A NEW service has launched to help EU nationals settle in the Thirsk and Northallerton areas.

Citizens Advice Mid North Yorkshire has launched its EU Settlement Support Service across the Hambleton district.

The project is funded by Hambleton Council and the aim of the service is to remind EU nationals to check they have applied for settled status and to support those who want or need to make their application.

While many people have already applied, Citizens Advice Mid North Yorkshire has expressed concerns about people who may not have access to the internet or who may have difficulty proving their address or lack the necessary documentation.

With the effects of the lockdown there has been a backlog with EU Settlement applications.

As a result of this, the charity is encouraging people to apply as soon as possible and with this new service make the application process run smoothly for them.

Carol Shreeve CEO of Citizens Advice Mid North Yorkshire said: “We are delighted to be able to roll out the EU Settlement support service across Hambleton as we have seen a spike in people needing our assistance with settlement over the last six months.

“The Coronavirus has seen many people’s priorities shift as we have seen a rise in redundancies and debt so it was vital that we got this service up and running as soon as possible.

People that have applied recently have been shocked to find out that they could have problems with renting, working and losing access to support options including the NHS if they don’t make an application.

Like everyone else in Hambleton we value the EU community and the hard work and culture they bring to the District. We have several EU nationals who volunteer and work with us and do fantastic work. It is important that we continue to support all our members of the community through these difficult times and make sure that people who have been living and working in the UK can continue to do that without disruption to their work or other rights.

If you, a friend, a co-worker or a family member need our support we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible.

Citizens Advice Hambleton’s office will be supporting all EU nationals with the initial application and form filling needed to obtain ‘settled’ or ‘pre settled status’ in the UK.

The charity has organised interpreters for people who may need them. Applicants will need to bear in mind this needs to be done before 30th June 2021 for all EU Nationals who have not applied yet and do not already have ‘settled’ or ‘pre settled status’. People who would like to complete the application themselves or need more information on the process can visit the Government website at https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families and find the information in all EU Languages here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/settled-status-for-eu-citizens-and-their-families-translations

Carol Shreeve CEO of Citizens Advice Mid North Yorkshire added

“We are delighted to be able to roll out the EU Settlement support service across Hambleton as we have seen a spike in people needing our assistance with settlement over the last 6 months. The Coronavirus has seen many people’s priorities shift as we have seen a rise in redundancies and debt so it was vital that we got this service up and running as soon as possible.

People that have applied recently have been shocked to find out that they could have problems with renting, working and losing access to support options including the NHS if they don’t make an application.

Like everyone else in Hambleton we value the EU community and the hard work and culture they bring to the District. We have several EU nationals who volunteer and work with us and do fantastic work. It is important that we continue to support all our members of the community through these difficult times and make sure that people who have been living and working in the UK can continue to do that without disruption to their work or other rights.

If you, a friend, a co-worker or a family member need our support we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible.