It’s never easy starting a new life

It’s never easy starting a new life

I don’t think there is a person alive that hasn’t been moved in some way by the plight of the refugees, making a desperate bid to find a safe haven, somewhere to escape the awful ravages of conflict. It made me reflect on anyone that has to build a new life in a new country or even a new city, somewhere where everyone is a stranger. Just getting on your feet feels overwhelming and let’s face it, rather lonely.

It’s never easy starting a new life– I rather think this excerpt from Nina Simon’s poem, “Refuge” sums it up well:

– On an airless summer evening I sit in the garden

– remembering how we came with

– nothing but the clothes we wore

– to an unfamiliar address

– scrawled on well-thumbed paper

– dreaming of safety, a city paved

– in freedom.

It’s never easy starting a new life– Reading Advice Network http://www.readingadvicenetwork.org.uk/about/

was set up a year ago to ensure that the people of Reading that needed advice, could look at one website to find links and information to point them in the right direction. We know that a service like ours is invaluable to anyone new to Reading.

– We thought we would find a few valued bits of advice for anyone that is new to Reading, wondering where to start and where to find a service that can help or point you in the right direction.

– Let’s start with housing, how do you find somewhere live?

– Of course some people will happily go down the route of talking property rental companies. But more often than not it’s tough getting started when you first arrive and you may need some advice or a helping hand.

It’s never easy starting a new life– When it comes to renting accommodation here are a few basics:

– If you’re under 18, the law says you aren’t allowed to hold a tenancy. (However, there are a few ways that a landlord can work around this, like giving a joint tenancy if a joint tenant is aged 18 or over.

– As an alternative, you could sign an agreement with a landlord for a licence, which is different from a tenancy. Holding a licence means that you have the landlord’s personal permission, rather than a legal right, to stay in the accommodation. You could then be granted a tenancy when you turn 18.

– There are housing benefits that have some terms and conditions, but may be worth exploring. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/finding-a-place-to-live/young-people-and-housing/

– There is help available for you if you need accommodation to be adapted for a disability https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/discrimination-in-housing/what-are-the-different-types-of-discrimination-in-housing/discrimination-in-housing-adaptations-to-your-home/

It’s never easy starting a new life– Reading CAB have created a housing Fact sheet – it’s

easy to read, print and is kept updated: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/housing-fact-sheets/

– Dealing with Debt and getting advice on money management.

– If, and they often are, pennies are tight when you move, its best to talk to someone that can help you plan a budget, helping you stay out of or repay debt.

It’s never easy starting a new life– We suggest you try these local advisory services that have fantastic and talented

volunteers:

– I am in a debt crisis, getting nasty letters and need help.

– Frontline may be the first place for you to turn, here’s a video talking about how they can help you with your debt http://buff.ly/1E0ygxx

– I need help to stay in my present accommodation:

– Reading Community Welfare Rights Unit – http://www.readingcommunitywelfarerightsunit.co.uk/housing-advice/

– Citizens Advice Reading – http://www.readingadvicenetwork.org.uk/category/housing/discrimination-in-housing/

It’s never easy starting a new life– Always a safe pair of hands is your local Citizens Advice and the

busy Reading branch has a team of skilled volunteers:

– “We aim to see every client that visits us. We will talk with you to find out why you have come to see us and then decide with you what should happen next. We are often able to help immediately by providing leaflets, directing you to online advice or giving the details of other organisations that are better placed to help you.“

– If you have arrived from another country as a refugee, we thought you may enjoy reading this heart-warming story from Chipo from Zimababwe http://rrsg.org.uk/case-study-03

– We have a range of advice services attached to Reading and you can find the full list here http://www.readingadvicenetwork.org.uk/

It’s never easy starting a new life

It’s never easy starting a new life– We know moving, whether it’s forced or voluntary

can be a tough time and settling in is hard. But if you need a helping hand Reading Advice Network could be of service, even if you don’t need what we offer, you may have a skill that you could offer as a volunteer, another way to start feeling part of your new town and your community.

– You can also find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ReadingAdviceNetwork and on Twitter @ReadingRAN