Support for European Communities in the UK

If language makes it difficult to explain your situation, say which language you need when you first contact a service. Ask whether an interpreter or an adviser speaking your language is available. Choose the section closest to your problem; do not assume every organisation can handle every issue.

East European Resource Centre (EERC) is a London-based charity supporting Central and Eastern European communities living in the UK. Its advisers speak English, Polish, Romanian and Ukrainian. It also describes access to professional interpreters for other Eastern European languages. Its services include immigration advice, housing and benefits rights, domestic abuse and hate crime. Confirm whether it can take your case, its geographical coverage and appointment arrangements.

Settled provides free, accredited multilingual advice on the EU Settlement Scheme and Ukraine visa schemes across the UK. Use its dedicated advice pages to choose the right service; its office-enquiries number is not the advice line.

EERC has Polish-language information and Polish-speaking advisers. Settled offers multilingual EU Settlement Scheme support. Tell the organisation you need Polish and describe the issue; confirm language availability and appointments directly.

For Polish passports, consular documents and other consular matters, use Poland’s official UK website. Check which consular office serves your area; London is not the correct office for everyone.

EERC has Romanian-language information and Romanian-speaking advisers. Settled also provides multilingual EU Settlement Scheme support. Ask for Romanian when making your enquiry and confirm availability.

For Romanian passports and consular matters, use Romania’s official online consular portal and check which office serves your area. Embassy and consulate services do not determine your entitlement to UK benefits or accommodation.

This page is open to all European communities. Polish and Romanian services are starting points, not a complete list. EERC describes support for other Central and Eastern European communities, and Settled provides advice in multiple European languages. Ask which languages and services are available for your circumstances.

EU membership, nationality and immigration status are different things. Do not assume one scheme applies to everyone from Europe.

UK-wide immigration rules. Your options depend on your circumstances and existing status. The EU Settlement Scheme is not a general visa route for every European person arriving in the UK now. The deadline for most people was 30 June 2021, but different deadlines and qualifying late applications may apply. Check current official guidance and get regulated advice rather than relying on social-media promises or old translated summaries.

For help proving status, updating your account or understanding a share code, use GOV.UK and an accredited adviser. Check that an immigration adviser is registered with the Immigration Advice Authority or an approved professional body. Ask about fees before using a service.

If you are worried about unpaid wages, a contract, dismissal or discrimination at work, seek advice promptly. Keep payslips, your contract and relevant messages if you can. Time limits can apply.

England, Scotland and Wales: Acas provides free, confidential employment advice. Ask its helpline for a language interpreter. Advice is free, but your phone provider may charge for the call. Northern Ireland: use the Labour Relations Agency.

For tenancy problems, threatened eviction or nowhere safe to stay, contact an advice organisation and your council — or the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in Northern Ireland. Assistance depends on your circumstances, immigration status and the rules in the UK nation where you live. No organisation listed here guarantees a home or emergency accommodation.

The GOV.UK homelessness page directs you to council help and links to separate arrangements for Scotland and Northern Ireland. Wales has its own guidance, linked below. Check the rules for your nation before relying on the information.

Benefits entitlement cannot be decided from nationality alone. Residency, immigration status, income and other rules can matter. Get advice before applying if you are unsure about public-funds restrictions or eligibility. Citizens Advice and appropriate community advisers can help you find individual advice.

The linked Citizens Advice guide is for England; use the site’s country selector for other nations and check local advice arrangements.

England: everyone can register with a GP surgery for free. You do not need ID, proof of address or proof of immigration status to register. A surgery may ask for documents for other reasons, such as confirming who can register a child. Registration does not mean every NHS treatment is free for everyone.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: use the separately labelled official guidance below. Other nations and services have their own arrangements. The Sixpence Support UK NHS service finder links to England’s NHS search tools; it is not a UK-wide service directory. Tell the service you need an interpreter when arranging care and ask how it will be organised. Check any charging questions directly.

If you experience discrimination or abuse, you can seek help. EERC includes domestic-abuse and hate-crime support among its services. Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales): the Equality Advisory Support Service provides discrimination and human-rights information. Northern Ireland: use the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.

Local councils, libraries and community organisations may help you find conversation groups, adult English classes and local activities. Availability, fees and eligibility vary. ESOL means English for Speakers of Other Languages. Ask about accessible classes and costs before enrolling.

• Write down your main question, preferred language, where you live and any urgent deadline.
• Have relevant letters or documents ready where available.
• Keep passwords, bank details and login codes private.
• Use the organisation’s official website and check any charge before agreeing to a service.

Information and links checked: 6 October 2026. Services and rules can change. Sixpence Support UK does not guarantee appointments, immigration outcomes, benefits entitlement or accommodation.