UK Tamil Sangam தமிழ்ச் சங்கம்
புதிய நாட்டில், நம் உறவுகளுடன்

Settling into UK life, together

UK Tamil Sangam is a volunteer-run community that helps Tamil families make a healthy, confident start in Britain. We explain the first steps, the NHS, and how to look after your health in a cold, dark climate that is very different from home.

யாதும் ஊரே யாவரும் கேளிர்
“Every town is our town, everyone our kin.” — Kaniyan Pungundranar, Purananuru
New to the UK? Start here Health in the UK climate
முதல் படிகள் · First steps

Your first weeks in the UK

Do these early. Most can be done online, and our volunteers can sit with you and fill in the forms in Tamil.

  1. Register with a GP (family doctor)

    Do this before you get ill. You do not need proof of address, immigration status, ID or an NHS number to register. Find your nearest surgery on nhs.uk.

  2. Apply for a National Insurance number

    You need it to work and pay tax. Apply free on gov.uk. Never pay an agent for this.

  3. Open a UK bank account

    Take your passport, visa or eVisa share code, and proof of your UK address (tenancy agreement or a letter).

  4. Set up council tax and utilities

    Tell your local council you have moved in. Check who supplies your gas, electricity and water, and take meter readings on day one.

  5. Apply for school places

    School places go through your county council, not the school. Apply as soon as you have an address.

  6. Sort out driving

    You can drive on your home licence for 12 months after becoming resident. Licences from India and Sri Lanka cannot be swapped, so you will need to pass the UK theory and practical tests. Check yours on gov.uk.

உடல்நலம் · Health

Looking after your health in the UK climate

Our bodies, diets and habits grew up in the warm sun of Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka and South-East Asia. British weather and lifestyle change things, and some health risks are higher for people of South Asian heritage. Knowing this early lets you prevent problems rather than treat them.

Less sunFrom October to March the UK sun is too weak for the body to make vitamin D. Darker skin needs even more sunlight to make it.
Higher inherited riskPeople of South Asian origin are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and often at a younger age.
சூரிய ஒளி வைட்டமின்

Vitamin D

10 micrograms a day, all year

UK health advice is that people with darker skin, including those of South Asian origin, take a daily 10 microgram (400 IU) vitamin D supplement all year round, not only in winter. Low vitamin D causes tiredness, aches and soft bones. Children and pregnant women need it too.

சர்க்கரை நோய், இதயம்

Diabetes and heart health

  • Watch your waist, not only your weight. South Asian risk starts at a smaller waist size.
  • Ask your GP for a blood sugar (HbA1c) and cholesterol check, especially if diabetes or heart disease runs in your family.
  • Everyone aged 40 to 74 is invited for a free NHS Health Check every five years. Say yes.
உணவும் நடையும்

Food and movement

At home we walk more and sweat more. In a UK winter we sit indoors. Keep rice portions moderate, add vegetables and dal, cut down on fried snacks and sweets, and walk briskly for 30 minutes a day, even in the cold.

குளிர், ஈரம்

Cold and damp homes

  • Keep the rooms you use warm, especially for babies and elders.
  • Open windows briefly after cooking and showers. Damp and black mould can cause coughs and asthma.
  • Report mould to your landlord in writing.
மன நலம்

Winter mood and loneliness

Short, grey days and being far from family can bring low mood. Get outside in daylight, keep in touch with people, and come to Sangam meet-ups. In England you can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies without seeing a GP first.

தோல், முடி

Skin, joints and chest

Cold air and central heating dry out skin and hair, so moisturise daily. Joint aches and chest infections are more common in winter. Ask your GP or pharmacy about the free flu vaccine if you are eligible.

999

Emergency: chest pain, stroke signs, serious bleeding, breathing difficulty.

111

Urgent but not an emergency, any time of day or night. Free from any phone.

Pharmacy

For coughs, colds, minor infections and advice. No appointment needed.

This page gives general information based on NHS and UK government guidance. It is not medical advice. Always speak to your GP, pharmacist or 111 about your own health.

வானிலை · UK weather

A year of British weather

The UK is rarely extreme, but it is often grey, wet and dark. In winter the sun sets around 4pm. The clocks go back one hour on the last Sunday of October and forward on the last Sunday of March.

Winter
Dec – Feb · 2–8°C

Dark by 4pm. Thermal layers, a warm coat, gloves and a hat. Frost and ice on paths.

Spring
Mar – May · 6–15°C

Changeable. Carry a light waterproof. Pollen season starts for hay fever sufferers.

Summer
Jun – Aug · 15–25°C

Long days, light until 9pm. Best time for outdoor walks and sunlight.

Autumn
Sep – Nov · 7–16°C

Wind and rain return. Start vitamin D if you have not already, and check your heating works.

உதவி · How we help

You do not have to work it out alone

  • A Tamil-speaking buddy for your first months in the UK
  • Help filling in GP, school, council and NI forms
  • Health awareness sessions on diabetes, heart health and vitamin D
  • Winter coat and clothing swaps for new arrivals
  • Friendly gatherings so nobody spends winter alone

Contact us

Based in
Woking, Surrey