WELCOME TO

For international workers, students and their families WELCOME TO DUNDEE For international workers, students and their families Being able to speak some English is migrant workers although there may be a important. It will help you get work and waiting list. make life easier so try and do a basic course before you come here – for more You can request help with interpreting and details see the Across the Language Barrier translating to access public services such as section. There are plenty of opportunities those from Police, Health Services for you to improve your language skills once (NHS Tayside) and Dundee City Council. you’re here – courses are available at every level and are often provided free to new

Map courtesy of Dundee City Council’s Public Relations Department. WELCOME TO DUNDEE For international workers, students About this guide and their families We want to give you the important facts and information about what you will need when Contents you arrive in Dundee We cannot include all Welcome to Dundee 5 the details here but we will point you in the right direction so you can get expert advice. Living in Dundee 5 We recommend you follow up weblinks Housing Associations 8 directly with organisations to get detailed information. You should always take further Living in Your Home 13 advice based on your own situation.

Bills and Services 15 This guide provides information about living and working in Dundee – from gaining Money Issues 18 employment, to looking for housing and Working – Finding a Job, finding schools for your children - as well as Rights and Responsibilities 19 information about the leisure and cultural opportunities which Dundee has to offer. The National Minimum Wage 20

Emergency Services 26 Laws in the UK 28 Welcome by Lord Provost Health Services 30 On behalf of the citizens of Dundee, I would like to reach out and welcome you to the Transport and Getting Around 5 City. Education and Training 40 Dundee’s economy is growing and we Across the Language Barriers 42 welcome new people who can bring fresh talent and ideas to the City. Childcare 45 I hope that you will settle and prosper Faith 46 here in Dundee and contribute to our LGBT 46 shared future.

Leisure And Culture 47

Useful Contacts 50

Advice and Information Services 54

Holidays and Celebrations in Dundee 56 John Letford Lord Provost Useful Retail Outlets 57

 Thanks and Welcome Pack for Migrant Workers Initiatives which gave us a good basis from which acknowledgements to start. We are delighted to have produced this booklet through the Dundee Equality and Diversity Partnership and Dundee Partnership. Christine Lowden & Sgt Iain Glass The Partnership aims to lead and champion Co-chairs Equality & Diversity Partnership the promotion of equality and diversity issues, challenge discriminatory practices and promote a culture which values Welcome to Dundee all individuals and communities. The Welcome to Dundee – the City of Discovery, Partnership is committed to fostering and ’s fourth city. sustaining an inclusive environment that empowers all members of our community Dundee is a modern and vibrant city with to achieve their full potential without fear of a rich history and proud traditions. It has prejudice or discrimination. had strong links with Baltic and Northern European countries, through trading, since Following consultation with black and ethnic the 12th century. minority communities in the city the need to develop more information for newcomers Set by the , one of Europe’s most was identified. At the same time the Migrant impressive geographic locations, Dundee Workers Scoping Group had identified the is a place where the future is now being same need. Further consultation took place forged. with overseas workers and students living in the city to establish what information should Dundee is Scotland’s student city with more be included. young people in full-time education per head of population than any other city. Dundee We would like to thank all the contributors boasts two universities, a College of Further for their valued input, individuals who and Higher education and an Institute of took time to make comments and Higher Education. the members of the task group for all their work. This included staff and Massive advances in medicine and the volunteers from:- development of electronic entertainment are achievements of the city and its people are Dundee City Council famed for their innovation and invention. Dundee Voluntary Action A revitalised city centre and retail scene, NHS Tayside the thriving Tayside Police Centre, Dundee Repertory and Volunteer Centre Dundee the impressive Ice Arena are some of the huge choices of leisure options on offer Dundee Interfaith Council symbolising a confident and optimistic city Hillcrest Housing Association in the 21st century.

We would also like to acknowledge the Living in Dundee Scottish Executive’s ‘Scotland is The Place’, There are many types of housing available and both Angus and Devon and Cornwall’s in Dundee ranging from bed-sit flats to larger detached homes. Your choices about

  the type of property available to you will Student Accommodation depend on your circumstances, your income Students new to Dundee normally look and your immigration status. for somewhere affordable, comfortable Nearly half of the properties in Dundee and within daily travelling distance of are privately owned. The rest can be their University, College or Institute.There rented through the local council, housing are a variety of different types of student associations or private landlords. If you are accommodation. Staying in any of the halls a student you can rent through universities of residence means that you can look forward and colleges. to living in modern comfortable surroundings with all the facilities you need to make your Like most cities there are areas where stay enjoyable. demand for housing is very high and other areas where demand is lower. Over the Both the and the last 10 years a lot of work has been done University of Abertay Accommodation to regenerate parts of the city to improve Offices can provide information to students housing and the environment. about student and privately rented accommodation. The University of Abertay Renting a Home prioritises first entrants and overseas students who are new to Dundee. The main way to rent a home is either from the local council, a housing association Contact: [email protected] or a private landlord. Another option is for further information. bed and breakfast and guesthouse accommodation. This type of For the University of Dundee visit their accommodation may be expensive but is website: www.dundee.ac.uk suitable as a short-term option. Dundee College offers a comprehensive Rented properties are available furnished accommodation service with a number or unfurnished. Rent is usually paid on a of flats and bed sits. In addition they can monthly basis and you will also have to pay arrange for students to stay with families in Council Tax (a tax based on the value of the the area - a particularly attractive option for property you are living in which contributes overseas students. to paying for council services). Contact Tel: 01382 825802 Depending on where you rent your property or Email: [email protected] from you will have different rights and responsibilities, for example the type of Local Council Housing tenancy, what is included in the rent and Dundee City Council’s Housing Department how much notice you have to give if you has many types of property mainly in want to move out. housing estates located in the suburbs of the Your accommodation could be provided city. Rental charges vary depending on the by your employer or arranged by an type and size of the property. The Housing employment agency. It is important Department’s aim is to match tenants with that you are aware of your rights on a home that best meets their needs. The what can be deducted from your wages Housing Department is happy to accept you for accommodation. on to their waiting list but it will be unlikely that you will qualify for housing immediately. If you wish to apply for council housing

  you will have to complete an application Bield Housing Association: form. You can get forms and discuss your 1 Bonnethill Gardens, Dundee DD3 7HB. housing needs at any of the council’s Tel: 01382 228911 housing offices. Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.bield.co.uk Lettings Centre 169 Pitkerro Road, Dundee DD4 8ES. Hillcrest Housing Association Ltd: Tel: 01382 307400 4 South Ward Road, Dundee DD1 1PN. Tel: 01382 224083 East District Housing Office Email: [email protected] 169 Pitkerro Road, Dundee DD4 8ES. Web Address: www.hillcrestha.org.uk Tel: 01382 307401 Home in Scotland Ltd: West District Housing Office Cleghorn House, 27 Albert Square, 3 Sinclair Street, Lochee DD2 3BE. Dundee DD1 1DJ. Tel: 01382 307301 Tel: 01382 203023 Web Address: www.homeinscotland.org.uk If you are homeless or think you may become homeless in the near future Margaret Blackwood Housing you can call the Homeless Advice Line Association Ltd: Blackwood Court, 088 633 5843 for advice and information. Glamis Road, Dundee DD2 2EG. Tel: 01382 45855 Housing Associations Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.mbha.org.uk/ Housing Associations are not-for-profit organisations which lease houses and flats. Servite Housing Association: They have different types of properties 118 Strathern Road, Broughty Ferry, in a variety of locations and some have Dundee DD5 1JW. more properties than others. Some of the Tel: 01382 480915 accommodation is for specific groups of Email: [email protected] people for example, older people, disabled Web Address: www.servite.co.uk/ people and young people. Most housing associations have a very high demand for Unite - Student Accommodation: their properties and turnover is usually 21 Brown Street (Taymills), low. As with council housing you will have Dundee, DD1 5EF. to complete an application form. You are Tel: 01382 322650 welcome to discuss your needs with any of Email: [email protected] the housing associations listed below: Web Address: www.unite-students.com

Abertay Housing Association: Private Landlords 147 Fintry Drive, Dundee DD4 9HE. Tel: 01382 903545 Renting a property from a private landlord is Email: [email protected] probably your best option if you are looking for somewhere to stay quickly. Angus Housing Association Ltd: 93, High Street, Arbroath DD11 1DP. Private rented accommodation is usually: Tel: 01241 879537 • A self contained flat or house Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.angusha.org.uk

  • A room in your landlord’s house Tenancy Agreement or flat This is a contract that you and your landlord • A shared house with other tenants sign that will give you details of length of the tenancy There are many private landlords in Dundee, ranging from letting agencies to individual owners. The rent tends to be more than for Rent payable similar properties owned by the council or • Who is responsible for repairs ? housing associations and the standard of • Any restrictions on the use of accommodation and management can vary. the property ? In the majority of rentals the rent charge does not include costs for gas, electricity You should make sure you understand what and telephone. You should check what is is in the tenancy agreement before you sign included in the rent when you go to look at it. If you are not sure about it you can get the property advice. See advice and information in back of this booklet. You can find private rented accommodation by: Inventory • Looking at advertisements in local You should get a written inventory when newspapers, shop windows and on you move into a property. This is a list supermarket notice boards. You can of what is provided in the tenancy, for put an advertisement in yourself example, carpets, furniture, and curtains. saying that you are looking for It is important that you check all the items accommodation listed, as this is what the landlord will check • Contacting estate agents and if you end the tenancy. letting agents Houses of Multiple Occupation • Checking Internet sites Shared flats or houses where three or more • By word of mouth, family, friends, unrelated people live are known as Houses work colleagues in Multiple Occupation (HMO). The owner of an HMO is required by law to have a licence Paying Rent from the local council. Before granting a Rent is usually paid monthly and you may licence the property will be checked that it be asked to pay one month in advance. Most meets required standards. You can check if landlords will ask you for a deposit to cover a landlord has an HMO licence by contacting any damage to the property or its contents, the HMO Unit on 01382 435417. and to cover any outstanding bills at the end of the tenancy. The deposit is usually Landlord Registration scheme about one month’s rent and you will get it From April 2006 all private landlords letting back, as long as there is no damage and the properties in Scotland must have applied bills have been paid. You should make sure for registration in the Register of Landlords. you get receipts for any money you pay and The aim of Landlord Registration is to ensure keep them until the end of the tenancy. that all private landlords are ’fit and proper’ to be letting a residential property. The Signing for a Tenancy Landlord Registration scheme is compulsory When you sign for a property you should by law and it is an offence for landlords who get a tenancy agreement (see below) and have not registered to let properties. To an inventory from your landlord. find out more about Landlord Registration

10 11 please contact Private Sector Services on properties for sale, either privately or through 01382 435407. estate agents.

Dundee Landlord Accreditation Further advice Dundee City Council is keen to promote Moving to a new home is a major event in a positive image of private renting and is someone’s life and it can cause quite a lot actively working with private landlords to of stress. The best way to limit the stress is encourage best practice so that people are to plan ahead and anticipate the difficulties living in properties that are safe and well before they arise. For further advice visit managed. Dundee City Council along with www.dundeecity.gov.uk/lifeevents local landlords and letting agents have set up Dundee Landlord Accreditation (DLA). Living in Your Home Accredited landlords and letting agents have agreed to uphold a Code of Standards Home Safety and Security relating to both the condition and the management of the property. To find out Electrical safety more about Dundee Landlord Accreditation Make sure you know how to switch off telephone 01382 434509. the current at the mains in case of an emergency. Buying a Home If you think your electrical installation is This may be an option for you either using dangerous, report it to your landlord if you savings or by applying for a mortgage. To live in rented accommodation. If you own qualify for a mortgage you must be working your property call a qualified electrician. in the UK. There are many different types of mortgage and you should always get good If the supply cuts off, turn off all appliances. financial and legal advice before agreeing to This will prevent a surge of electricity when anything. the power comes back on again.

You can download a leaflet called ‘Thinking Take precautions to avoid about Buying’ from the Scottish Executive electrical accidents. website: www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/housing/ Switch off and unplug appliances when not gthp-00.asp in use.

The Tayside Solicitors’ Property Centre acts Check plugs are correctly wired and make as a shop front for the majority of house sure the right fuse is being used for sales in the area. They produce a free weekly each appliance. Property Guide listing properties available. The Centre can also provide you with a list Don’t overload plugs or use of solicitors for legal advice. multiple adaptors.

Tayside Solicitors’ Property Centre, Gas safety 9 Whitehall Street, Dundee DD1 4AR. Make sure you know where to turn off the Tel: 01382 228770 gas supply in an emergency. There is usually Website: www.tspc.co.uk a lever next to the meter.

Every Thursday & Advertiser Don’t block up air vents in your home. has a property section advertising homes They provide a flow of air to prevent for sale in Dundee and its surrounding carbon monoxide from building up. areas. There are many websites advertising

12 13 Carbon Monoxide is poisonous and can kill. Take your turn in keeping the stairs/landings/ bin areas clean. If you think you have a gas leak: Put rubbish in the bins provided. Call • Turn off the gas supply at the meter Dundee City Council on 01382 432777 • Put out all cigarettes or naked and they’ll tell you which day your bins will flames be collected.

• Do not turn any electrical switches/ Everyone deserves to enjoy his or her home appliances on or off quietly and peacefully. You must not make • Open all doors and windows too much noise or disturb your neighbours and you must make sure that anyone • Call Transco 0800 111 999 living with you or visiting you behaves in a reasonable way. Water supply If your neighbours are noisy and you don’t You should know where the mains stopcock want to approach them you can get advice is located in case of a major leak. Ask your from your landlord or from the Antisocial landlord to show you if you are not sure. Behaviour Advice Line 0800 169 3845

Security Moving Out of Rented Burglaries do happen, but there are things Accommodation you can do to make sure your home is not When you want to move out of rented an easy target: accommodation it is important to give • Be very careful about who you appropriate notice to your landlord. You let into your home. Anyone who should check your tenancy agreement to needs to come in will have official find out how much notice must be given. identification which you should check Check that you are up to date with all carefully. payments to your landlord. • Do not leave windows and doors unlocked or leave keys in doors Check the inventory and make sure any damaged fittings or furniture are repaired or • Do not leave valuables clearly visible replaced. If you don’t do this your landlord through the windows may hold back all or some of the deposit. • Let your landlord know if you are Take photographs of the property to prove going to be away from your home you left it in good order. for a long period of time Take meter readings and tell the utility Living in the community companies that you are moving. Wherever you are living you should be You will have to hand back all sets of keys considerate to your neighbours. Living in you were given when you moved in. If a flat brings special responsibilities as you you don’t you may be charged for a lock may have neighbours above/below and change. beside you. Keep shared landings and stairways free Bills and Services from obstructions as this can be a fire or safety hazard. Council Tax is usually payable by the owner or occupier of a property. It is paid to Dundee City Council and is used to provide all the

14 15 community services such as policing, refuse the arrangements, agree on the meter collection and council facilities. The amount readings with the landlord at the beginning of tax varies according to where you live. of the let and again at the end, to avoid any disputes about how much has been used. Students in full time education do not have to pay council tax. There are also other If utilities are not included then you need to discounts available and you should check contact the utility providers to make sure with the Dundee City Council if you have a the bills are registered in your name and question about the amount you are asked the meters are read at the start of your to pay. http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/ lease. Utility bills are a useful form of ID finance/faqs/counciltaxfaq.htm as proof of address and can be used in accessing other services such as opening a Phone 01382 431205 bank account. or Free phone 0800 250025. Call at Enquiry Office, Check a telephone directory for 6/7 City Square, Dundee supplier information. or write to Dundee City Council Revenues Division, PO Box 216, Dundee DD1 3YJ. Top tips for Energy Savings:

If you are on a low income you may be able • Only boil the amount of water you to get help with paying your rent (Housing need in the kettle Benefit) and paying Council Tax (Council • Fit low energy light bulbs Tax Benefit). It’s a good idea to be aware where possible of your rights and get advice before signing for a tenancy. You can contact any of the • Set the hot water tank temperature agencies below who will give you good to 60 - 65°C advice and information. (See the back of • Insulate your hot water tank the booklet). Just by following these four simple tips you could save up to £58 a year on your fuel Insurance bills. For more free advice on all energy It is important to make sure your belongings related issues contact: are insured to cover for loss or damage. When you set up your bank account you will Dundee Energy Efficiency Advice, be able to get details of personal insurance Project 1 Shore Terrace, packages. Many supermarkets also sell Dundee City Council, DD1 3AH. low-cost insurance packages. If your Tel (01382) 434840 accommodation is “local council or housing E-mail:[email protected] association” your landlord may also be able to give you information on the home Television (TV ) Licence If you use a TV insurance schemes which they operate. or another device to receive or record TV programmes you are required by law to have a TV Licence. A colour TV Licence Utility bills costs £131.50 (£44 for a black & white Gas, electricity, water and telephone bills TV licence) and can be bought on line. can be in your own name or in the landlord’s Visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk. It is possible to name. If they are in the landlord’s name you spread the cost by setting up a monthly direct pay your usage as part of your rent. It is debit through your bank. Non payment of a important to see the bills if you’re asked for TV Licence can result in prosecution and a a portion as there is a limit on what can be fine of£1000. passed on to you as the tenant. Whatever

16 17 Money Issues Proof of employment is also often required (pay slips, confirmation letter) Many people have problems meeting their debts. Try not to worry - you do not have to If you’ve had a bank account in your home deal with it on your own. country for a length of time it would also be useful to have a reference from that bank. It is always better to deal with your debt problems at an early stage, as the longer Post Offices you wait the worse things will become. Early action on your part can mean fewer problems Post Offices have branches throughout for you to deal with in the future. There are Dundee and in addition to postal services, advisers in Dundee to help. Independent, provide banking, bill payment, insurance impartial, and confidential money advice is services, currency exchange, car tax, phone there for you and is free from Money Advice cards and mobile phone top-ups. Support Team, Citizen Advice Bureau and Full details can be found on Dundee City Council’s Welfare Rights Team www.postoffice.co.uk whose contact details can be found at the back of this booklet. Credit Unions Money and Banking A Credit Union is a profit sharing, democratically run financial co-operative, When you move to Dundee you will need to which offers convenient savings and low set up a UK bank account so that you can be interest loans to its members. Discovery paid and pay others. It will also enable you Credit Union is open to all who live and/or to get a debit card with full Maestro facilities work within the city of Dundee. and, if required, a credit card which can be used for safe payment of goods on-line and Contact: Discovery Credit Union, in stores. Sometimes banks require you to Conference Hall, Central Library, work up a good credit rating before issuing Wellgate Centre, Dundee DD1 1DB. you with a card. The Chip and PIN system is Tel: 01382 431505 now widespread in Scotland. Email [email protected] The British Bankers’ Association produces leaflets to help you understand how to Working – Finding a Job, Rights open a bank account: and Responsibilities www.bba.org.uk/content/1/c4/39/71/ Openingbankaccountleaflet2004.pdf We want you to find work as quickly as you can so you can begin to establish your new Not all banks have the same rules and they life here in Dundee. Here we give just a offer different rates on savings and other brief overview of what you need to do to financial products such as mortgages (home get a job but do take the time to follow up loans) and insurances. the information points to get the facts and further advice. To open a bank account you must provide the following information: Employment regulations and your rights

Proof of identity (passport, national identity From May 1 2004, most nationals of the card or national driving licence) new member states (excluding Cyprus and Malta) who wish to work for more than one Proof of UK address (tenancy agreement or month for an employer in the UK will need letter of confirmation from your employer) to register under the Worker Registration Scheme. You must register within one month

18 19 of starting work, by submitting a completed Development rate WRS Application Form available from www. for 16-17 year old...... £3.30 workingintheuk.gov.uk or call the helpline on 08705 210224. The development rate can also apply to employees aged 22 and over who are also You will also need: receiving accredited training during their first six months in a new job with a new A copy of a letter from your employer employer. confirming you are working Agricultural Workers minimum wage from • 2 passport photos 1st January 2007 will no longer be age • your passport/ID card related. • a payment of £70 First 26 weeks of employment ...... £5.35

Please remember it will take between 2 For those employed more than 26 weeks - 4 weeks to process your registration so by the same employer ...... £5.70 do make sure you take a photocopy of your identity papers before sending off Additional sum payable for workers with the originals. appropriate qualifications will be...... £0.86

Once you have been working legally in the If you are not clear whether you are being paid UK for 12 months without a break you will the correct amount you can check it out at have full rights of free movement and will www.worksmart.org.uk/minwage_calc.php no longer need to register on the Worker If you have a grievance about being paid Registration Scheme. You can then apply for the National Minimum Wage (NMW) you can a Residence Permit confirming your right to call the NMW Helpline on 0845 600 0678 live and work in the UK. Further information is available on www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk. You should apply using form EEA1. If you Working Time Rights need further information, please contact These cover rest breaks, holidays, holiday the Immigration and Nationality Enquiry pay, night work and how many hours you Bureau on 0870 606 7766 can work each week. For example, you have the right not to work more than 48 hours a It is a good idea to get to know how the week on average. employment and tax system works and to know your rights before you accept Health and Safety protection any job. Your employer has a duty to provide you with Everyone at work, including all agency a safe and healthy working environment. workers, enjoy these rights from the first day: Protection from unfair discrimination

You have: The National Minimum Wage the right not to be treated less favourably NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE RATES from than other workers by your agency or October 1st 2006 the hiring company on the grounds Main rate for workers of sex, race, disability, pregnancy, aged 22 and over...... £5.35 sexual orientation, religion or belief and age Development rate for 18-21 year olds...... £4.45 the right to join a union

20 21 You are allowed to join a union and you do job take a letter from your employer as well not have to tell your employer. Information which confirms your employment. about joining a trade union can be found at: www.stuc.org.uk Benefits Full details on your working time rights and Qualification for benefits such as statutory other rights can be found http://www.acas. sick pay and statutory maternity pay are org.uk/ or www.dti.gov.uk dependent on many factors including length of residence, period of employment and If you are seeking employment the payment of National Insurance contributions. most important information point for all Your family may be entitled to receive work-related issues is the Government’s some social benefits including child or employment agency network of Job Centres housing benefit. at www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk To find out more about benefit entitlement Tax and National Insurance and arrangements on social security payment arrangements with other countries go to Income tax will be deducted from your www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk wages throughout the year. This is known as Pay As You Earn (PAYE). You can earn Under the “Want to make a claim?” section a certain amount within a tax year (April you will find a link “Coming from abroad” 6 to April 5 the following year ) without which will give you further details. paying tax – this is known as your Personal Allowance. Tax rates vary according to your Your professional qualifications situation. You can check the current rates You will need to check whether your on the HM Revenue and Customs website at professional qualifications are valid in www.hmrc.gov.uk/rates/it.htm Scotland. UK NARIC is a national organisation, In addition to paying UK tax, you may also which can help you. The NARIC Recognition have to pay tax in your home country if you and Evaluation Service is the starting point are resident there for tax purposes and if when considering progressions towards your stay in the UK is temporary (under six further studies or employment in the UK. months). In that case, if the tax you pay in Their Web address is www.naric.org.uk the UK is less than the tax due on the same income in your home country, you will have How to find work to pay the difference to your home country. Please remember that you do not have to Further advice is available from your local pay anyone to help you find a job and no tax office at home. one should charge you for registering with a recruitment agency. There are people to National Insurance contributions (NI) are help and guide you even if you speak very also deducted. National Insurance pays for little English. Social Security Benefits including pensions. You will need to get a National Insurance number as soon as you start work. It’s a The European Job Mobility Portal unique number. Every employer will ask You can search for available jobs and find you for this and every employee should specific guides on living and working in have their own number. Contact your European Union countries from this site - nearest Job Centre – online information at www.europa.eu.int/eures www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk to arrange to get your NI number – you will need to take proof of identity with you. If you already have a

22 23 Careers Scotland Authorised by the worker’s contract.

Careers Scotland Centres have professional Consented to by the worker in writing before staff ready to help you explore job, education the deduction is made. and training options. You can access a full range of careers and occupational Useful Job Websites information - online as well as books, leaflets and prospectuses. Websites you can access to find jobs. For a comprehensive list go to the Finding a Just call in. You don’t need an appointment! job section on www.goodmoves.org.uk and To find out more about Careers Scotland www.s1jobs.com visit www.careers-scotland.org.uk or phone to talk to someone who can help you: Newspaper Websites Tel 0845 8 502 502 Dundee Courier and Advertiser: www.thecourier.co.uk Jobcentre Plus You can do some research into the types of The Scotsman: www.scotsman.com jobs available at www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk The Herald: www.theherald.co.uk

Local offices: Finding a job can be hard work but there Wellgate House, Wellgate Centre, are plenty of organisations out there to Dundee, DD1 2DB help you. Knowing your rights and feeling Telephone: 01382 373000 confident with the necessary paperwork can Textphone: 01382 373079 be daunting but there is help and advice available. 3 Gellatly Street, Dundee, DD1 3DX Self-employment Telephone: 01382 373000 Textphone: 01382 373183 If you want to come here and run your own business you do not need permission to do so. You will be expected to pay National Recruitment agencies Insurance and Income tax on your income. You will find several recruitment agencies in To do this you will need to register with HM Dundee city centre. Recruitment agencies Revenue and Customs. You can register work in one of two ways: by calling the Helpline for the Newly Self- Employed on tel: 08459 154515. People Either by employing and paying you while who trade as sole traders and are partners you work on a contract they’ve secured with within a partnership are treated as self- an employer. employed for tax purposes.

Or filling a vacancy for an employer who will In Scotland we are proud of our then employ you directly. entrepreneurial culture and support new You must be clear what the arrangement and growing businesses. The main business is and the contract of employment and support agency is deductions, which will be made. Remember Scottish Enterprise, Enterprise House, employers can only make deductions if 3 Greenmarket, Dundee, DD1 4QB. they are: Tel: 01382 223100 Required by law Fax: 01382 201319 (e.g. Tax and NI contributions). Their Web address is www.scottish-enterprise.com

24 25 You can find out more about their services • Make sure all your family know what to businesses at www.bgateway.com to do in a fire and how to escape safely Also in Dundee is the Small Business Gateway, • Keep passages and hallways clear 19 King Street, Dundee, DD1 2JD. of obstructions Tel 01382 205000 • Put out cigarettes and email: [email protected] or candles properly web address: www.sbgateway.com • Switch off electrical appliances if you are not using them Emergency Services • Close doors at bedtime, to prevent You can dial 999 or 112 in this country to fire spreading call the emergency services. These numbers • Make sure that you know how to get are free to call, but are for emergencies only. out of your home if there is a fire. If you call them you will be asked which Keep any keys for doors, windows in service you need : Police, Fire, Ambulance safe places where you can get them or Coastguard. You will be asked your name, if you need to use them where you are calling from, and what the emergency is. The Fire and Rescue Service can do a fire safety check on the place where you live. Police They can also check the place where You should call the police if you have a car you work, if you are worried about fire accident, if you are the victim of a crime or safety there. witness a crime. You have the same right to safety as anyone else. Police in the UK Contact Tayside Fire and Rescue Service are responsible for keeping law and order. on Tel: 01382 322222 and They are not part of the army, they are online from www.taysidefire.co.uk independent from the Government, and and www.firekills.co.uk they do not routinely carry guns. All police in Tayside can call an interpreter if one Ambulance is needed. You should call 999 or 112 and ask for the Ambulance Service if you or someone is ill Fire or injured and if someone is too ill to get If you do have a fire – however small - get to hospital by themselves. everyone out of the building and dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Fire and Coastguard Rescue Service. You should call 999 or 112 and ask for the A fire can start very easily and can spread Coastguard for incidents on or near the very quickly. You can reduce the risk of fire coast, in the sea or on boats. They can also in your home by following the rescue people who have fallen down cliffs or advice below: are cut off by the tide.

• Make sure that there is a smoke ICE alarm where you live and that it works If you carry a mobile phone, make sure you store an emergency contact under ICE in the phone book. ICE stands for In Case of Emergency, and can be used by ambulance

26 27 staff to find out information about you if you Pocket knives must have a blade less than are injured and can’t speak to them. If you 7.5cm and any weapon where the blade can, try to make sure that the person you locks in place is not permitted, whatever choose can speak English. the blade length. Pepper spray/CS gas is classed as a firearm Racial and homophobic crime in the UK and cannot be legally carried by If someone is attacked, or shouted at, or members of the public. property is damaged because of that person’s race, religion or sexual orientation, this General is called a hate incident. The police would It is illegal to have sex before you are 16, or want you to report this. It is not acceptable with someone who is under 16. It is illegal in this country, and the police will help to have sex with someone who doesn’t want to find and punish people who carry out to have sex with you. It is called rape if you hate crimes. do, and this is a serious crime. Your partner If you become a victim of any hate crime cannot force you to have sex with them if please report this to the police. The matter you don’t want to, even in your own home. will then be fully investigated so that the This is still rape. person responsible can be prosecuted .The It is illegal to purchase alcohol before the age police will try and help and if you wish you of 18 years, however 16 and 17 year olds may call on other agencies such as Victim can buy beer, wine, and cider in restaurants Support to offer you support. As well as and in separate eating areas of pubs. police patrol officers, some neighbourhoods have a designated neighbourhood or liaison It is illegal to take or deal in illegal drugs, police officer and they are also able to offer such as heroin, cocaine and others. Police you any help or advice your need. Do not have the power to search you if they have take the law into your own hands – you reasonable belief that you are in possession may end up getting yourself into trouble of illegal drugs. It is an offence to refuse to or hurt. be searched and you could be arrested.

Victim Support can help people affected It is illegal to steal. In this country most by crime by providing emotional support, shops and business premises have very practical help and essential information good camera recording systems (CCTV) to victims, witnesses and others affected which record your actions whilst in their by crime. premises. If you steal you could be arrested by the police and kept in custody to appear Contact Number Ten, 10 Constitution Road, at court. Dundee Tel 01382 305707 Email: [email protected] Police officers have powers to obtain the or visit www.victimsupporttayside.org.uk names, address, date of birth, place of birth and nationality of people who they suspect of Laws in the UK committing a crime or who have witnessed a crime. It is an offence to refuse to give Weapons this information to a police officer and if you do not do it you could be arrested. You cannot carry weapons in a public place, not even for personal protection. Domestic Violence and Abuse This includes guns and knives as well as other weapons. If a woman is attacked by a relative, or partner or ex-partner, this is called Domestic

28 29 Abuse or Domestic Violence. This is not If you come here to study and you are a acceptable in this country. Any woman who European Union student you are entitled to feels under threat, or is abused in her own free NHS medical care treatment regardless home can contact the Police, Women’s Aid or of the length of your course. Barnardo’s for assistance and advice . They will be able to give emotional support to If you are a non-EU national and are enrolled people suffering domestic abuse. They can on a course of study for more than six also give counselling. Dundee City Councils months you are considered by the National Social Work and Housing Departments will Health Service (NHS) to be a resident in work together to try to provide houses the UK. Therefore you are entitled to free for people who have left home because of health care, provided you are registered domestic abuse. with a local doctor.

Domestic abuse can affect men too. Anyone If you are studying for less than six months who needs help can contact the police who will you will have to pay for health treatment assist them. and are therefore advised to take out health insurance for yourself and any dependants. Barnardo’s Domestic Abuse Workers - They offer advice and support, and if Your spouse and children are entitled to the necessary, can refer to the other statutory same medical care as yourself. If you are on and voluntary services. a course lasting more than 6 months, you and your family will be entitled to receive Contact 01382 596866 during medical care under the National Health office hours. Service (NHS).

Women’s Aid Dundee: Offers information, If your stay is for less than 6 months you support and safe refuge space for abused should also register for NHS care but you women and any accompanying children. will need to pay for hospital treatment unless your country has a reciprocal Contact 61 Reform Street, arrangement with the UK. We advise you to Dundee, DD1 1SP. take out medical insurance for yourself and Tel: Crisisline: 01382 202525 your family. Email: [email protected] If you are entitled to NHS treatment, the Women’s Rape And Sexual Abuse following services are free of charge: Centre: Offers support for women, young women and girls who have been raped or • Consulting a GP (General sexually abused at anytime in their lives. Practitioner) and most other GP services Helpline: 01382 201 291 • Treatment in a hospital (both Email: [email protected] emergency and non-emergency treatment) Health Services Eye tests and dental check-ups Am I entitled to free healthcare? You may need to pay for: If you come to the UK to work and are liable to pay UK National Insurance contributions • Medicines prescribed by your you will be able to obtain free healthcare GP (prescriptions) under the UK National Health Service • Some GP services (NHS). e.g. travel vaccinations

30 31 • Dental treatment To find a local GP or doctor • Eye treatment Search for a GP at: www.show.scot.nhs.uk/ findnearest/healthservices • Find out more at www.doh.gov.uk Look for information available in all public General Practitioners libraries or Post Offices. (GP or Doctor) If you are to be staying in the UK for more Out-of-Hours Service/NHS 24 than 3 months, it is important that you If you or someone you care for is unwell register with a General Practitioner (GP) when your GP surgery is closed and you feel when you arrive in the UK. This will usually that it can’t wait until your GP surgery re- be your first point of contact for healthcare opens then you can call NHS 24 on 08454 services. 242424. A nurse advisor will assess the General Practitioner means a doctor who situation and advise you on what you should deals with general medical problems. If do next. The nurse may explain how you you are ill, you will visit your GP as the first can look after yourself at home, or they point of contact. GP clinics are usually open may forward you to the local NHS Out of Monday – Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm. Hours services.

To register with your new GP you will need Accident and Emergency (A&E) to bring documents to prove you are a If you need emergency medical help at permanent resident of the UK. Your new any time you should go to the Accident GP will fill in forms to allow you to access and Emergency Department at Ninewells healthcare services as and when you need Hospital. them.

Once registered your family will be able Pharmacies (Chemists) to use their GP not just when required for Pharmacies (chemists) are found on most treatment, but also if they need information high streets and are able to offer advice about on illness prevention and healthcare a wide range of health matters, especially promotions. advice about medication. If your GP has If you are to be in Dundee for up to 3 months given you a prescription for medication, you can attend a doctor as a temporary your can collect the medication from a resident without having to register. It is pharmacy. Some medicines can also be advisable to take your passport and National bought at pharmacies and supermarkets. Insurance number with you. Dentists The GP works together with health specialists A local dentist can be found in the same way such as midwives, health visitors and district as a GP, but there are differences in how nurses and is able to refer you to hospitals they deliver NHS treatment. Some people or specialist clinics. get free dental care: Vaccinations are offered free to babies, • Children and some young people young adults and the elderly, as well as the chronically sick. • Adults on state benefits • Expectant mothers (up until a year after their child is born) Dental check-ups are free for all. However,

32 33 standard charges apply for any treatment Transport and Getting Around required. The prices can vary depending on the extent of an individual’s treatment. The Taxis dental practice will advise you of any charges. Find out more at: www.dh.gov.uk There are basically two different types of taxi in the city - private hire and streetcars.

Opticians Streetcars are licensed under yellow taxi Opticians can be found on most high streets plates. They are normally operated by self and provide NHS treatment. Eyesight tests employed drivers. They can be prebooked, are free. An optician detecting any problems hailed or picked up from defined taxi-ranks. requiring investigation or treatment would Fares are normally on the meter which is direct clients to their GP – who may refer in the cab. Costs are based on distance them on to an eye hospital or clinic. Find travelled with tariffs set for different times out more at : www.dh.gov.uk of day plus there may be extra charges for additional passengers.

Family Planning Services Private Hire vehicles are licensed under Family Planning services provide a range white taxi plates. They must be booked by of Health Services including advice phone and are not allowed to be hailed on and treatment about contraception the street or to use defined taxi-ranks. and emergency contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy testing Cars and terminations. To buy new or second hand cars look in the Your GP is able to provide Family Planning local paper or visit local car dealers. Make Services, or you may wish to visit the sure that you are insured and that the car service based at Ryehill Health Centre, St has road tax and a MOT certificate before Peter Street, Dundee, DD1 4JH, tel: 01382 you drive. 656564 or the Genito Urinary Medicine If your car fails its MOT, or reaches the end Clinic at . of its certificate of roadworthiness, you must The Corner provides a wide range of dispose of it at a licensed scrap yard. It is confidential health and information services illegal to dispose of it anywhere else. for young people aged between 11 - 25 There are a number of vehicle hire companies years. This includes contraception and where cars can be hired for periods of a day pregnancy testing. or more. Contact 18 Dock St, Dundee, DD1 3DP Tel: 01382 206 060 By air Their Web address is: www.thecorner.co.uk has up to four flights per day to London City Airport. Flights to Interpretation Services other London airports and international All healthcare providers in Dundee are able destinations are available from Glasgow, to access interpretation services if you Prestwick, , Aberdeen and require them. This service is provided free of Inverness airports. Some information is charge to you. If you require interpretation available on www.baa.co.uk or through local or translation services please tell your travel agents. healthcare provider as soon as possible.

34 35 By ferry Information on Travel Dundee Services can be found in the Coach Shop in Commercial If you plan to bring your car from Europe Street or online at then you can take the ferry from Zeebrugge www.traveldundee.co.uk direct to Rosyth which is just 55 minutes Information on Stagecoach Strathtay from Dundee. For more information contact Services can be obtained from the Seagate www.superfast.com Bus Station or online at www.stagecoach.co.uk By road In the UK, Motorways link different areas of For longer journeys between cities and the country - for example the M90 between to towns in the rest of the UK there are Perth and Edinburgh. Roads which link major various low-cost bus services, including towns are called “A” roads; for example the MegaBus and City Link. Again information A90 between Dundee and Perth. Local roads on these services can be obtained from the link smaller towns and villages and are bus station. usually served by single carriageway roads For information on bus, train and rail or “B” roads. In some rural areas especially services and also for a travel planner go to in the North of Scotland some single-track www.dundeetravelinfo.com or roads may still be encountered. www.travelinescotland.com

By rail Shopmobility Dundee - provides free loans of manual and powered wheelchairs, as Trains are a fast and efficient transport option well as powered scooters to those with for travel. The main lines from England run mobility problems who wish to visit Dundee through to Edinburgh and Glasgow. GNER, City Centre for shopping or other reasons. Virgin Trains and First Scotrail network It operates from the Overgate Centre provide both cross country and suburban Tel: 01382 228525 routes.

By bus Driving In Scotland Traffic in the UK drives on the left-hand side of Within all areas there is a public transport the road. bus network. Depending on where you are living buses are frequent and efficient and If you ride a motorbike or a moped you must you can buy tickets on the bus. If you are wear a crash helmet, unless you are a Sikh travelling a route regularly to work or study and wear a turban. you can buy daily, weekly and monthly passes which brings the cost down. Within To drive on roads in the UK you must: Dundee there are two main operators. Travel Dundee runs most of the local bus services • Be at least 16 years old to drive within the City. If travelling and intending to a moped travel on the bus exact fare is required - no • Be at least 17 years old to drive a change will be given. Stagecoach Strathtay car or a motorbike run most of the journeys outwith Dundee. • Display a valid tax disc Some of the bus stops in the city have real • Have a valid driving licence time information and all bus stops carry timetable information regarding services • Have UK insurance for that vehicle from the bus stop. • Have a valid MOT certificate, if the car is more than 3 years old

36 37 If you do not have any of these documents Information on driver and vehicle licensing do not drive. If you are in any doubt check is available on www.dvla.co.uk your local police office. Further details about driving licences are given in leaflet D100 Parking available from post offices. For on-street parking you should obey the If you want to drive in the UK and have regulations set out in the Highway Code a valid driving licence from your home – available online at country, you can use it for up to a year from www.highwaycode.gov.uk your date of entry into the UK, or up to the age of 70 if you are from an EU country. There are around 5,000 car parking spaces DVLA Information Leaflet D100 provides all within easy walking distance of the city further information on UK driving licences centre “Pedestrian Zone” shops. There are and Leaflet INF38 covers driving in UK as a also approximately 530 on-street parking visitor or a new resident. spaces in the city centre.

You should read the Highway Code, which Disabled Persons may park free of charge gives details of the laws and road signs, before and without time limit in any Council car you start to drive. You can see a copy of the park or on-street parking bays. You must Highway Code at your local library or online at display a disabled person badge. Contact www.highwaycode.gov.uk Dundee City Council 01382 433000 for further information. If a seat belt is fitted in a vehicle it must be worn. It is your responsibility if you Residents’ Permits - These allow residents are over 14. If there is anyone under in central areas to park on streets and 14 in the vehicle then it is the driver’s in the nearest Council car park to their responsibility to ensure they are wearing home address, without further payment a seatbelt. and without time limit. Contact Parking Office, Gellatly Street, Dundee DD1 3DY. Children up to 135cm in height (or 12th Tel: 01382 432090. birthday) must use a correct child restraint whilst in the car. Cyclists

Children aged over 12 and over 135 cm in You must: height must wear an adult seat belt. • Obey the Highway Code – available Every passenger must have a designated online at www.highwaycode.gov.uk seat. Carrying more people in a vehicle than • Ensure that your bike is fit to be on the available number of seats is dangerous the road and that the brakes, lights and illegal. and tyres are all in good condition Drinking alcohol and then driving is a very It is advisable to: serious offence in the UK. The safest thing is not to consume any alcohol at all if you • Make sure other road users can see are going to be driving. you by wearing reflective clothing • Wear a cycle helmet If you bring a car into this country from another country, it must have valid tax, • When riding at night make sure insurance and a certificate of roadworthiness other road users can see your bike (MOT), to say it is safe to drive. If the car and that it has a white light to the is to be here for a long time, you should tell front and a red light to the rear Customs and Excise that you have brought it in.

38 39 Pedestrian Safety non-denominational schools.

When walking after dark in rural areas: Your child will complete four years of secondary education before deciding on Wear light clothing or something which is whether to stay on at school to gain more reflective so motorists can see you. qualifications or go on to further education Walk on the pavement if there is one. If or go into employment. there is not a pavement walk so you are Dundee City Council’s Education Department facing traffic coming towards you. can provide advice on where your child’s If you are walking in a group make sure you nearest school is and give you guidance do not block the road. Walk in single file. on what to do next when you are making arrangements for your child or children to Always check both ways for traffic before attend a school in the city. crossing the road. Remember vehicles may drive on the opposite side of the road Additional Support Needs from your home country so think before you cross. If there is a pedestrian crossing If your child has additional support needs, please use it. their needs will be assessed and a plan will be put in place to support your child. We have two special schools spanning ages Education and Training 2 - 18 for children and young people with complex and profound learning disabilities. School Education Your child’s education is free. You may be You can speak to the Head Teacher of your asked to pay for extra curricular activities child’s school for advice and information such as music tuition and school trips. on how to get extra help with your child’s Education is paid for by taxation and learning if they are having difficulties. Our managed through Dundee City Council Support for Learning Officer can give you Education Department. guidance on how children and young people with additional support needs can receive Before the age of 5, children can attend the help they need. a private or a Council-run nursery school. There may be a cost for this especially for Bilingual Pupils’ Support Service under children under 3. From age 5 until There is also a specialist Bilingual Pupils’ about 11 or 12, all children attend a local Support Service, which aims to give bilingual primary school. You must register your child pupils access to the curriculum so that they for primary school. There are 40 primary can develop cognitively at the same time as schools in Dundee. So, you will be able to acquiring an additional language. The BPSS find one nearby no matter where you live in works with pupils, parents and teachers the city. within schools. Bilingual Assistants may From the age of 11 or 12, all children attend undertake home visits for pre-5 pupils and a secondary school. In Dundee. there are pupils with additional support needs where currently ten secondary schools, which are necessary. For further information contact called either ‘Academy’ or ‘High School’. 01382 438055 or email margaret.miller@ Apart from the different names, there is dundeecity.gov.uk no difference as all our secondary schools offer a wide range of subjects and cater for children and young people of all abilities. You can choose between Catholic and

40 41 Independent Education Dundee City Council - for example Housing, Social Work, Education, Finance, Leisure The High School of Dundee is the only and Communities Departments. independent fee paying school in the city providing primary and secondary education. It is also free when you use other public Pupils are admitted to the School after an services such as Health services and when interview or test, which is done to gain a you attend Job Centre interviews. measure of potential. Bursary support may be available to pupils on the basis The service is based in Central Library, of academic merit and financial need. To Wellgate, Dundee, DD1 1DB. find out more about applying for a place Telephone: 01382 431563/431542 contact the Admissions Co-ordinator on Email: [email protected] 01382 202921 or email: admissions@ highschoolofdundee.co.uk English for speakers of other languages Post- School Education Dundee City Council provides English Once children are over the age of 16, classes for speakers of other languages. they may choose to go to college e.g. This is managed through Mitchell Street Dundee College or University. The nearest Centre. Classes are available weekdays and Universities are University of Dundee, evenings at beginners and intermediate University of Abertay Dundee, Al-Maktoum level. You can also work towards SQA Institute and St Andrews University. qualification. For more information contact Discover Learning: Tel 01382 666665. From summer 2005 any non-EEA student graduating from a Scottish Higher or Further English Classes Education Institute with an HND, a degree, a master’s degree or a PHD will be eligible Dundee College offers evening classes in to apply for leave to remain for up to two English for Speakers of Other Languages years without requiring a work permit. from beginners to intermediate and upper intermediate levels. You may work Further Education and Training towards qualifications through the Scottish Qualifications Authority. There are many opportunities for adults to access training and education in Dundee. Alternatively, if you work in Dundee, you Advice on choices available can be found may be able to access English language from Learn Direct training through your employer. Please (www.learndirect-advice.co.uk). This is ask your employer to contact the College a national database, which will help you for details. Dundee College also runs full- to find training and put you in touch with time ESOL (English for Speakers of Other the education and training providers. Two Languages) classes. specific providers are described below. Remember - English language skills are vital Across the Language Barriers to access higher education in Scotland. The Open University in Scotland has produced a Dundee Translation and Interpretation Service useful booklet called “Am I ready to study (DTIS) provide professional, confidential and in English?” Call the Learning Development free service for people who have difficulty Team on 0131 226 3851 (in Scotland). understanding or communicating in English. You can assess your own language ability and Its aim is to support service users to gain get a Euro pass CV and Euro pass Language access to various services provided by

42 43 Passport, which are both standardised formats Further Information across Europe. For further information see Learn Direct Scotland provides a national www.europass.cedefot.eu.int database on all the training and education You can also get information about learning opportunities around Scotland. Their website English by visiting the British Council website at also has job profiles and information on www.learnenglish.org.uk what qualifications are needed for particular jobs www.learndirectscotland.com

Progression to university If you’d like further information, If you wish to study at University, there are please contact locally Overgate Learning a number of full and part-time courses to Centre Level 10, City House, help you prepare. Dundee College English Dundee, DD1 1UG. language courses may help you to meet the Tel: 01382 314201 University entrance requirements. www.dundeecoll.ac.uk/learndirect/olc.

University and Further Education Finances whilst studying To make it easier for you to find out more It is important to know how much it will cost about university and college education in you to live and study here. Most university Scotland a new information pack is available and college websites have a section for along with a website which provides details international students, which will give you of how to access higher education, financial an average cost for accommodation, food, support, credit transfer facilities, English transport and other general living expenses. language courses and much more. There You can also work part-time (up to 20 hours is also information on local resources per week) while studying and will be entitled throughout the regional areas of Scotland at to at least the minimum wage. www.diverseroutes.co.uk Most college courses are part-time and you All applications for University courses are will be charged a fee unless you have a low processed through the Universities and income. You may be eligible for some financial Colleges Admissions Service known as support with living expenses if you’ve been UCAS. The UCAS website has a vast amount working here and then decide to study. of information about available courses If you come to Scotland with the express and links to all the college and university purpose of going to university then you may websites. There is an on-line application not normally be allowed living expenses system, advice and links to where to get support. You can check that you are eligible financial support. See www.ucas.com/ to receive to support study at university at studyuk/index.html If you decide to apply www.student-support-saas.gov.uk/ for a college place, you should contact the - click on ‘Eligibility’ on the right. For more college directly. information on funding contact the college where you want to study. Contact details for all Scottish Colleges can be found at www.ascol.org.uk

Childcare A wide range of childcare is available from private and local authority run nurseries, Child and Family Centres, Registered Childminders and Out of School Care clubs.

44 45 For information about the wide range of DV8: Work with young people under 25 early years and childcare services available who have issues with their sexuality or with throughout the city and financial support the sexuality of a member of their family. please telephone Dundee’s Childcare Eighteen and Under. Information Service Help line on 01382 433900 or email [email protected] 1 Victoria Road, Dundee, DD3 9PU. Tel: 01382 206222 Faith LGBT Youth Tayside: This organisation People of many different religions live provides services for young people who in Dundee. There are Baha’í, Buddhist, identify as LGBT, one-to-one support, advice Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and other and information for workers and young faiths in the city. Dundee Inter Faith people as well as information on groups and Association can help you make contact with events. other people of your religion. The Corner, Telephone: Rosemary 01382 667119 Dock Street, Dundee, DD1 3DP. or Carrie 01382 827418 or Tel: 01382 206060 Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.lgbtyouth.org.uk or for Dundee Directory of Email: [email protected] Local Organisations visit www.dundeecity.gov.uk Leisure And Culture LGBT Library Services There have been recent changes in legislation Libraries provide free access to the Internet in UK & Scotland to make regulations to end and a wealth of information for students. discrimination towards lesbian, gay, bisexual Study space and study guides are available. and transgender people in employment and If you live, work or study in Dundee, you may vocational training and also in the provision borrow books, language courses, music CDs of goods, facilities and services. In addition and DVDs. Storytelling sessions for babies there has been legislation for gender and young children take place in all libraries. recognition and civil partnership registration For full information about library services visit for same-sex couples. www.dundeecity.gov.uk/library/main Diversitay: Give information, counselling and support on issues concerning gay, Adult Learning lesbian and bisexual people in Dundee, Dundee City Council offers a wide range Angus, and Perthshire. of adult learning opportunities through its network of community centres and Call 01382 20 2620 on Mondays 7-10pm. libraries. They provide a good opportunity PO Box 53, Dundee DD1 3YG. to meet new people and gain new skills. Information available online at You can get further information from local Email: [email protected] community centres, libraries or online at Web Address: www.diversitay.org.uk www.dundeecity.gov.uk

46 47 Sport and outdoor activities Dundee to Edinburgh 65 miles 1 hour 10 minutes Sport Centres, swimming pools, golf by car courses, and other sporting facilities are run privately or by the local authority and by Dundee to Aberdeen 70 miles voluntary organisations across the city. 1 hour 10 minutes by car The Leisure & Communities Department’s Sports Development Section offers a wide Dundee to Glasgow 90 miles variety of sporting opportunities which 1 hour 30 minutes cater for all ages and abilities. Programmes by car on offer include academic term-time sports coaching classes and the very popular Visit www.visitscotland.com – it’s not just Easter, Summer and October Holiday Sports for tourists but for all of us who want to Programmes. enjoy our country to the full. Explore the land, its diverse regions and its people. The classes themselves range from pre- school Mini Kickers and Little Gymtime to sports specific classes such as Basketball, Football, Gymnastics, Hockey, Dance and Swimming. Links and contacts are also available for a large variety of Sports Clubs and organisations throughout the city.

Additional sporting opportunities are also available in the many Sports and Leisure Facilities in Dundee, which offer the additional benefit of the Leisure Active Membership Scheme. Community More information and contacts are available on the following websites - Dundee Voluntary Action (DVA) is the Council www.sportdundee.com and for Voluntary Service in Dundee. It can www.dundeecity.gov.uk/sportscentres/ provide you with useful contacts for support, index.html advice or activity groups or organisations. It also provides practical support and advice The city is also well served by parks. to community and voluntary groups on how For further information visit www.dundeecity. to set up a new group, how to become a gov.uk/outdooractivities/parks.htm charity, how to seek funding and how to develop your organisation. Dundee is well placed for outdoor pursuits. To get involved with sport in Scotland visit You can find DVA at Number Ten, www.sisport.com 10 Constitution Road, Dundee DD1 1LL. Tel: 01382 305732 or Beyond Dundee Email: [email protected] Dundee is well situated for visiting other Web Address: www.d-v-a.org.uk cities in Scotland and is within easy reach of the countryside.

Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen are within easy travelling distance from Dundee.

48 49 Volunteer Centre Dundee Amina - the Muslim Women’s Resource Centre offers a Helpline with advice and There are hundreds of different things to listening support for Muslim women. There do as a volunteer. While you are looking is help with a range of concerns including for work or getting to know Dundee you family matters, marriage, domestic abuse could choose to volunteer for a charity or and the availability of leisure activities local group. Although you will not be paid, suitable for Muslim women. volunteering can help you: Freephone number: 0808 801 0301 • Get local references an employer Email: [email protected] will recognise Available online at www.mwrc.org.uk • Practice your English Asian Action Group Tayside: Highlights • Get to know people in Dundee ethnic minority issues, in, for example, • Find your way around the city education, social work, housing, police, immigration, cultural issues, • It sometimes leads to an offer and businesses. of employment You can find the Volunteer Centre at Maxwelltown Information Centre, Number Ten, 121 Hilltown, Dundee, DD3 7AE. 10 Constitution Road, Dundee, DD1 1LL. Tel: 01382 32110 Tel: 01382 305705 Bengali Cultural Association, East of Email: [email protected] Scotland: Promotes Bengali art Web Address: www.volunteerdundee.org.uk and culture. Useful Contacts 13 Blair Place, Kirkcaldy Fife KY2 5SQ.

Advice & Services Centre: Free English Bharatiya Ashram: Indian Centre for language lessons, job searches, benefit Education and Culture. /welfare rights, legal advice, childcare assistance, career advice, adult learning Rockwell Primary Schoolhouse, opportunities, housing crisis issues, new 20 Lawton Road, Dundee, DD3 6SY. business start-up advice. Tel: 01382 818161 Web Address: www.bharatiyaashram.org.uk 7 -11 Arbroath Rd Dundee, DD4 6EW. Tel: 01382 458475 Bulgarian Consulate: Provides support Email: [email protected] and advice to migrant workers to Dundee and Scotland. Al-Maktoum Institute A Scottish Higher Education Institute which fosters Nikolai Zhelev, 28 West Acres Drive, excellence in teaching, research and Newport on Tay, DD6 8NR. consultancy in the study of Islam and Tel: 01382 308536 Muslim. Club Romano: Promotes social, sporting, 124 Blackness Road, Dundee, DD1 5PE. cultural and educational needs of the Tel: 01382 908070 Italian community. E-mail: [email protected]. 16 West Wynd, Dundee. Information available online at Email: [email protected] www.almi.abdn.ac.uk

50 51 Dundee Chinese Women’s Group: Hilltown Outreach Translation Provides an educational, social and Services: recreational events for local Assists with general enquiries and give Chinese women. practical support to minority ethnic communities by providing sign post- Contact Ling Wong, interpreting services on one to one base 31 Mains Loan, Dundee, DD4 7AB. and then make referrals to appropriate Tel: 01382 451234 agencies.

Dundee Community Language on 01382 432109/432110 or Advisory Group: Provides minority ethnic Email: [email protected] community language classes. Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, Hindi, Mandarin, Maxwelltown Information Centre: Punjabi, and Urdu. Provides information, advice and support services to minority ethnic communities Contact Room 51, Central Library, citywide in partnership with a range of The Wellgate Dundee, DD1 1DB. specialist agencies. Tel: 01382 431556 Email: [email protected] 121-123 Hilltown, Web Address: www.dclag.co.uk Dundee, DD3 7AE. Tel: 01382 432110 Dundee International Women’s Email: [email protected] Centre: Promotes educational, social and Address: www.maxinfocentre.co.uk recreational opportunities for women, with a particular emphasis on those from ethnic Scottish Bulgarian Association: minority communities. Provides support and advice to migrant workers. Unit 9 Dundonald Street, Manhattan Business Park, Nikolai Zhelev, Dundee, DD3 7PY. 28 West Acres Drive, Tel: 01382 462058 Newport On Tay, DD6 8NR. Email: [email protected] Tel: 01382 308536 Web Address: www.diwc.co.uk Shakti Women’s Aid Advice – Provides Dundee Khawateen Group: Provides information, counselling, support and a safe and friendly environment for temporary accommodation for black women from the Indian sub-continent. women and women from ethnic minority Allows them to meet and participate in communities and their children escaping educational and recreational activities. domestic violence. Information on housing, benefits, legal issues, immigration, c/o Adult Learning Team, Mitchell Street nationality, racial harassment and Centre, Mitchell Street, Dundee, DD2 2LJ. health. Languages available include Tel: 01382 435808, or email: farzana. Afrikaans, Arabic, Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi, [email protected] Singhalese, Swahili, Urdu and Yoruba.

East of Scotland Chinese Senior Club: Tel: 0131 475 2399 Provides a lunch club, holds health and Email: [email protected] educational talks and English classes for the wellbeing and integration of older Chinese people.

Contact Jennifer Chung, Volunteer Helper. Tel: (M) 07738 197854

52 53 Slavic & European Institute: Supports Dundee North Law: Provides free legal migrant workers and promotes adaptation, assistance and representation service for harmonisation and cultural events. residents living in Mid Cragie, Linlathen, Whitfield, Kirkton, Ardler, Mill O’ Mains, Nikolai Zhelev, Charleston, Maxwelltown, South Hilltown 28 West Acres Drive, and Lochee. Newport On Tay, DD6 8NR. Tel: 01382 308536 Contact 10 Grampian Gardens, Dundee, DD4 9QZ. Tayside Chinese Community Centre: Tel: 01382 432458 Aims to meet the needs of Chinese community in Tayside and promote Dundee Shelter Housing Aid Centre: Chinese cultural values, traditions and Offers free, confidential and independent cultural festivals. advice and assistance on a range of housing issues. Legal representation can be offered Contact Michael Wong in rent arrears cases. Tel: 0773 8355 1031 or E-mail: [email protected] Contact: 1 Courthouse Square, Dundee, DD1 1NH. Yusuf Youth Initiative (YYI). Focuses Tel: 0844 5152528 on the ethnic minorities of the younger Email: [email protected] generation and members of the community Website: www.shelter.org.uk catering for educational, social and economical development. Money Advice Support Team: Provides money advice on debt and welfare benefits Miln Street, Dundee. to residents of community regeneration Email: [email protected] areas. Provides advice on budgeting, Website: www.yyi.org.uk bankruptcy, benefit checks and negotiating with creditors on clients’ behalf (money Advice and advice). Translation service available Information Services on request. Law and your rights, money, debts, benefits, Brooksbank Community Centre, housing and homelessness: Pitairlie Road, Dundee. Tel: 01382 432452 CAB Dundee: Provides advice and Email: [email protected] information on a range of issues, including housing rights, welfare rights and benefits, Welfare Rights: Advice, information and money and debt issues, consumer rights advocacy about benefits, debt and rights. and employment rights. Representation at social security appeal tribunals and small Welfare Rights Service. Market Mews. claims actions. CAB also employs a racial Market Street. Dundee, DD1 3LA. discrimination worker, a French speaker and Website: www.dundeecity.gov.uk access to interpreters. Local organisations Contact Central Library, Wellgate Centre, Dundee, DD1 1DB. Dundee Directory of Local Organisation Tel: 01382 307494 is your definitive online guide to local Email: [email protected] organisations, clubs, societies and Web Address: www.dundeecab.org faith organisations in the area. Visit www.dundeecity.gov.uk/orgs/index.html

54 55 Local Radio Useful Retail Outlets There are 4 local stations: Al Noor Halal Foodstore: • Tay AM 1161/1584 202 Blackness Rd Dundee, DD1 5PL. Tel: 01382 522 558 • Tay FM 102.8 Bismillah Halal Foodstore: • Wave 102FM 122a Hilltown Dundee, DD3 7BG. • Radio Ramadan 107.5 FM Tel: 01382 202 786 (during Ramadan) Matthew’s Foods Chinese Holidays and Supermarket: Celebrations in Dundee 15 Gellatly St, Dundee, DD1 3DY. Tel: 01382 226 628 The following are local or public holidays. Please remember that not everyone is Out of Africa: entitled to a holiday on the actual holiday Beads, cornrows, hair extensions, dates. This will be determined by your braiding and products. employment contract if you are working. 142a Lochee Road, Dundee, DD2 2LB. Tel: 01382 644390 New Year – 1st January & 2nd January Polish Deli: Easter Holiday - 1st Monday in April 140 Cotton Road, Dundee DD3 7BR.

May Bank Holiday – 1st Monday in May Poshak Mahal Fabric Shop: 72 Albert Street, Dundee, DD4 6QH. Victoria Day - last Monday in May

Annual Trades Holidays – commences Sadia Fabrics: last Monday in July 86, Dens Rd, Dundee, DD3 7HX. Tel: 01382 816708 October holiday – 1st Monday in October Sequence Fabrics: Christmas Day – 25th December 186/192 Hilltown, Dundee, DD3 7BL. Tel: 01382 224829 of 01382 226500 Boxing Day – 26th December Shingar Fabric Shop: 49 Strathmartine Road, Dundee, DD3 7RX. Tel: 01382 489921

Shopafricana (African food shop): 262 Hilltown, Dundee DD2 7AR. Tel: 01382 221005

Wing Fung Chinese Supermarket: 49 Trades Lane, Dundee, DD1 3EW. Tel: 01382 206688

Zenova Fabrics: Peter St, Seagate Corner, Dundee, DD1 2EW. Tel: 01382 201572

56 57 ‘A Mighty Long Bridge’ by John Johnstone supplied courtesy of the artist