Health and wellbeing advice for migrants and refugees

If you or someone you care for is not well, phone 111

In an emergency

Register with a doctor  

You are entitled to free care and treatment from the National Health Service (NHS).

We recommend you register with a local doctor (known as a GP, which is short for General Practitioner) as soon as possible. 

Register with a GP on the NHS website   

This is your access point to all your physical and mental health needs, including specialist health needs.

The waiting times for GP or specialist doctor appointments vary. If you think you’re having an emergency, refer to the section above. 

You might need to call early in the morning to get a same-day appointment with your GP or a nurse. Ask your GP to find out more about this option.

Find translated information about NHS services on the Doctors of the World website.  

Pharmacies 

Pharmacists (chemists) can also advise on treatments for minor health problems. 

Some medicines, such as antibiotics, cannot be bought over the counter in a pharmacy. To obtain these you need a ‘prescription’ – a piece of paper with information about what you need from your doctor. You take the prescription to a pharmacist who will provide the medicine. 

Alternatively, your GP sends the prescription straight to a nominated pharmacy, where you pick it up.

Prescriptions are free for some people including most people who receive benefits. 

Find out if you qualify for a free prescription on the NHS website. 

Maternity and birth care

If you are pregnant or become pregnant, let your GP know as soon as you are registered. 

You can also contact the Community Midwives office to find out more about pregnancy support services. 

Your GP or midwife will arrange checks and personal care during pregnancy, birth, and the weeks after.  

Dentists 

NHS dentists, which tend to be more affordable, are hard to find. Not all treatments are available on the NHS. For example, if a treatment is just to improve the appearance of your teeth, it will not be covered.

Your dentist must tell you which treatments can be given on the NHS, and which can only be given privately.

Find out if you're entitled to free NHS dental treatment.

If you can pay, you can register with a private dental practice near you.  

Emergency dentistry should be provided by an NHS dentist near you, or an emergency out-of-hours dentist. 

Eye Care

To book an eyesight test or get help with your glasses or contact lenses you can make an appointment with an optician on your high street. These tend to provide eye care, hearing care and vision health advice as well as sell glasses.

There may be costs unless you are eligible for a free NHS eyesight test or optical vouchers. 

Find out if you're eligible for a free NHS sight test or an optical voucher.

Emotional support 

We understand that you have been through a very traumatic time and have been exposed to huge mental stress. 

If you feel like you’re struggling, experience issues with your sleep or need to talk about your experiences, do not hesitate to get help.

Find advice and information on accessing local mental health services on the NHS Brighton & Hove Wellbeing Service support for refugees webpage. 

The Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has information on emotional support for refugees.

Child Bereavement UK helps children, parents and families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. They offer some of their resources on supporting bereaved children in Ukrainian. 

The Sussex Mindfulness Centre offers mindfulness training for refugees and asylum seekers. 

Support for Ukrainian refugees

Barnardo’s has set up a Ukrainian Support Helpline for anyone fleeing the conflict in Ukraine offering advice, practical support and access to therapy.  

The Phoenix Therapy Practice offers free emotional support to Ukrainian refugees living in Brighton & Hove.

To learn more about trauma, how it affects you and how to manage it, see trauma and PTSD psychoeducational resources translated into Ukrainian, English, Russian and Polish.

Resources for survivors of sexual violence

Find support services on our domestic and sexual violence and abuse, stalking and harassment and violence against women and girls pages.

Adult social care

Find out how to get help from Adult Social Care, and how to stay safe, healthy and well.