Police
If you are a victim of a crime or racism you should report it to the police. To contact the police in an emergency dial 999 Minicom 0800 112 999. For non-emergency calls dial 101.

 There are some things that are against UK law. For example, you must not:

• carry an offensive weapon (such as a knife or gun)
• own a gun without a licence from the police
• take or deal in soft drugs (such as cannabis) or hard drugs (such as heroin)
• have sex with someone under 16 (even with the other person’s consent)
• carry out acts of violence against other people – including family members. This includes sexual intercourse without consent (rape).
• carry out FGM (female circumcision).
• drive a car without a driving licence, road fund tax disc or insurance.
• own a television without a licence. To get a licence, call the TV licensing line -Tel: 0844 800 6779. Minicom: 0844 800 6778. Monday-Friday, 8.30am – 9.00pm.
Email: tvlcsc@capita.co.uk or visit their website: www.tvlicensing.co.uk

Libraries
Libraries are a great source of free information, with staff who can help you with particular questions. Many of them can give you access to the internet for a limited amount of time, sometimes without charge.

Opening an account
Bank and building society accounts: To open up a bank or building society account you can either visit a branch or, in some cases, open an account online. Banks and building societies usually need some proof of identification, such as a passport, a driving licence or a Council Tax bill. It is best to check with the bank or building society to see what they need.

National Savings Easy Access Savings Account
If you hold a valid bank account you can open an Easy Access Savings Account
• Over the counter at a post office
• By phone 0845 964 5000, lines are open 7am – midnight, seven days a week
• Online at National Savings website: www.nsandi.com
• By sending an application form (available at the post office)

Debt - If you are struggling to cope you may find yourself in debt i.e.. you end up owing money. If you are in debt, it is important to deal with the problem. The longer you ignore your debts, the worse the situation can become.

The Citizens Advice Service: www.citizensadvice.org.uk - www.adviceguide.org.uk
Citizens’ Advice Bureaux (CAB) provide confidential advice and information on  everything from benefits and employment rights to housing and legal matters. Local contact addresses can be found in phonebooks or search online.

 You can also visit the web-based government service www.direct.gov.uk which gives information and advice on debt.

Under 18s
If you are under 18, you cannot apply for credit cards, overdrafts, personal loans and hire purchase schemes. However, you could fall into debt in other ways such as borrowing from friends.

GETTING INTO DEBT CAN AFFECT YOUR FUTURE YEARS

Having a bad credit record may prevent you in the future from being able to buy your own home etc.

Sending money home
If you want to send money to your family outside the UK or if you want them to send you money you can do this from main post offices. Money Gram will transfer money instantly to post offices or banks in most countries  around the world. There is a charge for using this service.

Alcohol and tobacco
It is legal for anyone to drink alcohol and smoke tobacco, but it is illegal for shops to sell alcohol to people below the age of 18 or tobacco to people below the age of 16. It is an offence to give alcohol to a child under 5.

Travel
Over long distances intercity trains can be faster than buses. However, buses or coaches are usually the cheapest way to travel. To get tickets at the lowest cost book your journey well in advance. It may also be cheaper to buy a return ticket. You can also get lower train fares if you travel at a time when trains are not so busy.

London Travel Information Tel: 020 7222 1234, a 24-hour telephone service about services run by London Transport. www.transportforlondon.gov.uk

National Rail enquiries Tel: 08457 48 49 50 www.nationalrail.co.uk

National Express Coaches Tel: 08705 808080; www.nationalexpress.com
For advice, ticket amendments, refunds and cancellations, please call our dedicated booking line on 08717 818181 between 8am and 8pm
(There are increasing numbers of other long-distance coach and bus companies, which may be cheaper e.g. Megabus.com)

Disabled Persons Travel Helpline: 08717 818179
Minicom: 0121 455 0086

Who can vote?
If you are 18 or over and a citizen of the UK, or citizen of the Commonwealth or Irish Republic resident in Britain, you can register to vote in British elections. If you are an asylum seeker or refugee you cannot vote in any elections in the UK unless or until you become a UK citizen.

Naturalisation
Naturalisation is the process of applying for British citizenship. The Immigration and Nationality Directorate in the Home Office is responsible for applications for British nationality, permission to stay in the UK, citizenship and asylum. Their website provides forms and applications. www.homeoffice.gov.uk and click on passports and immigration. 

Contacting your local MP (Member of Parliament)
To search online for your local MP visit the UK Parliament website on www.direct.gov.uk

Under 18s

UK Youth Parliament
If you are between the age of 11 and 18 your voice can be heard and listened to by local and national government, providers of services for young people and other agencies who have an interest in the views and needs of young people. For more information visit www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk

Learning to drive
For information on learning to drive, including choosing an instructor, driving test fees, information for a disabled learner visit www.direct.gov.uk

Keeping safe
For information for young people on keeping safe, including online safety and identity theft, visit www.direct.gov.uk