Welcome to Peterborough. We are truly glad you are here. Our team is committed to helping you feel safe, supported, and settled in your new community. Please know you are not alone - we are here to guide you every step of the way.
First steps after arrival
Welcome Payment (£200 per guest)
Each guest is entitled to a £200 welcome payment. This is issued after the Welcome Visit.
Opening a Bank Account
You will need a bank account to receive benefits and payments. Guidance available on the Get a bank account and your arrival payment: Homes for Ukraine page on GOV.UK website.
Registering With a GP (Family Doctor)
Register with your local GP to access healthcare, prescriptions, and referrals. Search for a GP on the Greater Peterborough Network website.
Registering With a Dentist
Find an NHS dentist on the Find a Dentist page on the NHS website.
Employment rights
Discover advice on employments rights on the Employment status page on the GOV.UK website.
Education and childcare
School Admissions (Ages 5–16)
All children aged 5–16 must be in education. Apply for a school place on our Apply for a School Place page. For questions, please email: admissions@peterborough.gov.uk.
Early Years and Childcare (Ages 0–4)
Children under 4 can attend nursery or preschool, where learning is play-based. More information can be found on the Childcare and Early Years Education page on GOV.UK website.
English Lessons (ESOL)
IRC (International Rescue Committee) Free online ESOL lessons, job readiness training information can be found on the IRC Services in Peterborough sign up form.
City College Peterborough offer free face-to-face ESOL lessons. For more information visit the City College Peterborough English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Entry Level 1 to Level 2 page.
Financial Support
Universal Credit
Apply online for financial, job search and training support on the Universal Credit page on the GOV.UK website.
Child Benefit
Most families with children qualify. For information on how to apply here visit the Child Benefit page on the GOV.UK website.
PIP (Personal Independence Payment for over 16yrs)
For more information on how to claim and to apply, visit the Personal Independence Payment page on the GOV.UK website.
DLA (Disability Living Allowance for Children)
You can find further information and apply on the Disability Living Allowance for Children page on the GOV.UK website.
Crisis Payment Scheme
Visit our Crisis Payment Scheme page for information on one-off assistance for people facing a sudden and unexpected financial crisis.
Housing and Accommodation
Sponsor Accommodation
Your host accommodation should last for at least 6 months. If you cannot remain with your sponsor for any reason, contact us immediately so we can help on HomesForUkraine@Peterborough.gov.uk
Rent Deposit Scheme (RDS)
Support for Ukrainian guests moving into private rented housing. Ask us for more details. To find out information on Private renting – your rights as a tenant on the Private Renting page on the GOV.UK website.
Health and Emergency Services
Pharmacy First (Minor Illnesses)
You can get treatment for common conditions directly from a pharmacy without seeing a GP.
Non-emergency – Call 111.
Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC)
Open 8am–8pm daily at Peterborough City Hospital for non-emergencies.
A&E / Emergency Department
For serious or life-threatening emergencies. If in immediate danger, call 999 for threatening emergencies.
Mental Health Support
Call 111, option 2.
Travel in Peterborough
Buses (Stagecoach)
Routes, tickets, timetable information can be found on the Stagecoach Bus website.
£1 Tiger Bus Pass (Under 25s)
Visit the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combine Authority website for information on the one pound bus fare for young people.
Walking and cycling
Walking and cycling routes are widely available.
Community and Leisure
Libraries
Find your local library on the Peterborough Local Libraries website.
Leisure Centres and Swimming Pools
Local sports, gyms and swimming information can be found on the Vivacity Leisure Centres website.
Safety and Reporting Issues
Emergency (Police/Fire/Ambulance)
Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger.
Report Crime Online
You can report crime online on the Cambridgeshire Police website.
Local Advice and Support
COMPAS - Appointments available with a Ukrainian/Russian-speaking advisor
Email the Homes for Ukraine team to arrange an appointment. COMPA address is: 27 Rivergate Arcade, Peterborough, PE1 1EL. You can find more information on the COMPAS website.
GLADCA – Support with welfare benefits, ESOL classes
ESOL classes will take place at 316-318 Gladstone Street, Peterborough PE1 2BX. For more information and to book, visit the GLADCA website.
Official Guidance
GOV.UK Homes for Ukraine Guide
You can find full welcome guides on the Homes for Ukraine page on the GOV.UK website.
Homes for Ukraine Feedback
You can complete our Feedback form by visiting the Homes for Ukraine Experience Survey page (opens Microsoft Form).