonely, worried and finding it hard to get the help they need in the UK.
Call us on 0808 196 3651 (open daily 10am - 6pm) and you can ask for an interpreter if you need one.
If you need a support line interpreter, call and say: 'can I speak to an interpreter?'.
- Якщо вам потрібен перекладач лінії підтримки, зателефонуйте і скажіть: 'can I speak to an interpreter?' (Ukrainian)
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Если вам нужен переводчик линии поддержки, позвоните и скажите: 'can I speak to an interpreter?' (Russian)
The British Red Cross website also has lots of supporting information in Ukranian, including wellbeing resources.
Britis Red Cross Help for Refugees
Help when you feel at your worst
If you are feeling very distressed, call The Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
Mental Health
There are many ways you can keep your mental health fit and well, just as you would your physical health.
Having a healthy mind, and recognising what to do if you start to have a wobble, can help you to avoid getting into a crisis.
Our mental health is just as important as our physical health. Sometimes it's good and sometimes it's bad. We've got help and advice however you're feeling.
Psychosocial Innovation Network
Psychosocial Innovation Network are Specialist psychologists in trauma and refugee support.
They provide free online counselling and psychological support for refugees from Ukraine in English, Russian or Ukrainian. You can use WhatsApp/Viber/Skype/Zoom.
Barnardo’s: Children’s Charity
Dedicated Ukrainian Support Helpline with access to interpreters in Ukrainian and Russian.
Helpline hours are Monday – Friday 10.00am - 8.00pm and Saturday 10.00am - 3.00pm. Phone on 0800 148 8586 or by email ukrainiansupport@barnardos.org.uk or complete the online contact form.
Child Bereavement Support
Child Bereavement UK has translated some of its resources on supporting bereaved children into Ukrainian and created accompanying translations for animations to help children manage and understand their feelings.
View the resources: www.childbereavementuk.org/resources-in-ukrainian
They also have a Helpline for guidance and information for individuals, families and professionals on 0800 02 888 40. The support team is available to respond to calls, Live Chat and email 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, except Bank Holidays.
Mental health response line – 0800 038 5300.
Need help?
Most issues can be resolved online, it's the quickest and most convenient way to get help.
- Resettlement Service
- ResettlementService@cornwall.gov.uk
