Community Support Services
Community support services play an important role in helping international recruits settle, integrate, and maintain their wellbeing. This page provides guidance for providers on how to help new workers connect with local services, social networks, and everyday community resources that can support them as they adjust to life in the UK.
While mental health services are covered separately on the Healthcare and Mental Wellbeing page, this page focuses on wider community-based support that can help reduce isolation, anxiety, and practical challenges.
Why Community Support Matters
International recruits may face a range of challenges when settling into a new country, including:
- Separation from family and friends
- Cultural and language barriers
- Anxiety, loneliness, or sleep difficulties
- Financial pressures
- Experiences of racism or discrimination
- Difficulty accessing services or understanding local systems
Knowing where to find information, advice, and community networks can help recruits feel more confident, supported, and connected.
Providers can support this by:
- Pairing new recruits with a buddy or mentor
- Signposting local services and directories
- Encouraging involvement in community activities and networks
National Community Resource Directories
GOV.UK – Local Support
The UK Government provides information on how to find local community services and support. www.gov.uk/find-a-community-support-group-or-organisation
Local Community Directories and Support
These directories help people find local groups, activities, advice services, and voluntary organisations.
Safe4Me (Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth, Isle of Wight)
Safe4Me provides national and local advice and support covering topics such as:
- Sexual health
- Domestic abuse
- Victims of crime
- LGBT+ support
- Counselling and wellbeing services
Area-Specific Resources
Hampshire
- Connect to Support Hampshire: an online directory of services, groups, and activities across Hampshire.
- Local community Facebook groups are also widely used and can be searched for by town or area
Isle of Wight
- Isle Find It (Citizens Advice) – Directory of services and businesses
- Isle of Wight Community Facebook Group – Informal community connection and local updates
Southampton
- So:Linked – Connects people to services, activities, and community groups
- Southampton Community Facebook Group
Portsmouth
- The HIVE Portsmouth Directory – Local voluntary and community organisations
- Portsmouth Community Facebook Group -
Libraries
Libraries are key community hubs and can help recruits:
- Access free internet and computers
- Join events, groups, and activities
- Access information and learning resources
- Socialise and build confidence in a safe, welcoming space
Local library services:
Community Centres
Community centres offer social activities, learning opportunities, and access to support services.
Directories for finding local centres:
International Food and Everyday Living
Access to familiar food can be an important comfort for new recruits.
National Supermarkets (Online and In-store)
- Morrisons World Foods
- Asda World Foods
- Tesco World Foods
- Sainsbury’s World Foods
Local stores often stock a limited range of international products.
Local International Food Shops (Examples)
Availability varies by area and the list below is not exhaustive.
Portsmouth
- Sun Hung Chang - 233 Commercial Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 4BJ
- Portsmouth International Food Centre - 47-49 Fratton Rd, Portsmouth, PO1 5AB, United Kingdom
- Mediterranean Super Market, Southsea - 111-113 Elm Grove, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea, PO5 1LH
Southampton
- International Food and Halal Meat Centre, Portswood - 164-168 Portswood Rd, Portswood, Southampton SO17 2NJ, United Kingdom
- Yau Bros – Y B Building, Princes St, Southampton SO14 5RP, United Kingdom
- China Town, Shirley - 1 Marlborough Rd, Shirley, Southampton SO15 3ND, United Kingdom
- Song Oriental Chinese Supermarket -108 East St, Southampton, SO14 3HD, United Kingdom
Hampshire
- Namaste Express- Aldershot, GU11 1TS, United Kingdom
- Asia Oriental, Farnborough - 90 Queensmead, Farnborough, GU14 7SE, United Kingdom
- Thai Spice, Fareham - 127 West Street, Fareham, PO16 0DU
- Oriental Shop, Bordon - 29 Woolmer Way, Bordon, GU35 9QE, United Kingdom
- Rita’s African Caribbean Food Market, Andover - 1 Waterloo Ct, Andover, SP10 1QJ, United Kingdom
- Anglo Asian Food, New Milton - 36 Station Rd, New Milton, BH25 6JX, United Kingdom
Providers are encouraged to ask a buddy or mentor to accompany new recruits on their first shopping trip where possible.
Good Practice for Providers
Supporting access to community resources helps recruits feel settled, connected, and confident in their new environment. Providers can provide support by:
- Map Local Services: Identify community resources, libraries, centres, and cultural groups near your recruit’s accommodation.
- Provide Guidance: Include links and contacts in a welcome pack and discuss with a mentor or buddy.
- Encourage Integration: Introduce your recruit to local clubs, faith groups, and community events to build connections.
- Support Daily Life: Help them locate shops, including international food stores, transport links, and essential services.
- Promote Self-Reliance: Equip them with knowledge to access services independently while offering ongoing guidance.
- Buddy System: Pair recruits with experienced staff to help them navigate the community and reduce isolation.
