North Tyneside – Mears Local Information Guides
Welcome to North Tyneside
Welcome to your new area. We hope that you will feel safe and secure here while you wait for a decision on your application for asylum. Your Local Information Handbook gives you information about your new area. Some of the information is very important, and we advise you to read it carefully and not be afraid to ask questions. In the Support Networks section of this Handbook you can see which services are in your area. They will provide you with practical support and advice. They may also provide a place to meet people who speak your language. Some places might offer English classes and the opportunity to volunteer. You will also find information about Migrant Help through your local support services. Your Housing Support Officer will discuss the role of Migrant Help in more detail with you, or you can find more information in the Home Office Guide to Living in Asylum accommodation.
There are services near you that will tell you more about living in the UK and will help you to get to know your local community. You can get more information about living in the UK from the North East Migration Partnership (NEMP) website, including access to translated leaflets and e-learning courses about life in the UK. NEMP also have a directory of services that are available in your area.
Within the first day of arriving, your Housing Support Officer will show you around your property, make sure that the house is free from hazards and that all furnishings have been provided. They will also go through the Occupancy Agreement with you and ask you to sign it. You should also receive:
- Your Service User Handbook
- Your Local Information Handbook
- The Home Office Guide to Living in Asylum Accommodation
- The Home Office Guide to Rights and Expectations in the UK
If you have any difficulty understanding anything in this pack, please ask your Housing Support Officer to help you and provide any further information you need. Your Housing Support Officer will give you their name and details.
Subsistence
You should now have your own Aspen card. Your allowance from the Home Office will be put onto this card each week. You can use your Aspen card to withdraw cash from an ATM cash point machine, or use it to buy things in shops if they accept VISA debit payment.
Please note that if you are in receipt of Section 4 asylum support, you will not be able to withdraw cash from an ATM. If you have any problems accessing money or using your Aspen card, you should discuss this with your Housing Support Officer as soon as possible. Further information on Aspen cards can be found in Section Five of the Home Office Guide to Living in Asylum Accommodation.
Your Housing Support Officer will support you with understanding the British currency, provide advice on methods of payment and can help you to create a budget plan.
Understanding British Currency (the pound £)
The British currency is called ‘sterling’, but is more commonly referred to as ‘the pound’, or ‘the pound sterling’. British money works in pounds and pence. There are 100 pennies (pence) in one pound.
Every note has a picture of the King on the front, though you may see older ones with a picture of the Queen. There are pictures of the different coins in your Local Information Handbook.
- Milk (semi-skimmed, 4 pints) – £1.45
- Loaf of bread (800g) – £1.40
- Basmati rice (1kg) – £1.85
- Potatoes (2kg) – £1.35
- Onions (1kg) – £1
- Eggs (12 medium) – £2.65
- Vegetable oil (1l) – £2
- Cheese (400g) – £3
- Whole chicken – £5
- Beef mince (750g) £5
- Apples (5) £1.70
- Bananas (5) 80p
- Oranges (5) £1.50
- Tomatoes (6) £1
- Whole lettuce 85p
Shopping and Groceries
There are many supermarkets, local shops and markets in North Tyneside. The main ones include Asda, Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, Iceland, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons. Your Housing Support Officer will tell you where the nearest supermarkets are.
There are also some international stores and culturally diverse food shops in North Tyneside. It may be easier to find halal food in these shops. Some of these shops include:
- Whitley Bay Indian Food Store – 182 Whitley Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 2TA
- Monof Afro Caribbean Store – 178 High Street, Wallsend, NE28 7RP
- Foodland Polish Food Store – 145 High Street East, Wallsend, NE28 7RL
- Ahmed’s International Food Store – 2 New George Street, South Shields, NE33 5DU
There is also a market in Tynemouth every Saturday and Sunday from 9am-3:30pm.
If you find that you need to use a foodbank, please visit this website for information on foodbanks in North Tyneside.
Getting Around
There are a number of ways to get around in North Tyneside. It is a well connected town with many transport links, including a central train station. You can see the different ways to travel below.
Walking
When travelling on foot, make sure to:
- Stay on the pavement and avoid walking on main roads
- Look both ways when crossing the road
- Use road crossings where you can
- Keep off cycle paths for the safety of yourself and cyclists
Cycling
Travelling using a bicycle is a great way to exercise and discover new places. You may be able to access a bike through a support service in your area. See the Support Networks section of this Handbook for more information on support services near you. If you choose to travel by bicycle, there are a few safety tips to note:
- The law requires cyclists to have lights or reflectors when cycling in the dark.
- Although cyclists are not compelled to wear a helmet by law, it is dangerous to cycle without one.
- It is advisable to have a bicycle lock to prevent your bicycle from being stolen.
- When not in use, your bicycle should be locked and stored in a safe place.
- You should try to keep your bicycle maintained and in good working order.
Buses
There are many bus networks that serve North Tyneside. They can also take you to other towns such as Newcastle, Durham, and Gateshead. You can catch a bus at one of the many bus stops in North Tyneside. To let the bus driver you would like to use the bus, put your arm out as the bus is approaching the bus stop. You will need to pay to use the bus by buying a ticket from the bus driver. When you get on the bus, tell the driver where you would like to go and they will tell you how much it will cost. There are different types of bus tickets, so make sure to ask the bus driver which is the best value for money for your journey. Your Housing Support Officer will help you identify your nearest bus stop.
Taxis
North Tyneside has a range of taxi firms. Private taxis can be booked in advance over the phone or using an app. ‘Hackney cabs’ can be flagged down by raising your arm or queueing at a taxi rank. Taxis are convenient, but can be expensive. Station Taxis is an example of a taxi firm in North Tyneside that you can use. You can telephone them on 0191 555 5555 or visit their website below.
Tyne and Wear Metro
The Tyne and Wear Metro offers an easy way of getting around North Tyneside and the surrounding areas. Metro trains run to and from the various stations in North Tyneside. You use the Metro by buying a ticket at one of the ticket machines before getting on the train. If you do not purchase a ticket, you may receive a fine.
Trains
The nearest train station to North Tyneside is Newcastle Central Station. It has trains running to lots of destinations in the North East including Darlington, Durham and Middlesbrough. To travel by train, you have to book a ticket at the train station or online. If you need help booking a train ticket, you can ask your Housing Support Officer to show you what to do. For more information on train services and tickets, click the link below.
Education and Parenting
Attending school is very important for your child’s development. They must attend on time, and if they are unable to attend due to illness, you must inform the school on the morning of their absence. You can read more about parenting in the UK and the UK education system on the NEMP website.
To register your children for education in North Tyneside, you can either:
- Ask your Housing Support Officer to contact the appropriate people on your behalf – they will be able to ask for a school application to be sent to your address.
- Apply online – you can apply to register your for their education online. You will be able to view and change your application, as well as be kept up to date with the progress of your application. You can find information online, or contact North Tyneside school admissions on 0191 643 8392 or by emailing school.admissions@northtyneside.gov.uk.
Your Housing Support Officer will tell you where your nearest schools are. Further information on education in the UK can be found in Section Two of the Home Office Guide to Rights and Expectations in the UK.
Children are expected to walk to school, however if your child’s school is over two miles from your home, you may be able to access free transport. North Tyneside Council provides free transport, or assistance with transport costs, to the nearest suitable school. You must meet the eligibility criteria to be able to access this service. You can find out more online or by emailing hometoschooltransport@northtyneside.gov.uk.
All children in reception and years one and two automatically get free school meals. For children in nursery, years three to six and secondary school, you can apply for free school meals by contacting your child’s school. For more information, visit this website. You can also ask your Housing Support Officer to help you.
Every school has their own uniform, so you must make sure that your child has the correct uniform for the school they attend. You will usually be informed of the school’s uniform policy ahead of your child starting at school. You can buy school uniform from school uniform shops and some supermarkets. If you are finding it difficult to afford the school uniform, the school’s head teacher may be able to help you. Some charities may also provide free school uniforms. If you are struggling to afford school uniforms, you can speak to your school’s headmaster or headmistress about where to get help with this. You can also ask your Housing Support Officer for further information.
Childcare
North Tyneside Council runs free services and activities at Family Hubs and other venues across North Tyneside. You can visit their website for more information. All three and four-year-old children are entitled to 570 hours of free childcare or early education each year. This must be taken over at least 38 weeks, for example 15 hours per week for 38 weeks of the year. Two-year- old children are entitled to a free place if their parent/s receive Home Office asylum support. You can ask your Housing Support Officer for more information about this.
If you are struggling with any aspect of parenting and need advice or support, contact the early help team by emailing earlyhelpassessments@northtyneside.gov.uk.
Looking After Your Health
In the UK there is a publicly funded healthcare system called the National Health Service, known as the NHS. This means that healthcare is free of cost at the point of access. Information on the NHS and healthcare services can be found in Section Three of the Home Office Guide to Rights and Expectations in the UK. You can also find information about looking after your health on the NEMP website.
You should have already received a HC2 certificate from the NHS. This means you are entitled to free healthcare, prescriptions, dental and optical care. If you do not have a HC2 certificate, contact Migrant Help immediately on 0808 8010 503.
For non-emergency healthcare you will visit your local doctor, known as a ‘GP’. A GP provides basic healthcare for non-life-threatening medical problems. To see your GP or nurse, you will need to make an appointment. You can make an appointment over the telephone, in person or online depending on your particular GP surgery (doctor’s office). You are entitled to an interpreter at any appointment with a doctor, dentist, optician or pharmacist. You can request an interpreter over the phone by saying ‘interpreter’ followed by your language. For example: ‘interpreter, French’. If you are using an interpreter, it is helpful to book a double appointment as it is likely to take longer. If you need an interpreter when visiting a pharmacy, you can request one the same way when you walk in. There is also an NHS app that you can use to make appointments, see test results and request prescriptions. This is very useful and we strongly recommend that you download it. You can find it on the Apple or Android app store.
To make an appointment, you will need to be registered with your local GP. You should register with your GP as soon as possible after arriving in your new area, as it can take time to process your application. Your Housing Support Officer will help you to identify your nearest GP surgery. You can also visit this link to find GP surgeries in your area.
If you have a health problem and need advice but cannot wait to see a doctor, call 111. This number is only for non-emergency health issues. If you or someone else has a health emergency, call 999 immediately.
In order to receive dental care, you will need to register with a dentist. This process will likely be similar to registering with a GP. There are currently national shortages of NHS dentists in the UK, so you may find that there is awaiting list for you to register. Your Housing Support Officer will help you find your nearest dentist.
You are entitled to free optical care with your HC2 certificate. You will need to make an appointment to see an optician, but you do not need to register with an optician in the same way as a doctor or dentist. It is recommended to have your eyes tested at least every two years. There are a number of opticians in North Tyneside for you to choose from.
Sexual health services are available to provide confidential and non-judgmental support. They can provide advice on the prevention, testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), contraception and other issues. These services should always be culturally sensitive. To access routine contraceptive services such as pills and injections, you will need to speak to your GP.
Northumbria Sexual Health Service has clinics that can provide long-acting contraceptives such as coils and implants, emergency contraception and free condoms. They can also provide STI testing and treatment (including for HIV). You can find more information online or by telephoning 0344 811 8111.
In the UK, the term ‘mental health’ is used to describe how somebody feels inside their head. This term might be used to refer to sadness, anxiety or stress. It does not mean someone is ‘mad’ or ‘crazy’. It is important to understand how the experiences you’ve been through in your home country and your journey to the UK might be affecting you. Many asylum seekers and refugees have had very frightening experiences. This might be referred to as ‘trauma’, and can cause people to lose sleep, be jumpy or easily frightened, feel sad or tearful and struggle to concentrate. While this can feel upsetting and confusing, it is a natural response to these experiences. It is also normal to feel stressed, anxious or sad during times of uncertainty or change, such as waiting for an asylum decision. You might find that talking about how you feel to a friend or trusted family member may make you feel better. You can also speak to your Housing Support Officer about how you are feeling. They will be able to direct you to suitable support services for you. If you would prefer to speak to somebody you do not know, you can access support by speaking to your GP. There are also online resources that you can access, the details of which are below.
- Samaritans: call 116 123
- Crust Bereavement: call 0808 808 1677
- Shout: text ‘SHOUT’ to 852 5817
If your life is in danger or you are having dangerous thoughts you cannot control, call 999 immediately.
Staying Safe in your Community
The police in the UK are there to help everybody. If you need to speak to the police but it is not urgent, for example if your property has been damaged, you have information about a crime or any general queries, call 101. If you have an emergency, for example if somebody’s life is in danger, you are witnessing a crime or somebody is being violent or threatening violence, call 999 and ask for the police. You can ask for an interpreter that speaks your language if you need one. Information on UK law, including hate crime, can be found in Section One of the Home Office Guide to Rights and Expectations in the UK. There is also more information about UK laws on the NEMP website.
If you or someone you know experiences any kind of abuse because of your race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity, this is a hate crime. You can report it to the police directly by telephoning 101. You can get support with reporting a hate crime from a reporting centre. They will provide you with confidential advice and support following a hate crime. You do not have to give your name or details, and you do not need to speak to the police if you do not want to.
If you are experiencing problems with anti-social behaviour or have other community safety concerns, you can contact North Tyneside Council on their website. You can also report a crime to True Vision using this link, or by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Domestic Abuse
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, contact Harbour on 0300 020 2525. Information regarding support for domestic abuse can be found on the North Tyneside Council website. Further information domestic abuse can be found in Section 4 of the Home Office Guide to Rights and Expectations in the UK. If you are concerned about your own safety and or that of another adult, you can contact the Safeguarding Adults Team on 0191 643 2777 or find out more online.
It is important to note that reporting a crime to the police will not impact your asylum application.
You can get emotional and practical support if you are a victim of a crime from Victim Support. They will provide help whether or not you have reported the crime to the police. They can also support you in reporting a crime to the police should you wish to. You can contact them on 0303 040 1099 or visit their website.
Legal Advice
Migrant Help offer free support and advice with asylum, both before and after you have received your decision. You can contact them on 0808 8010 503, or use their web chat. You can also fill out an enquiry form here.
There are organisations that provide free support and advice on a range of legal issues. Details of these organisations can be found in the Support Services section of this handbook. If you are seeking immigration advice, you should contact a solicitor or an Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) registered organisation. Further information on Legal Advice can be found in Section 2 of the Home Office Guide to Rights and Expectations in the UK.
Your Local Council
In the UK, a council refers to a group of people who come together to make decisions that help manage and maintain the area. The council in North Tyneside is called North Tyneside Council. It is made up of elected councillors that represent each area, known as a ward. The area you live in will have one or more councillors. They are able to offer advice and guidance. You can find who your ward councillor is and how to contact them here.
North Tyneside has elected Members of Parliament (MPs) who hold regular meetings, known as surgeries, where local people can come along and discuss their concerns. You can find your MP’s contact details here.
If you have a query and need to contact the council, you can telephone them on 0345 2000 101. They can help you with matters such as making a noise complaint, rubbish disposal and information about schools in the area. You can visit the North Tyneside Council website here.
Waste and Recycling
Your accommodation will have one bin for household waste that cannot be recycled, and one bin for waste that can be recycled. You are responsible for putting your bin out and bringing it back in on your collection day. This is important as if your bin goes missing, you will have to pay to replace it. Your Housing Support Officer will tell you when your bin collection days are.
For information on waste and recycling, including what goes in each bin, who to contact if you need a new bin, and what to do if your bin doesn’t get collected, speak to your Housing Support Officer. You can also find out more here.
Libraries
Libraries provide free access to books, computers, WiFi and a variety of educational activities. They will also have online resources such as e-books, audiobooks and digital magazines. They can also provide information about the local area. To access these services, you will need to register with your library. You can register by visiting your local library or online. It is free to register with a library.
Opening times of libraries vary, but generally they are open Monday to Saturday, 9am-5pm. You should be able to find your local library’s opening times online. You can find a list of libraries in North Tyneside at the link above. Your Housing Support Officer will help you to identify nearest library.
Things to do in North Tyneside
There are lots of things to see and do in North Tyneside, many of which are free. You can find a list of attractions in North Tyneside here. You can also ask your Housing Support Officer for more information.
Parks
There are a number of parks and beaches in North Tyneside that are free to visit, and a great way to get some exercise by taking a walk. Spending time in nature is also an excellent way to boost your mood. They include:
- Long Sands Beach – Tynemouth, North Shields, NE30 4NT
- King Edwards Bay – Tynemouth, North Shields, NE30 4HG
- Whitley Bay Beach – Whitley Bay, NE26 1BQ
- Northumberland Park – Tynemouth Road, North Shields, NE30 2ES
- Marden Quarry Park – Marden Road South, Whitley Bay, NE25 8PN
- Richardson Dees Park – 101 North Road, Wallsend, NE28 8RH
- Rising Sun Country Park – Whitley Road, Benton, NE12 9SS
Museums
Museums are an excellent way to learn about history and culture. They are a wonderful educational resource for children too. There are several museums in and around North Tyneside that you might like to visit. They include:
Volunteering
While you are awaiting your decision on your asylum claim, you may wish to develop your skills and volunteer in North Tyneside. Volunteering is a great way to get involved in your local community, make friends and learn new skills. Libraries may be able to help you get involved in volunteering, or you can also ask your Housing Support Officer for more information. You can learn more about the volunteering opportunities in North Tyneside here.
Keeping Fit
Getting involved with sports and physical activity such as joining a sports club or starting coaching is a great way to keep fit and meet new people. Visit the link below for a list of sports clubs and physical activities you can do in North Tyneside. North Tyneside also has leisure centres for swimming, sport and other activities. You can go to the gym or take swimming lessons at a leisure centre. You can find a list of leisure centres here. Please note that although some events and sports activities must be paid for, some are free. If you are unsure, ask your Housing Support Officer.
Park Run
Park runs are free weekly community events. They take place on a Saturday morning in local parks and open spaces. The run is five kilometres (5k). On a Sunday morning there are two kilometre (2k) junior park runs for children aged four to fourteen. You can find more information here.
Football
There is a community in North Tyneside of both adult and children’s football teams, often called ‘grass roots football’. Grassroots football in the North East can be accessed via Facebook. You can ask about local clubs which you or your child can join.
Places of Worship
There are lots of places of worship in North Tyneside. You can search online to find the nearest one to you. Participating in religious communities in your area is a great way to make friends and find support from people with a similar background to you. Some places of worship in North Tyneside include:
- Whitley Bay Islamic Cultural Centre & Masjid – Rinkway, Hillheads Road, Whitley Bay, NE25 8HR
- North Tyneside Community Association (Mosque) – 6 Esplanade Place, Whitley Bay, NE26 2AU
- North Shields Methodist Church – 51 Hawkeys Lane, North Shields, NE29 0PR
- St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church – 72 Farringdon Road, Cullercoats, North Shields, NE30 3EY
Support Networks
Below are the details of some support networks local to you. They will be able to provide you with practical support and advice. They may also be a good a place to meet people who speak your language, take English classes and give you the opportunity to volunteer. You can also search for support networks, including those from your own language community, using NEMP’s service directory.
Migrant Help
Providing independent advice and guidance to assist asylum seekers move through and understand the asylum process. It is important that those seeking asylum in the UK go to Migrant Help to report issues with their asylum accommodation, and any other advice needed during their asylum journey. Migrant Help also provide support during the post-asylum decision period, whether the decision has been positive or negative. Migrant Help teams can also provide outreach services to vulnerable clients, if you feel you need some extra support. You can call them on 0808 8010 503 or email them at info@migranthelpuk.org.
British Red Cross
The British Red Cross can help asylum seekers and refugees with destitution support, orientation, emotional support, asylum support and issues around accommodation. They can also help you with registering with a doctor or dentist, moving on from NASS support and onto mainstream benefits, Home Office travel document applications and family reunion travel assistance, amongst other things. Please contact the British Red Cross directly for further information by telephoning 07725205483, emailing refugeesupportnortheast@redcross.org.uk. You can also visit their website by clicking below.
Walking With
Walking With provide a food bank, clothing bank, hardship fund, cooked communal lunches, English language lessons, IT hub, a fit and well programme, advocacy and a safe meeting place. They also host a number of social activities. Walking With staff and volunteers conduct welfare check phone calls to their clients regularly to provide emotional and practical support. Please contact Walking With directly for further information by telephoning 0191 649 8974 or emailing info@walkingwith.co.uk.
Neighbouring Local Authorities
There are several other local authorities close to North Tyneside which you can visit. You can find out more about these areas by clicking on the links below:
Mears Dispersal Accommodation Survey
Mears are interested to hear your views on the Dispersal Accommodation service that they provide and would like to invite you to fill in a survey form (on behalf of the Home Office). Dispersal Accommodation will be self-catered and usually be a house or flat/apartment within the Community. The surveys will:
- The surveys are anonymous, and your comments will be treated with respect.
- Ask you to rate how happy you are with our staff and the service that they deliver
- Ask you to rate how happy you are with the property where you currently stay
The completion of the survey will not affect your asylum claim.
The surveys are available in the following languages: English, Amharic, Dari, Espanol, Shqip, Pashto, Somali, Tigrinya, Urdu, Arabic, Persian, Kurdish Sorani.
Mears Guide – PDF Download
Use the button below to download the PDF version of the North Tyneside Mears Guide.
