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YAC can support young people aged 13-25 on a number of issues such as emotional wellbeing, neurodivergence, benefits claims and employment. See link below for full details. YAC are also able to make referrals to other organisations if needed.

Their drop-in session is 3-6pm, Mondays-Thursdays.

Due to high demand, if people can't be seen right away they will be booked in for an appointment within 1-2 weeks.

https://www.ymcadlg.org/what-we-do/support-and-advice/youth-advice-centre-yac/

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YMCA Youth Advice Centre (YAC) in Brighton - YMCA DownsLink Group

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The YMCA Youth Advice Centre (YAC) offers advice, support and guidance to young people in Brighton and Hove. YAC workers are able to offer expertise in a wide

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YAC has a Food Market where 16-25 yr olds can buy weekly groceries for £5.

When: Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 3-5pm.

YAC can also assist with:

Referrals to food banks

One-off free groceries for those in emergencies

Financial literacy/budgeting advice.

https://www.ymcadlg.org/what-we-do/support-and-advice/youth-advice-centre-yac/

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YMCA Youth Advice Centre (YAC) in Brighton - YMCA DownsLink Group

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The YMCA Youth Advice Centre (YAC) offers advice, support and guidance to young people in Brighton and Hove. YAC workers are able to offer expertise in a wide

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Birmingham LGBT advocates and supports lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities in Birmingham and beyond. Contact them on 0121 643 0821 or hello@blgbt.org 10am to 6pm Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 10am to 8pm Tuesdays, Thursdays and 10am to 1pm Saturdays.

British Red Cross lists local refugee and asylum support services. Leicester LGBT Centre provides support for LGBT people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Contact them on 0116 2547412 or info@leicesterlgbtcentre.org.

LGBT Foundation provide a wide range of services to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people in Manchester. Contact them on 0345 3 30 30 30 or info@lgbt.foundation

LGBT Health and Wellbeing provides health services to LGBT people in Scotland. Contact them on admin@lgbthealth.org.uk or call their helpline on 0300 123 2523 Tuesday and Wednesday 12 - 9pm, Thursday and Sunday 1-6pm.

LGBT+ Cymru Helpline & Counselling Service provide confidential information and advice for LGBTQI+ people and their friends and family. Contact them on 0800 917 9996 Monday 7pm-9pm.

Migrant Help provide support with asylum and refugee resettlement.Contact their Asylum advice line on 0808 8010 503.

Rainbow Home provides support to LGBT people seeking asylum and those who have been granted leave to remain but are unsettled in the North East of England. Contact them on rainbowhomene@gmail.com.

Refugee Councilprovide support for asylum seekers and refugees in the UK.Contact them on 02073466700 or info@refugeecouncil.org.uk. You can find your local support service here.

Right to Remain has a helpful toolkit: https://righttoremain.org.uk/toolkit/

AVID are a UK-wide network of detainee visitor groups. Contact them on 0207 281 0533 or enquiries@aviddetention.org.uk

Bail for Immigration Detainees provide legal advice and representation for migrants in immigration removal centres. Contact their detainee helpline 020 7456 9750 from 10am to 12pm Monday to Thursday.

Detention Action provide support and advocacy for migrants detained at Colnbrook, Harmondsworth and Morton Hall. Contact 0207 226 3114 or admin@detentionaction.org.uk. Call their detainee helpline on 0800 587 2096.

Gatwick Detainees Welfare Group provide support for migrants detained at Brook House and Tinsley House. Contact their detainee helpline: 0800 389 4367 or via their website.

Medical Justice provides medical support for people held in detention centres. Contact them on 0207 561 7498 or 07540 300563 for emergencies.

SOAS Detainee Support are a London-based detainee visitor group. Contact them on sdetsup@gmail.com

Housing support

The organisations listed below are LGBTQI+ friendly and help those seeking asylum.

Micro Rainbow provides safe housing for LGBTQI+ people who are seeking asylum. You can contact them on housing@microrainbow.org or the phone numbers for their local offices in London, Midlands or the Northwest can be found on their website here.

The Outside Project is an LGBTQI+ friendly hostel for those who are experiencing homelessness. Please visit their website to access the self-referral form.

The Passage provide emergency and long-term support for people who are homeless in London, including people with no recourse to public funds. Contact 020 7592 1850.

Refugees at Home will help asylum seekers who are homeless to find a host who can provide housing while secure housing is arranged. Please visit their website for their self-referral form.

Shelter from the Storm is a London homeless shelter with 12 beds for women and 18 beds for men. Open 6pm-8am. To contact them please visit their website.

Stonewall Housing offers support for LGBTQ+ people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Contact them on info@stonewallhousing.org or 020 7359 5767. They also offer drop-in advice sessions, please visit their website for more information.

Mental health

Freedom from Torture provide therapy and support for survivors of torture. To make a referral please visit their website.

Outcome's Freedom From Fear to Love project offers mental health and other support to LGBTQI+ people claiming asylum as well as helping granted refugees re-settle. Please contact 020 7272 5038 on a Tuesday or email outcome@islingtonmind.org.uk.

Helen Bamber Foundation support refugees and asylum seekers who have experienced extreme human cruelty, such as torture and human trafficking. You can self-refer to them via their website.

LGBT Switchboard offers emotional support over the phone and online for those who identify as LGBTQI+. They are open from 10am to 10pm every day. Call 0300 330 0630 or visit their website.

London Friendoffer counselling for LGBTQI+ people who are experiencing difficulties, they also have a specialist domestic violence counselling service. Please visit their websiteor contact them on counselling@londonfriend.org.uk

Mind Outprovidemental health support for LGBTQ+ people.Contact 01273 234839 or info@mindout.org.uk

Room to Heal offer support and refuge to people who have had to flee persecution, torture and indefinite detention. To contact them please visit their website.

Destitution support

Boaz Trust provides emergency support for refugees and asylum seekers in Manchester.

British Red Cross can help - please visit their website to find the office which is closest to you.

Refugee Council offer support for those who are destitute and seeking asylum. Please contact the destitution service on destitution@refugeecouncil.org.uk or drop into their destitution centre on Friday at 11am - 4pm at Hackney Day Centre, Red Cross Building, 92 Dalston Lane, London, E8 1NG.

NACCOM is a UK-wide network of organisations seeking to prevent destitution amongst migrants with no recourse to public funds. Find a local NACCOM project.

Domestic violence and sexual violence

Galop offer support and advice for LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence or hate crime. For domestic violence support contact 0800 999 5428 and for sexual violence support contact 020 7704 2040.

NAPAC provides support for adult survivors of child sexual abuse. You can contact them on 0808 801 0331.

Rape Crisis provide support for survivors of sexual violence. Contact Helpline for England & Wales: 0808 802 9999. Open 12:00-14:30 and 19:00-21:30 every day. Find a rape crisis centre in England and Wales. Helpline for Scotland: 08088 01 03 02. Open 18:00-00:00 every day. Find a rape crisis centre in Scotland.

Survivors Trust provide support for survivors of sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse, Contact their helpline on 08088 010 818, Monday-Thursday 10:00-18:00 and Fridays 10:00-14:00 or you can find the nearest sexual assault referral centre.

Galop provides help if you have experienced homophobia, transphobia or biphobia. You can contact their helpline 0207 704 2040, open Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm or email them at HateCrime@galop.org.uk.

Stonewall provides advice on reporting hate crimes as an LGBTQ+ person and a reporting guide.

Victim Support provides emotional and practical support for victims of hate crimes. You can contact their helpline on 08 16 89 111 or you can request support via their website.

Physical health and disability

56 Dean Street is a sexual health clinic for LGBTQI+ people. Contact them via their website.

Doctors of the World providemedical care, information and practical support for migrants and other vulnerable groups. Contact 0207 0789 629 or clinic@doctorsoftheworld.org.uk

Metro Charity provide health, community and youth services across London and the South East. Contact them on 020 8305 5000 or hello@metrocharity.org.uk.

Mortimer Market Centre offers free and confidential sexual health and contraception services in West London. Contact them on 020 3317 5252.

NAZ providesexual health support service, aimed primarily atBAME communities.Contact them on 02087411879 or Naz@naz.org

Regard support LGBTQ+ disabled people.Contact secretary@regard.org.uk

Positive East give information and advice around HIV related issues, including benefit advice, housing issues and employment law. They provide peer and group support, health and wellbeing programmes, counselling and psychotherapy services, and HIV/STI testing. Contact them on 020 7791 2855.

Online Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) screening provide counselling and physical and sexual health services for trans people. Appointments for people with symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), cervical smears, hormone injections and hormone blood tests can be booked at https://www.zesty.co.uk/practices/kch-camberwell-clinicq-at-kings

LGBTQI+ friendly faith-based organisations

Brighton Buddhist Centreoffer monthly LGBTQ+ meditation sessions. Contact them on 01273 772090 or info@brightonbuddhistcentre.co.uk

Diverse Churchprovide support and social events for LGBTQ+ Christians in the UK. Contact them via their Contact form

House of Rainbow is an Anglo-Catholic and Pentecostal LGBTQI+ inclusive church in London and Manchester. Contact them on +447507510357 or info@houseofrainbow.org

Imaansupport for LGBTQ+ Muslims in the UK.Contact imaanlgbtq@gmail.com

Inclusive Mosque create inclusive places of worship for muslim people, including LGBTQI+ and trans people. Contact admin@inclusivemosqueinitiative.org.

Journey Metropolitan Community Church in Birmingham is a LGBTQI+ inclusive church. Go to their website for more information.

Jewish LGBT+ Group isa social group for LGBTQ+ Jewish people. Contact them at info@jglg.org.uk

Keshet UKprovide support for LGBTQ+ Jewish people.Contact them using their contact form.

LGBTQ+/Gender & Sexuality Diversity Buddhists, Birmingham holds monthly meditations and evenings for LGBTQI+ and gender and sexually diverse people. Contact 07717 838 384 or lgbtq_gsd_buddhists_birmingham@hotmail.com.

Metropolitan Community Church of North London is an LGBTQI+ inclusive Christian church. Contact mccchurchnl@gmail.com.

Sarbatprovide support for LGBTQ+ Sikhs in the UK.Contact them via their Contact form

Twilight People is a project that uncovers the hidden history of transgender and gender-variant people of faith in the UK past and present.

Trans-specific support

CliniQ offers queer-inclusive and non-judgmental holistic well-being and sexual health services to trans clients. Phone: 07545 143 797 or email admin@cliniq.org.uk

Gendered Intelligence offers groups and support services for young trans people and their families. They also offer trans awareness training and presentations to organisations and schools and at events.

Mermaids provide support and guidance for trans children and young people up to 20 years old, their families and professionals involved in their care.

Spectra: offers social groups, one-to-one support, counselling and workshops for trans people, by trans people.

T on Tuesdayis a social group which meets twice a month from 7-9pm, on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday. You can just arrive and do not need to book but can email for more information. Phone: 0207 833 1674 or email: trans@londonfriend.org.uk

Women-specific support

Rainbow Sisters a group for LBT women and run by Women for Refugee Women.

If you would like to share any updates about organisations on this list, please contact us.

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Other organisations who can help LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum - Rainbow Migration

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Here you will find a curated list of organisations offering support and useful information for LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum

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To find out more about volunteering, training or our survivor support services, you can sign up for our newsletter below or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn

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RISE is an independent, Brighton-based registered charity that helps people affected by domestic abuse. We offer practical help ranging from direct advice to refuge accommodation for those whose lives are at risk.

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RISE is an independent, Brighton-based registered charity that helps people affected by domestic abuse. We offer practical help ranging from direct advice to refuge accommodation for those whose lives are at risk.

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Survivors' Network is a registered charity that aims to reduce sexual violence and its impact on survivors' lives. We are a fully accredited member of Rape Crisis England and Wales and are the Rape Crisis Centre for Sussex.
We understand that a healing journey starts with a small step and are here to help you.

We know that it takes a lot of courage to seek help for the effects of sexual abuse. There is no right or wrong way to feel afterwards and there is no fixed time for recovery.

No-one ever asks to be raped or is responsible for the attack in any way.

We believe that with the right support you can heal from your experiences.

This website has more information about Survivors' Network and our services. If you can't find the information you need please contact us on 01273 203380 or email admin@survivorsnetwork.org.uk.

Our building is women-only on Monday evenings and all day on Thursdays.

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Welcome, we're glad you found us - Survivors' Network

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Survivors' Network is a registered charity that aims to reduce sexual violence and its impact on survivors' lives. We are a fully accredited member of Rape Crisis England and Wales and are the Rape Crisis Centre for Sussex. We understand that a healing journey starts with a small step and are here to help you.

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Survivors' Network is a registered charity that aims to reduce sexual violence and its impact on survivors' lives. We are a fully accredited member of Rape Crisis England and Wales and are the Rape Crisis Centre for Sussex.
We understand that a healing journey starts with a small step and are here to help you.

We know that it takes a lot of courage to seek help for the effects of sexual abuse. There is no right or wrong way to feel afterwards and there is no fixed time for recovery.

No-one ever asks to be raped or is responsible for the attack in any way.

We believe that with the right support you can heal from your experiences.

This website has more information about Survivors' Network and our services. If you can't find the information you need please contact us on 01273 203380 or email admin@survivorsnetwork.org.uk.

Our building is women-only on Monday evenings and all day on Thursdays.

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Welcome, we're glad you found us - Survivors' Network

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Survivors' Network is a registered charity that aims to reduce sexual violence and its impact on survivors' lives. We are a fully accredited member of Rape Crisis England and Wales and are the Rape Crisis Centre for Sussex. We understand that a healing journey starts with a small step and are here to help you.

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The Young Women’s Therapy service delivers free, confidential, arts-based 1:1 therapy for young women (aged between 18 – 25) who have experienced violence, abuse, neglect or disadvantage in their early lives and whose experiences of trauma may be impacting on their lives and relationships and affecting their mental wellbeing.

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Oasis Projects support services for 16-25 year old young adults in Brighton and Hove.

If you are not yet 18 but need advice and support please click here to find out more about services that can support you.

HOPE Drug & Alcohol Support

The HOPE drug & alcohol service works with young adults 18-25 years old who are worried about their drug or alcohol use and feel they could do with some support.

We provide free, discreet, flexible support around substance misuse. We know that turning 18 can bring changes to life and life can be different for younger people compared to older adults, so we tailor our support specifically around you and your hopes.

You will receive support through 1:1 telephone, online and face to face appointments with a named keyworker. You can also access a range of recovery-focused groups here at Oasis or with our partners at CGL - your keyworker will help you to access these.

The Young Women's Therapy service delivers free, confidential, arts-based 1:1 therapy for young women (aged between 18 - 25) who have experienced violence, abuse, neglect or disadvantage in their early lives and whose experiences of trauma may be impacting on their lives and relationships and affecting their mental wellbeing.

The Transitions Therapy Service offers free, confidential, arts-based 1:1 therapy to people of all genders aged 16-25 years' old who are worried that their drug or alcohol use may be impacting on their mental wellbeing, and/or relationships with others. Therapy is an opportunity to explore these issues in some depth.

The usual offer is 12 weeks' individual (1:1) therapy in a face-to-face setting. Once therapy is completed, there is an offer of a 4-week structured follow up group.

Get in touch
or make a referral.

We've been doing this for over 20 years, so we really know what works. We see everyone as an individual, and make sure we can get them the right help at the right time.

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Young Adults Under 25 Years - Oasis Project

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HOPE Drug & Alcohol Support The HOPE drug & alcohol service works with young adults 18-25 years old who are worried about their drug or alcohol use and feel they could do with some support. We provide free, discreet, flexible support around substance misuse.

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For young women and girls with SEND aged 14 to 25 in Brighton & Hove.

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For young women and girls with SEND aged 14 to 25 in Brighton & Hove.

Join our relaxed, friendly group just for young women and girls with disabilities or additional needs. We like to play games and do art together, and generally hang out and talk.

Our Amazing Futures youth groups are a great opportunity to meet people your age, in a space where you can truly be yourself. You can talk to our trained peer support volunteers at the groups too. They won't try to tell you what to do, just listen and support you to find your own solutions to your problems.

If you'd like to come along, or have any questions, email Jem or call/text Jem on 07485 349659.

Sessions are free, but spaces are limited so please get in touch to book a spot. You must be registered with Amazing Futures to attend - you can download a registration form here.

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A relaxed, friendly Amazing Futures group just for young women and girls with SEND in Brighton & Hove, meeting monthly.

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Brighton Multicultural Women's Cycling Group

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Brighton Multicultural Women's Cycling Group

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https://brightonbikehub.org/brighton-multicultural-womens-cycle-club/

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Contact: thebmwscycleclub@gmail.com The BMWs is a community group which provides a friendly and supportive space for women from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds to learn to cycle and develo…

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Every Tuesday 10-12 at the BMECP Centre

https://bmecp.org.uk/muslim-women-peers-group/

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Thanks for sharing excellent informations. Your web-site is very cool. I am impressed by the details that you?¦ve on this web site. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for more articles. You, my pal, ROCK!

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bramberbakehouse.co.uk – A bakery providing opportunities for previously exploited women

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International Rainbow Inclusion Service (IRIS)  (Switchboard & Conversation Over Borders)

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International Rainbow Inclusion Service (IRIS)  (Switchboard & Conversation Over Borders)

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https://www.switchboard.org.uk/what-we-do/iris-international-rainbow-inclusion-service/

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IRIS, or International Rainbow Inclusion Service, is a free service for LGBTQ+ refugees, asylum seekers and migrants and those questioning their sexuality and/or gender identity.

Set up in December 2023 by Switchboard and fellow Brighton-based organisation Conversation Over Borders, it offers friendly, discreet, weekly social groups and one-to-one social prescribing support.

The aim is to support LGBTQ+ newcomers to the UK to help them adjust to their new surroundings, which may feel intimidating and difficult to navigate.

If you'd like to register with or help someone access the service, please do so by completing the form below.

For further information about IRIS or support with this form, please email Reuben Davidson at [email protected]

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IRIS - International Rainbow Inclusion Service - Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard

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IRIS, or International Rainbow Inclusion Service, is a free service for LGBTQ+ refugees, asylum seekers and migrants and those questioning their sexuality and/or gender identity. Set up in December 2023 by Switchboard and fellow Brighton-based organisation Conversation Over Borders, it offers friendly, discreet, weekly social groups and one-to-one social prescribing support.

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For many years, NACCOM members across the UK have been operating hosting schemes that provide an essential pathway out of destitution and homelessness for people in the asylum and immigration system.

Hosting is simply where someone offers a private room and access to shared facilities in their own home to a person or persons in need, free of charge. As well as giving those fleeing war, conflict and persecution a safe, temporary home, hosting can provide vital stability to enable guests to resolve their immigration status and move forward with their lives.

Hosting can be a rewarding experience for both hosts and guests when the right time, support and consideration has been given to facilitating a positive and safe hosting arrangement.

Below you will find a range of 'good practice' resources and guidance, developed by NACCOM in consultation with our members, to ensure that individuals and organisations that are considering, or are involved in, hosting can make an informed decision and can participate in hosting safely and with the right support.

NACCOM's Hosting Good Practice Guide: Part 1 - Key considerations for prospective hosts
Who is it for:

Anyone considering hosting a refugee or person seeking asylum in their home

Anyone wanting to gain knowledge on hosting 'good practice' (particularly voluntary and statutory organisations, churches and faith groups, and other community organisations who may be involved in matching or supporting hosts and/or guests).

NACCOM's Hosting Good Practice Guide: Part 2 - Key considerations for hosts and hosting organisations
Who is it for:

Anyone hosting a refugee or person seeking asylum in their home

Organisations involved in or running a hosting scheme

NACCOM's Hosting Good Practice Guide: Part 2 - Appendices document

Individual appendix documents are as follows, or you can download the full document below.

NACCOM's original Hosting Toolkit (2020) - A comprehensive guide for hosting organisations
Who is it for:

Anyone involved in running a hosting scheme for destitute people in the asylum and immigration system

For further information on the Homes for Ukraine scheme please read .

If you would like to become a host, please read our information page, where you will find a link to the enquiry form.

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Hosting is simply where someone offers a private room and access to shared facilities in their own home to a person or persons in need, free of charge. As well as giving those fleeing war, conflict and persecution a safe, temporary home, hosting can provide vital stability to enable guests to resolve their immigration status and move forward with their lives.

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Room for Refugees - Offer a spare room or property to help a destitute refugee or asylum seeker family

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Do you have a spare room or more? Could you offer temporary shelter to someone forced to flee their country who does not have the means to support themselves? I

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Hope at Home - Safe homes for survivors of slavery

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Hope at Home fights human trafficking in the UK by providing a hosting scheme for survivors. Restoring dignity, rebuilding lives.

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Sussex Refugee and Migrant Self Support Group.
Weekly Jollof Cafe Wednesdays 1pm.
Run by migrants for migrants, cooking with love and creating a warm welcoming space for all.

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Jollof Café, Brighton. 569 likes · 28 talking about this. Serving delicious food while raising money for Brighton Migrant Solidarity. Alternate Wednesdays 1-3pm in West Hill Hall, Compton Ave, BN1 3PS

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Print or download as a PDF

View this information in:

Getting a referral

Brighton & Hove City Council have a range of cost of living support resources on their website. They can also offer additional support such as foodbank referrals, vouchers, and fuel/financial assistance:

If you are in an emergency and need support on the same day:

For money, debt and fuel advice services you can contact the following:

The Moneyworks helpline helps with a wide range of financial advice and works by referring clients into the right service across the city's advice partnership. Call on 0800 988 7037 or 01273 809288.

Citizens Advice Brighton and Hove on 08082 787815 can help with benefit checks, claiming benefits, assistance with appeals, budgeting advice, debt advice & casework, referrals for free home safety checks from East Sussex Fire and Rescue.

Energyworks provides support to people experiencing fuel poverty through advice and grant payments. This service can be contacted on 0333 090 9150 or energyworks@cabrightonhove.org.

*Some advice organisations may be operating with wait times of 5 days to a few weeks before they can assess you.

Food Banks and Community Food Hubs

Some of the city's food banks require a referral from an organisation they trust (see above) and some you can contact directly. Please note, as well as food banks, there are:

Scroll down for text listings, or search our directory map by location, day of the week or type of project.

*If food banks are offering a delivery service, this is denoted in bold. Note that many food banks may not be able to provide delivery if they do not have adequate facilities, volunteers or capacity to do so. If you require a delivery for accessibility or other health reasons, please contact Impact Initiatives for further advice.

East

North

West

Central/ Citywide

Children & families

For children and families in need of emergency food support, contact the Front Door For Families service by Brighton & Hove Council. This is a service that covers all early help referrals for children and can be used by professionals or families.

To be contacted by a Family Hubs worker, fill out the website form, phone 01273 290 400 or send an email to FrontDoorforFamilies@brighton-hove.gov.uk.

BME/BAME community

Refugees, asylum-seekers & those with no recourse to public funds

Vegan

Outside Brighton & Hove

* Note that many food banks may not be able to provide delivery if they do not have adequate facilities, volunteers or capacity to do so. If you require a delivery for accessibility or other health reasons, please contact Impact Initiatives for further advice.

If you're involved in a food bank

Please see our advice for food banks page for information on our food banks and emergency food network.

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Advice for professionals - how to refer someone to a food bank and understand the alternatives.

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Brighton Light Trust Collection - takeaway only
Mondays 12-1pm. Free lunch takeaway service with sandwiches, soup and hot drinks. Holland Road Baptist Church, Holland Road, Hove BN3 1JN, UK. Targeted guests are the homeless community but anyone is welcome. Tel: 01273 732111 (answer machine available - aim to return your call as soon as possible). email: blt@hrbc.org.uk Website

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Brighton Light Trust Collection - takeaway only Mondays 12-1pm. Free lunch takeaway service with sandwiches, soup and hot drinks. Holland Road Baptist Church, Holland Road, Hove BN3 1JN, UK. Targeted guests are the homeless community but anyone is welcome. Tel: 01273 732111 (answer machine available - aim to return your call as soon as possible).

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A community fridge is a tried and tested way of stopping good food ending up in the bin. It is housed in a public, accessible place making surplus food freely available to anyone who wants it. The surplus food is provided by local businesses or members of the public.

Anyone can pick up the food for free, they are not policed and the operation is based on trust.

The fridge has strict monitoring guidelines, based on advice from the Food Standards Agency and the Council's Environmental Health team, to ensure it has the highest quality standards.

There are community fridges based at

Have you got surplus food and would like to drop it off?

If you are a business who has food leftover at the end of the day, perhaps you could consider dropping it in to the Community Fridge? It is an opportunity for your business to contribute positive social impact; supporting the local community, in particularly individuals who are in financial hardship. You would also be helping your business become zero waste.

Are you an individual who has some surplus food? Perhaps an enthusiastic allotmenteer who has too many broad beans?
We can accept things like:

Sealed packaged foods

Cooked food from a registered food business

Cheeses

Fresh fruit

Fresh vegetables

Table sauces

Pastry

Unopened milk & yoghurt

Unopened fruit juices

Salads

Eggs (with dates)

We can't accept:

Cooked food from your home or unregistered sources

Cooked food that doesn't have a use-by date

Cooked rice

Pates

Bean sprouts

Food made from unpasteurised milk

If you are a registered food business and want to drop off your leftovers we need to know the date it was cooked, ingredients list, allergen information and reheating instructions.

If you have large amounts of surplus food there are lots of other organisations that take food donations. Please visit our donating food webpage.

Would you like some free food?

You can visit the Community Fridge as often as you like. Anyone who needs some food can pick some up. We ask that people are considerate of the needs of others and only take what is fair.

If you need access to other free or low cost food please look at our food poverty webpages.

Can I set up a Community Fridge?

If you are interested in setting up a fridge or want to find out more contact 01273 234810 or info@bhfood.org.uk.

Can I take more action on surplus food?

Do you get frustrated about all the food that goes to waste? Would you like to volunteer to help food that would otherwise go to waste get to people who need it? There are lots of different volunteer opportunities on Surplus Food Projects in Brighton & Hove.

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A community fridge is a tried and tested way of stopping good food ending up in the bin. It is housed in a public, accessible place making surplus food freely available to anyone who wants it. The surplus food is provided by local businesses or members of the public

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Charity fighting hate crimes and discrimination

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It's a sad fact that racism is still prevalent in our industry, systems and society today. Whether covert or more explicit, it can leave those targeted experiencing a raft of difficult feelings, such as feeling alone, upset, humiliated or angry.

If you've been the victim of racism in any form, from microaggressions to discrimination, there is support available. You can find details of specialist organisations here below.

You can also talk to NABS' Advice Line. Our advisors can provide a listening ear and help you explore the options available, such as raising a complaint at work, without putting you under any pressure to take any action.

NABS does not recommend or endorse these specifically.

The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network - provides access of a community of therapists of Black, African, South Asian and Caribbean heritage

Provides access to a large community of therapists mainly of Black, African, South Asian and Caribbean heritage.
baatn.org.uk
Black Minds Matter - connecting Black individuals and families with free mental health services

The BMM mission is to connect Black individuals and families with free mental health services provided by professional Black therapists. You can join the waiting list by visiting their website

Mind - advice and support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem

Actively campaign against Inequalities affecting Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities. You can speak to someone for support by calling their helpline or explore their website for lots of information and guidance on managing your mental health. Your local branch of Mind might also know of suitable organisations and support in your local area.

Helpline: 0300 123 3393

Nafsiyat Intercultural Therapy Centre - access to therapists if you're facing barriers such as language or culture

If you're finding it challenging to access support due to barriers such as culture or language, you can access therapists who work across various languages and cultural backgrounds.

The network partners with BAME Stream to offer free bereavement support for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) adults who have been affected by the death of a loved one due to Covid-19. Visit BAME Stream's website for info on how to self-refer for this.
nafsiyat.org.uk
Rethink Mental Illness - support specifically for Black, Asian and other minoritsed ethnic people experiencing mental health issues

Offers some support options specifically for black, asian & other minoritised ethnic people experiencing mental health issues.
rethink.org
Victim Support - support if you have been a victim of a hate crime

Can support you if you've been a victim of hate crime regardless of whether the incident has been reported to the police. You can get help by calling their helpline, getting support online or by contacting your local victim support.

Helpline: 0808 168 9111
victimsupport.org.uk
Young Minds - offers guidance if your mental health has been affected through being treated unfairly due to your race or ethnicity

Offers some guidance on how to look after yourself if your mental health has been impacted by being treated differently or unfairly because of your race, skin colour or ethnicity.
youngminds.org.uk

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Specialist mental health support for those impacted by racism - NABS

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Helpful resources if you are from a Black, Asian, or other minoritised ethnic community, and are experiencing mental health challenges.

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Being treated differently or unfairly because of our race, skin colour or ethnicity can negatively affect our mental health. Here's some information on how to get help if you've experienced racism.

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Guide Menu for Racism and mental health

Being treated differently or unfairly because of our race, skin colour or ethnicity can negatively affect our mental health.

Racism can happen anywhere. It can happen at school, at work, or at home; it can happen online or offline, and it can even happen within families and relationships. Sometimes racist abuse is obvious - verbal abuse about the way someone looks, stereotypes about how someone might behave, or physical violence and bullying, for example. Sometimes racism is part of the structures and systems that we live in. And sometimes racism is 'subtle' and difficult for other people to notice.

The important thing is how you see the situation and how it makes you feel.

We can spend a lot of time wondering whether we have been badly or unfairly treated because of our skin colour, race or ethnicity, or for some other reason, and it's not always totally clear. This can make us feel confused or even foolish for talking about our experiences, especially if the people we are talking to have never had to ask themselves these sorts of questions.

Sometimes, even when we are convinced we have experienced racist treatment, people around us might try to tell us we've got it wrong. This can feel very lonely and isolating. But remember, you are not alone and your feelings are valid.

It's also valid if you feel that experiencing racism 'indirectly' has an effect on your mental health. Sometimes the things going on around us, to people just like us, can feel like they have happened to us and make us feel personally attacked, helpless, or like our lives don't matter.

Show/hide caption

Illustration by @ohhappydani. Six different hands reach across a pink background with the word 'worthy' written on their arms.

You might also be affected by:

racism directed towards your family and loved ones

constant negative headlines about a group you identify with or a country you have ties with

harmful representation, misrepresentation or no representation in the media

noticing worrying patterns of behaviour from the institutions you interact with (whether at your doctor's surgery, at school, at work)

reading statistics that show unfairness and inequality across the justice, health and education system

people dismissing how you feel, telling you you're overreacting, or denying there is a problem

your culture, community or religion being stereotyped or misunderstood by those around you

feeling like people treat you differently because of your personal or racial identity

An increasing amount of people from diaspora communities in the UK are experiencing disordered eating, and our unique experience of having to juggle our 'home' culture with our life in the West is hardly spoken about in discussions around mental healthcare. Stigma and racial discrimination in healthcare has meant that people of colour aren't able to seek out or access the right treatment.

Kari, 24

How can experiencing racism affect my mental health?

Your experiences of being treated differently from others because of your skin colour, race or ethnicity can mean that you live with constant fear or anxiety. You might start to avoid doing the same things that other people simply do without thinking about.

Some examples of this can include:

speaking in another language, or with an accent, in public

using public transport or going to certain public places alone where you could be a minority

using your real name on a job application

worrying about interacting with the police

worrying about wearing the clothes you want to wear

hiding parts of your identity, like your religion or culture

sharing your worldview and taking part in topical discussions

visiting places, or going on holiday to places, where racism has been reported

Young Black people are also at risk of being treated as an adult when they are not. Adultification is when children of minority groups are treated by adults as being "more mature than they actually are." This can cause a lot of problems for boys and girls within the Black community.

Jade, 23

Racism and religious discrimination

You might also have experienced people treating you differently or discriminating against you because of your religion - this is called religious discrimination. Although race and religion are different things, they often intersect, meaning that sometimes it can be impossible to separate your racial identity and your religious identity. This might mean that you experience religious discrimination alongside racism.

Some examples of religious discrimination can include:

not having particular cultural or religious needs respected in the office or in school, such as needing to take time to pray or to observe religious holidays

feeling peer pressured to take part in certain activities that don't align with your religious values, such as going to the pub and/or drinking alcohol

people making offensive comments or jokes about your religion or religious beliefs

not being allowed to wear items of religious clothing in the workplace or at school, such as a hijab

not being hired for a job or accepted into a school because of your religious beliefs or identity

being treated unfairly or 'differently' by teachers, friends or colleagues, because of your religion

Your religion is a deeply personal thing and being treated unfairly because of it can be very distressing. You might even feel like you have to hide it sometimes because you're worried about how people might react or what they might say. But remember that religious discrimination is never okay, and you deserve to feel proud of who you are.

You can find out more about religious discrimination and your rights on the Citizens Advice website.

Racism, directly or indirectly, touches every person of colour and has an effect on our mental health.

Sian, 19

Tips to help if racism is affecting your mental health

Here are some things you can do if racism is affecting your mental health.

Speak to someone you trustabout how you are feeling, like a family member, faith leader or a friend. Talking about how you feel can often be the first step to getting help and finding support. It might feel difficult to talk about how you are feeling or to revisit personal experiences of racism. Take your time and only share what you want to. Sometimes you might find it hard to talk to your family about how you're feeling because you're worried about how they may react. But it's important to remember that there are other people you can speak to who can help and support you. We have a range of helplines you can use for free listed at the bottom of this page.

You might find it helpful to talk to someone of a similar race, ethnicity or religion to you. The Black, African and Asian therapy network have a directory of specialist Black and minority ethnic (BME) counsellors or therapists. You can visit our page on therapy and counselling to find out more.

You should speak to your GP if you:

are experiencing flashbacks or intrusive thoughts about a traumatic

incident or think you might have PTSD

have a continuously low mood, depression or low self-esteem

are feeling numb or empty inside

experience changes to your sleeping or eating habits

experience any changes to your mood and behaviour that feel out of the ordinary

are feeling worried or are anxious a lot of the time

If you feel worried about speaking with your GP about your mental health, check out the DocReady website for advice on how to have these challenging conversations. It will help you understand what to expect and how to plan what you're going to say.

For more information and advice, see our guide on speaking to your GP.

How to speak to your GP

Blogs on racism and mental health

Read our blogs written by young people on racism and mental health.

Reporting a hate crime

Any crime motivated by hostility or prejudice towards someone because of their race or ethnicity is a 'hate crime'. Anybody can report a hate crime - whether they are the victim, someone who witnessed the crime, or someone the victim has told about the crime or incident.

You can report a hate crime online, via theTrue Vision website.

If you're experiencing racism online, reporting it is perfectly reasonable and the right thing to do because racial discrimination is illegal.

Luke, 15

What to do if you think a mental health professional is being racist

If you need help and support with making a complaint, you can contact your local NHS Complaints Advocacy service. This is a free and confidential service, independent from the NHS.

Contact your local council to find out who the advocacy provider is in your area.

How you can raise a complaint:

Get help now

See below for a list of organisations and helpline services that have information to support you.

More on racism and mental health

Whether you love the page or think something is missing, we appreciate your feedback. It all helps us to support more young people with their mental health.

Please be aware that this form isn't a mental health support service. If you are in crisis right now and want to talk to someone urgently, find out who to contact on our urgent help page.

At YoungMinds we take your privacy seriously. If you'd like to read more about how we keep the information we collect safe, take a look at our privacy policy.

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Racism and mental health | How To Deal With Racism

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Racism is how you are being treated differently because of your race, skin colour or ethnicity, it can negatively affect your mental health.

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We offer non-judgemental, confidential support 7 days a week, 365 days a year including bank holidays and Eid. Every month we listen to over 430 people through our helpline service. Hear more from our callers. See our impact reports In our resource guides, you'll find our recent research report, mental health and wellbeing tips, and lots of news and updates on our blog.

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This service is for anyone who suffers, or has suffered, an incident as a result of their Muslim faith (or perceived Muslim faith). The MAMA project can also record incidents by Muslims against other Muslims, which may be due to intra-religious issues, and caseworkers will be able to log these incidents specifically so that a variety of issues can be mapped and support provided for different cases of anti-Muslim incidents.

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Report in Anti-Muslim Hate or Islamophobia

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Tell MAMA supports victims of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate. You can report in anti-Muslim hate to Tell MAMA & we will provide casework, one to one, emotional support & legal referrals.

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Receive support as the victim of a hate crime:

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Need help after crime?

Get in touch anytime for independent, free, and confidential advice:

In an emergency you should always call 999.

Our services are confidential. We will only share information about you without your consent if we're concerned about your, or someone else's safety, or if we're required to by law. Read our privacy policy.

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Victim Support is the independent charity dedicated to supporting victims of crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales.

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Mental Health Rapid Response service (MHRRS)

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Mental Health Rapid Response service (MHRRS)

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Tel: 0300 304 0078

Our Mental Health Rapid Response (MHRRS) service supports adults who are experiencing a crisis with their mental health, who think they are at risk of harming themselves or others.

Examples of urgent mental health problems:
•    At high risk of suicide, with specific intention to act
•    At high risk to self or others
•    Significant mental health concerns
•    Require immediate attention

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We provide mental health crisis telephone support to people within Brighton & Hove when an individual or someone who supports them feels that they are in a mental health crisis and are at immediate risk of harming themselves or others.
What support does the service provide?

Our Mental Health Rapid Response (MHRRS) service supports adults who are experiencing a crisis with their mental health, who think they are at risk of harming themselves or others.

Examples of urgent mental health problems:
* At high risk of suicide, with specific intention to act
* At high risk to self or others
* Significant mental health concerns
* Require immediate attention

Who can access the service?

The Mental Health Rapid Response Service accepts referrals for adults aged 18 and above, who are currently in Brighton & Hove, with urgent mental health problems requiring assessment.

If you are already using Sussex Partnership services, you can contact MHRRS outside of their teams operating hours including weekends.

How do I access the service?

Referrals can come from anyone concerned about someone experiencing a mental health crisis. It can be made by the individual themselves, their carer, health professionals or the Police. The service is both for individuals known to services and people not known to services. If the call is made within hours, we will direct people to their usual team.

There are occasions when the MHRRS practitioner will need to refer someone directly to A&E, for example when someone is acutely intoxicated with alcohol or drugs, or when there is a medical issue requiring urgent attention.

Depending on the person's situation, mental health presentation and level of risk, an appointment may be offered for an assessment. We aim for this to take place within four hours.

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Mental Health Rapid Response service (MHRRS)

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A mental health rapid response service for people living in Brighton & Hove.

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Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We're here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Call 116 123 for free

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Samaritans works to make sure there's always someone there for anyone who needs someone. Read more.

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Skip to content

Watch the full video

Thinking of suicide?

Are you, or is a young person you know, not coping with life? For confidential suicide prevention advice contact HOPELINE247.

My whole way of thinking has changed. I feel positive about my future and the people around me. I'm now looking forward to the future and helping others just like me!

Thank you so much for the incredible support PAPYRUS and HOPELINE247 has given me. You helped me in that moment and it kept me alive.

I intend to continue to fundraise for and promote PAPYRUS. I am so proud and humbled to be involved with a wonderful charity, and to have received the support that I have.

Having been personally bereaved by suicide I understand the importance and need for our charity. I am surrounded by others who are as passionate as I am about saving lives.

* All feedback is provided by people who contact PAPYRUS. All feedback has full consent of the user and the user remains fully anonymous. Some feedback may have been adapted to keep the users anonymity.

Our latest news

Stay up to date with PAPYRUS; our news section is regularly updated with helpful advice and guidance, as well as information about our upcoming events and campaigns. If you have any questions or queries please get in touch.

Our upcoming events

Please see below some of our upcoming and exciting events including fundraisers and charity events we will be attending. For more information please get in touch.

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Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention | Prevention of Young Suicide

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PAPYRUS UK is a charity for the prevention of young suicide (under 35) in the UK | Call PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 4141 Now

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StayAlive | Essential suicide prevention for every day life

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The StayAlive app is a suicide prevention resource for the UK, packed full of useful information and tools to help you stay safe in crisis.

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Our Money Advice Service Debt Advice Project provides help to people who have financial problems.

This service provides advice and representation with:

making a fresh start by clearing debts through bankruptcy and

Debt Relief Orders

reducing credit card payments

Check entitlements to benefits and find other ways to increase income
challenging liability for debts that the client does not have to pay

defending money claims against the client and helping to complete court forms

problems with bailiffs and other enforcement methods such as deduction from earnings

To access this service contact our Advice line on 08082 78 78 15 or email us through our site, here.

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Moneyworks is here to help Brighton & Hove residents save money, make money and manage their money better. The services are for anyone who is struggling to make ends meet.

For more information about Moneyworks or to get advice, ring our Helpline on 0800 988 7037 or 01273 809288

Monday: 3pm to 7pm
Tuesday: 10am to 2pm
Wednesday & Thursday: 12.30pm to 4.30pm
Friday: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Drop in and appointment sessions run across the city and offer practical help with making your money go further. Come in and see us or click on the links below for trusted online information:

https://www.bht.org.uk/services/legal-advice/brighton-advice-centre/moneyworks/

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Moneyworks is a partnership of advice agencies led by the Citizens Advice Brighton & Hove (CAB) with Money Advice Plus (MAP), BHT's Brighton Advice Centre, St Luke's Advice Service and Possability People - the Community Education Hubs: The Bridge, Brighton Unemployed Centre Families Project, Hangleton & Knoll Project, BHT's Whitehawk Inn and East Sussex Credit Union.
Moneyworks is funded by Brighton & Hove City Council.

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Helps Brighton & Hove residents save money, make money and manage their money. The services are for anyone who is struggling to make ends meet.

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For more information about Moneyworks or to get advice, ring our Helpline on 0800 988 7037 or 01273 809288

Drop in and appointment sessions run across the city and offer practical help with making your money go further.

https://advicebrighton-hove.org.uk/

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Moneyworks is a partnership of advice agencies - led by the Citizens Advice Brighton & Hove (CAB) with Money Advice Plus (MAP), BHT Advice Centre, St Luke's Advice Service and Possability People - the Community Education Hubs: Brighton Unemployed Centre Families Project, Hangleton & Knoll Project and the Whitehawk Inn

East Sussex Credit Union are also a partner.

Moneyworks is funded by Brighton & Hove City Council.

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Money Advice Brighton & Hove - Helping Brighton & Hove residents manage their money

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Moneyworks is a partnership of advice agencies - led by the Citizens Advice Brighton & Hove (CAB) with Money Advice Plus (MAP), BHT Advice Centre, St Luke's Advice Service and Possability People - the Community Education Hubs: Brighton Unemployed Centre Families Project, Hangleton & Knoll Project and the Whitehawk Inn East Sussex Credit Union are also a partner.

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Refugee Rights Hub - Sheffield Hallam University

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Refugee Rights Hub - Sheffield Hallam University

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Based at Sheffield Hallam University, the Refugee Rights Hub offers free legal advice and support to refugees who want to be reunited with their family

https://refugeerightshub.shu.ac.uk/

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Refugee Rights Hub - Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice

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The Refugee Rights Hub offers free legal advice and support to refugees who want to be reunited with their family

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British Red Cross Family Reunion Service 

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British Red Cross Family Reunion Service 

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https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/family-reunion

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Help for refugee families to reunite in the UK

Our refugee family reunion services

Every year, the British Red Cross helps reunite hundreds of separated families.

Since 2011, we have worked with the International Organisation for Migration to reunite over 10,000 people with their family members. Nine out of 10 have been women and children joining husbands and fathers in the UK.

If you are a refugee in the UK who is separated from your loved ones and wants to bring them here, we may be able to help.

How to apply for family reunion

If you're a refugee in the UK, you may have the right to family reunion. We understand that refugee family reunification can be a complex and difficult process. This is why we provide a family reunion enquiries service to all refugees in the UK.

We can help and give advice to refugees who want to apply for family reunion in the UK. This includes information on who can apply, and advice on how long the process takes and how it works.

To find out more about our family reunion enquiries service:

You can also use our detailed frequently asked questions about family reunion (PDF) to learn more about the process and how to apply for family reunion in the UK. It includes important information on whether we can help you, what evidence you'll need and how to apply on the government website.

Is there a family reunion visa?

If you're a refugee in the UK seeking family reunification, you will need to apply for a family reunion visa.

You can find everything you need to know about applying for a family reunion visa, including a detailed road map, in our in-depth frequently asked questions document (PDF).

What are the immigration rules for refugees seeking family reunion?

For an overview of the immigration rules related to family reunion, please see our frequently asked questions document (PDF).

Please note that how the rules are different for people in different situations. We encourage you to get legal advice to understand how they apply to you.

Get help to apply for a family reunion visa

We help people with family reunion visa applications, including collecting evidence and filling in forms. We also offer travel assistance to help arrange flights for your family to join you.

We may be able to offer support with your visa application if you:

live in London, Liverpool, Preston or Plymouth

have refugee status or humanitarian protection

want to bring your wife, husband, partner or children to the UK from other countries.

Please contact fradvice@redcross.org.uk for more information.

Other organisations that can help with family reunion

Other charities can also help you apply for family reunion:

There may be others working in your area or you can get advice from private law firms.

You can look for an immigration advisor on:

Refugee family reunion guide

If you are a refugee in the UK, you can use our guidance (PDF) to understand family reunion visa applications if you don't have professional legal support. It also outlines who is eligible, how to submit an application and what evidence will be needed.

Providing immigration advice if you are not qualified and not regulated is an offence under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

This guide covers making an application using the official government website. It contains guidance for uploading evidence electronically.

Help with travel assistance and bringing family to the UK

The British Red Cross offers a travel assistance service to refugees who want to reunite with their families. This service gives practical and financial support throughout the process of travelling to UK.

We may be able to help if you have a visa for your family members and if they are either:

a child or children without a parent (we also call this 'unaccompanied children'), or

three or more members of the same family.

We try to help as many people as possible but it depends on our funding and where you live.

For more information, please email familyreunion@redcross.org.uk or contact your local refugee support service.

Preparing for your family's arrival

There is a lot to think about, including:

Will you need to get a bigger house?

Will you need financial support from the UK government (benefits) for your family?

Will older family members need English classes?

Will younger children need to go to school?

Will you need medical care for your family?

You can use our detailed frequently asked questions (PDF) to find out more.

Help after your family gets to the UK

After your family comes to the UK, we may be able support you, depending on where you live. This includes help with:

We may also be able to help you get settled and meet people in your local community with projects such as peer buddies, befriending and education.

Contact your local refugee service to find out more.

Resources to help with life in the UK

You can also get help online and from our support line:

Family reunion integration service

If you are a researcher or practitioner working on family reunion, please visit our family reunion integration service page.

You can find more information about how we help families and watch our webinars for professionals in this field.

Family reunion from Sudan

We are sorry that the British Red Cross cannot work on any family reunion visa or travel assistance applications from Sudan until further notice.

This is because of the closure of the visa application centre in Khartoum and the security issues preventing safe travel out of Sudan.

We will update you via this web page if the situation changes. Please note that the family reunion travel assistance service still works in other countries in the region.

If you have already submitted a family reunion visa application to the Home Office and want to enquire about the status of it, you or your legal representative can email the Home Office at RASIFamilyReunion@homeoffice.gov.uk.

If you want to submit a visa application for your family members, we strongly recommend you seek legal advice. You can look for an immigration advisor on the Office for the Immigration Services Commissioners website (OISC) or search the Immigration Law Practitioners' Association (ILPA) directory:

For travel in and out of Sudan, and for questions regarding British Citizens please consult official advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Looking for family in Afghanistan?
Afghanistan: further information and support
Family members affected by the recent developments in Afghanistan

We are sorry that our refugee family reunion travel assistance service in Afghanistan is currently suspended due to the security situation. However, we may be able to support you from neighbouring countries.

For information on how to request assistance for family members in Afghanistan, and for the Afghan resettlement scheme, please visit the dedicated UK government web page.

For information on resettlement routes for Afghan nationals, please refer to the dedicated UK government factsheet.

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Family reunion application guidance | British Red Cross

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Find out how the British Red Cross' family reunion services can help refugees reunite with their families in the UK.

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Together Now supports refugees living in the UK to reunite with family members they have been forced to leave behind whilst fleeing persecution.

http://togethernow.org.uk/

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Together Now supports refugees living in the UK to reunite with family members they have been forced to leave behind whilst fleeing persecution. Many people in this situation do not have the means to fund...

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The space encompasses a queer radical bookshop, a small vegan pay-as-you-feel café and a sober community space for the use of the local queer community  💜🖤

https://thequeery.co.uk/

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Child and young person advocacy (West Sussex)

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Child and young person advocacy (West Sussex)

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https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/education-children-and-families/your-space/support/child-and-young-person-advocacy/

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What is an advocate?

An advocate is an independent person who helps you speak up for yourself. They also give advice, make you aware of your rights, listen to you and represent your views, wishes and feelings. An advocate will support you so that you can have your say about the care and services you receive.

You can get an advocate if you are a:

child or young person in care

care leaver

child or young person who has a disability and receives help from a social worker

child or young person aged 12 or over involved in a child protection conference

child or young person aged 7 or over involved in your first Child Looked After review

child or young person wishing to make a complaint about West Sussex Children's Services.

What can an advocate help with?

An advocate can help you when:

you're too scared to speak up in your review meeting because there are adults there talking language you don't understand

you're angry that a decision has been made and you don't agree with it

you want to move from your current placement, carer or supported lodgings

you don't want to move again

you're confused about what is going to happen in your child protection conference

you really want others to understand how you feel about something

you want to complain about something.

An advocate will help you speak up for yourself, to get things stopped, started or changed. They will listen to you and put across your views.

What happens when you meet your advocate?

The advocate will listen to you and find out if you have a problem or worry.

The advocate will then help you understand what your choices are and what people are saying.

The advocate will ask you what help you want.

You can ask the advocate to speak to people on your behalf or come with you to meetings.

The advocate will help you to sort out your problem or worry the way you want and make sure people are listening to you.

Child Protection Conference (CPC)

A Child Protection Conference is a meeting to think about your family. All the people at the meeting will think about what is going well and what they are worried about. Then they decide if there should be a plan, which involves everyone, to make sure you will be safe and well.

What you think about your family situation matters a lot.

An advocate can support you through the CPC and even attend on your behalf if you don't want to go.

They can explain the process to you and suggest options to help you, such as:

meeting or speaking to the chair before the meeting

putting your views into words or pictures

make a video to express your views or use the app MOMO.

Your advocate can meet with you after the conference and attend future conferences with you.

How to request advocacy

If you would like to request help from an advocate you can complete the online form. Please note: We cannot guarantee availability of advocates to attend meetings where less than five working days notice has been provided. Please give as much notice as possible.

Since COVID-19, our team have worked virtually (phone calls, video calls, texts and voice notes), as many young people have preferred this. However, please ask if a face to face meeting is needed.
Advocacy request form
If you would like to find out more about what we do, you can contact the team.
Contact the Advocacy Team:
Find out more

Having an advocate helped me get my voice heard better - A female aged 15

I felt like I wasn't alone by having an advocate. An advocate will fight for you, give you a voice and will stand up for you - A male aged 21

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Child and young person advocacy - West Sussex County Council

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An independent advocate can help you by speaking up on your behalf.

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https://www.asphaleia.co.uk/ivandadvocacy

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support services for children and young people in need, in partnership with East Sussex County Council

advocacy

Helping children and young people express their views

Under 18's with an ESCC social worker

Looked after children

Care leavers up to 25 years-old, or up to 21 years-old if not in education

Post-adoption up to 25 years-old

A care leaver with SEN up to age 25

independent visitors

Providing a consistent and supportive befriender

Children and young people are able to access both services should they wish to. Advocacy provides short-term support, whilst we aim for an IV to provide a longer-term consistent presence in the child's life.

make a referral or find out more

We need an advocate

Download a referral form and send it securely via email. Please call us if you wish to discuss the referral or if you need help completing the form.

We need an IV

Download a referral form and send it securely via email. Please c all us if you wish to discuss the referral or if you need help completing the form.

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IV and advocacy services | asphaleia | East Sussex

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We deliver the Independent Visitor and Advocacy services for looked after children and young people who have an East Sussex County Council social worker. Find out more about these services here.

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Youth Advocacy Project (Brighton and Hove) 

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Youth Advocacy Project (Brighton and Hove) 

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https://www.bhyap.org.uk/your-zone

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Your comments and feedback are really important to us. It helps us to know what we do well, and what we need to do better.

If you have received an advocacy service, please fill in the survey below to let us know how it went. It is CONFIDENTIAL and will be used to improve our service.

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Your Zone | Brighton & Hove Youth Advocacy Project

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Your comments and feedback are really important to us. It helps us to know what we do well, and what we need to do better. If you have received an advocacy service, please fill in the survey below to let us know how it went.

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https://bhfood.org.uk/directory/rock-farm/

When:

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 10 - 3.30

Facilities:

Transport provided: Minibus from central Brighton on Wednesday and Friday; please enquire further. Company days and team-building events also welcome.

Toilets, shelter, fire, wheelchair accessible.

Who is it for?

People experiencing mental heath issues , those who are homeless, long term unemployed, learning disabilities, vulnerable women, at- risk youth, low income families.

Contact:

Ben Szobody

Email: ben@onechurchbrighton.org

Telephone: 01273 694746

Location:

Rock Farm, The Hollow, Washington, West Sussex

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Rock Farm is a working market garden, community space and horticultural therapy project on the 6-acre site near Steyning and Horsham operated by One Church Brighton.

At Rock Farm they have developed a community of volunteers who find better health and relationships by spending time on the land. They grow organic fruit and vegetables for markets in Sussex and facilitate therapeutic sessions for a wide range of vulnerable groups.
Rock Farm also hosts like-minded projects, with an emphasis on a stronger community and better health for those involved. Cooking, crafts, bushcraft and small animal tending are included.

Cost - Free to volunteer

£400pp for 10-week nature connection, mental health and horticulture skills course. Bespoke training, support and permaculture courses available.

To find out more and get the latest updates visit Rock Farm.

This project is a member of the Green Wellbeing Alliance.

Ben Szobody

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 01273 694746

Rock Farm

Rock Farm, The Hollow, Washington, West Sussex

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Rock Farm is a working market garden, community space and horticultural therapy project on the 6-acre site near Steyning and Horsham.

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Havens Properties' purpose is to promote a holistic person-centred approach in support and care for young people between the ages of 16-18 years old.  We aim to deliver optimal welfare outcomes from the very moment an asylum-seeker young person enters our home, to build a stable environment and link with their presenting needs and deliver an outcome-led support plan. Each asylum seeker's young person's identity will be promoted, celebrated, and respected.  We promote a strength-based approach and work passionately to deliver an inclusive package for their specific support needs.

http://www.havensproperties.org.uk/
Email: info@havensproperties.org.uk
Telephone: 07903 060 678

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Havens Properties' purpose is to promote a holistic person-centred approach in support and care for young people seeking asylum between the ages of 16-18 years old. Havens Properties Ltd will promote a trained and committed workforce who will invest and work through the multiplicity of welfare needs, whilst safety and community living as being at the heart of our home.

We aim to deliver optimal welfare outcomes from the very moment an asylum-seeker young person enters our homes. We will build a stable environment and deliver an outcome-led support plan. Each young person's identity will be promoted, celebrated, and respected. We promote a strength-based approach and work passionately to deliver an inclusive package for their specific support needs.

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Havens Properties' purpose is to promote a holistic person-centred approach in support and care for young people seeking asylum between the ages of 16-18 years old. Havens Properties Ltd will promote a trained and committed workforce who will invest and work through the multiplicity of welfare needs, whilst safety and community living as being at the heart of our home.

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https://bramberbakehouse.co.uk/

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bramberbakehouse.co.uk – A bakery providing opportunities for previously exploited women

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https://sussexinterpreting.org.uk/

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SIS exists to enable full access, for people with language needs, to publicly funded services in order to improve health, education and quality of life.

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The main services of Tarjimly are free for all refugees, asylum seekers, and aid-workers to use. Our main services include the ability to request a volunteer translator an unlimited amount of times, and once you are connected with a translator on the app, you can exchange text messages, voice messages, photos and exchange phone calls.

https://www.tarjimly.org/what-we-do/tarjimly-essentials

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We’re Brighton Women’s Centre and we’ve been supporting self-identifying women in Sussex for over 45 years. We help women from all backgrounds, facing all kinds of issues, to live happier lives.

Women dealing with bereavement or trauma, women who have been through homelessness or the criminal justice system, survivors of abuse or discrimination – we’ve welcomed them all.

https://womenscentre.org.uk/services/

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Our Services We help women from all backgrounds, facing all kinds of issues, to live happier, safer lives. Women's needs are at the centre of what we do. We recognise that each woman is an individual, with her own history, her own challenges, her own strengths and hopes.

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https://www.therainbowhubbrighton.com/advice-support

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The Clare Project began in 2000 when a group of trans women started meeting in the back room of a hairdressing salon to discuss issues affecting their local community. We are now a registered charity run by and for trans, non-binary, gender-variant and gender-questioning people in Brighton, Hove and East Sussex.

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A LOCAL POINT OF CONTACT, SUPPORTING THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY.

We provide a safe and non-judgmental environment with the help of our volunteers. Ensuring your safety and guidance towards incidents of harassment, hate, and the reporting of crimes.

General enquiries: hello@therainbowhubbrighton.com

Reporting a hate incident: report@therainbowhubrighton.com

The Ledward Centre, 14a Jubilee Street, Brighton, BN1 1UU

https://www.therainbowhubbrighton.com/

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The Rainbow Hub was founded 5 years and we have set out to create a safe and friendly space were people can just drop in and chat when looking for help and support.

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A safe and inspiring place for the LGBTQ+ communities and their friends.

Pull up a chair and make yourself at home…

Monday – Saturday, 10am – 6pm
Sunday, 10am – 4pm

14A Jubilee Street, Brighton, BN1 1GE

https://ledcen.org.uk/

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A centre for our community in the heart of Brighton

From Anne Lister to Oscar Wilde, Brighton has been a draw to queer people for well over 200 years. And while some only pop down for the odd weekend, many more of us have fallen in love with the place so much that we have moved here for good. So many, in fact, that Brighton now has the highest proportion of LGBTQ+ households in the whole of the UK.[1]

Which is why we thought it was about time our community had its own centre. And why we've put together this website - to let as many people as possible know about this exciting new project. You can help by sharing this link on social media or by joining our growing band of volunteers.

Brighton & Hove City Snapshot: Report of Statistics 2014 (PDF). Corporate Policy and Research Team at Brighton & Hove City Council. p. 20. Retrieved 5 August 2015.

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The Ledward Centre ~ Brighton's LBGTQ+ Community and Cultural Centre

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From Anne Lister to Oscar Wilde, Brighton has been a draw to queer people for well over 200 years. And while some only pop down for the odd weekend, many more of us have fallen in love with the place so much that we have moved here for good.

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Our day centre:

We are here for you if you are 16-25 and rough sleeping, 'sofa surfing' or living in temporary or emergency housing. A hot lunch is available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays between 12:30-1:30pm. If you are experiencing street homelessness or rough sleeping, you can access the centre from 10.30am.

You can use our shower & laundry facilities or take part in daily classes and activities. Food parcels are also available.

https://www.thects.org.uk/

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Our day centre

D ue to the COVID-19 restrictions, we cannot currently offer drop-in/walk up services at the day centre. You can book a slot to use some of the facilities and case working will continue.

We will be prioritising centre access for anyone aged 16-25 who is in temporary/emergency accommodation; rough sleeping or is from out of area.

If you are a We are still registering current client, please contact your Support Coordinator to arrange access or to organise a case working session. new clients. If you are a new client or to refer a young person, please call one of our Support Coordinators - see Contact page for phone numbers.

A hot takeaway lunch is available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays between 12:30-1:30pm. This will be served outside the centre through the kitchen hatch. Food parcels will also be available for delivery on Thursdays - please speak to a Support Coordinator to arrange one.

Bathroom & laundry facilities are available in limited numbers - please book a slot through the Support Coordinators.

When you come to the centre please wear a mask or we can provide you with one. Stay safe and we will see you soon!

We work with young homeless people to give them space, support & stability

We provide a space for 16-to-25-year olds who are homeless where they can feel safe and 'just be', whilst also getting access to services and support.

We provide the everyday things that young homeless people need, like somewhere to shower, do laundry, eat a healthy meal, use computers and get post.

By helping to meet these practical needs, young homeless people can focus on their futures and potential.

If you are a supporter and would like to help us, thank you! We are a small charity and rely entirely on donations to keep our services running. Many of our fundraising events have been cancelled this year so we would be very grateful for any support you can offer us by donating here. We appreciate every penny! Thank you.

We are the only drop-in day centre in Brighton & Hove for 16-to-25 year olds who are homeless or insecurely housed. We provide practical and emotional support to help young people to move from crisis to stability.

Dandi first came to the day centre with her brother, as she was too nervous to come on her own. Like many young people we support, she had become homeless as relations with her mum had deteriorated to the point where she could no longer live at home.

Could you help us by making a one-off or regular gift? You can offer a lifeline to a young person who has nowhere else to turn. Thank you!

Could pay to top up a client's phone, so that we can stay in touch with them during the Covid-19 crisis.

Could pay for cooking equipment and some food supplies for a young person living in temporary accommodation.

Could pay for a Support Coordinator to spend a few hours with a young person who is having a really difficult time.

Or donate whatever you can afford here...

"The Clock Tower Sanctuary meets your basic needs and that allows you to get organised and to try and get a job. Otherwise, you are in a fight or flight survival mode and you can very easily spiral down, becoming depressed and lonely. It's exhausting."

- Ivan, aged 23

Volunteers Week 2021: Vicky
As part of this year's Volunteers' Week, Volunteer Support Coordinator, Vicky, shares her reflections on her time at The Clock Tower Sanctuary. So, Vicky, tell us how you got involved with volunteering at the day centre. I came to Brighton as a student but had been out of the area for a couple of years. Since coming back I was ...

Run, swim, cycle, skip or hop.... and Clock it Up!
We know our supporters love a challenge, so we are asking you to clock up 87kms - the distance between London & Brighton - to raise vital funds for our services with young people experiencing homelessness in Brighton & Hove. You can run, swim, cycle, jump, skip or hop your way all from the capital to our fantastic city over ...

Thank you to CTS volunteers for going 'Above & Beyond'
Two of our amazing volunteers, Paul & Mark are being recognised by Brighton & Hove Buses in their new campaign 'Above & Beyond' which celebrates people and organisations who go the extra mile in our local community, with images and information featured on the buses on Route 1 in the city. CTS volunteers like Paul & Mark help to ...

Due to COVID-19, we are running a more limited service at the day centre and you will need to book a slot to visit us. See the ' Contact' page for details. Case working continues as usual.

Day centre entrance for young people

You can find us just off Ship Street. We're in a little alley way called Lewis Buildings which is between a clothes shop and The Trading Post cafe. Look for the sign on the street.

Office entrance for visitors and deliveries

We are at Wenlock House, 41-43 North Street, Brighton, BN1 1RH. You can find us to the left of The Body Shop. Please note our office is currently closed to visitors.

Please see our ' Contact' page for more information.

Volunteers Week 2021: Vicky
As part of this year's Volunteers' Week, Volunteer Support Coordinator, Vicky, shares her reflections on her time at The Clock Tower Sanctuary. So, Vicky, tell us how you got involved with volunteering at the day centre. I came to Brighton as a student but had been out of the area for a couple of years. Since coming back I was ...

Run, swim, cycle, skip or hop.... and Clock it Up!
We know our supporters love a challenge, so we are asking you to clock up 87kms - the distance between London & Brighton - to raise vital funds for our services with young people experiencing homelessness in Brighton & Hove. You can run, swim, cycle, jump, skip or hop your way all from the capital to our fantastic city over ...

Thank you to CTS volunteers for going 'Above & Beyond'
Two of our amazing volunteers, Paul & Mark are being recognised by Brighton & Hove Buses in their new campaign 'Above & Beyond' which celebrates people and organisations who go the extra mile in our local community, with images and information featured on the buses on Route 1 in the city. CTS volunteers like Paul & Mark help to ...

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D ue to the COVID-19 restrictions, we cannot currently offer drop-in/walk up services at the day centre. You can book a slot to use some of the facilities and case working will continue. We will be prioritising centre access for anyone aged 16-25 who is in temporary/emergency accommodation; rough sleeping or is from out of area.

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You can pop into the Youth Advice Centre and speak to a member of the team at the following times:

Housing Advice: Monday – Friday 9am-12pm

Housing Emergencies (homeless tonight): Monday – Friday 1pm-3pm

Address: 11 St George’s Place, Brighton, BN1 4GB

Telephone: 01273624432

YAC Brighton - Housing Advice – yacbrightonhousingadvice@ymcadlg.org

https://www.ymcadlg.org/what-we-do/support-and-advice/youth-advice-centre-yac/

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YMCA Youth Advice Centre (YAC) in Brighton - YMCA DownsLink Group

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The YMCA Youth Advice Centre (YAC) offers advice, support and guidance to young people in Brighton and Hove. YAC workers are able to offer expertise in a wide

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How to access the service:

For an appointment call 01273 645455 or call in during reception times between:

Monday to Friday from 9am –5:00pm.

Our drop in sessions are currently suspended, and advice is usually being given via telephone and other media, but face-to-face appointments can still be arranged where needed.

Monday to Wednesday from 9.15am – 12.30pm

https://www.bht.org.uk/services/legal-advice/brighton-advice-centre/brighton-specialist-housing-advice/

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Since April 2013, legal aid (which funds some of the work undertaken at Brighton Advice Centre), can now only help with housing problems that meet the following criteria:

defending rent possession proceedings

unlawful eviction

disrepair that causes a serious risk to health

help with homelessness (whether actual or threatened)

court proceedings for housing related anti-social behaviour

injunctions under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997

People accessing advice at the Brighton Advice Centre must be eligible for legal aid. If they are, they will be entitled to legal advice.

Please contact the Brighton Advice Centre reception team using the details below to find out if you are eligible.

To receive help under the legal aid scheme you must bring the following to your appointment:

proof of your income for the past calendar month (e.g. your last payslip, a letter confirming your entitlement to benefits, bank statement covering the last month)

if you have a partner you must bring proof of their income as well

proof of your capital or savings for each account you have in the form of an up to date statement or passbook

In exceptional circumstances, you may not need to provide these documents if the help you need is an emergency and you cannot obtain them.

How to access the service

For an appointment call 01273 645455 or call in during reception times between:

Monday to Friday from 9am –5:00pm.

Our drop in sessions are currently suspended, and advice is usually being given via telephone and other media, but face-to-face appointments can still be arranged where needed.

Monday to Wednesday from 9.15am – 12.30pm

Contact Details

BHT, 144 London Road, Brighton, BN1 4PH

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Brighton Specialist Housing Advice - BHT Sussex

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Specialist housing advice in Brighton for people who meet the criteria

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Free ESOL Classes @ Aldridge Adult Learning 

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Free ESOL Classes @ Aldridge Adult Learning 

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https://aldridgeadultlearning.com/course-category/esol/

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The Migrant English Project:

Provides free and informal English lessons for asylum seekers, refugees and migrants on Mondays 10.30am until 3.30pm (10:30 – 15:30) at Exeter Street Hall, 16-17 Exeter Street, Brighton BN1 5PG. https://mepbrighton.com/

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The Migrant English Project:

To download the leaflet click here

Information for people at MEP about Coronavirus

Coronavirus is a new illness that is spreading quickly. That's why we think it's a good idea to give MEP some basic information and tell you what we (MEP organisers) are planning. MEP has prepared an information sheet which can be downloaded here.

There is also a page including information specifically about supporting migrants during the coronavirus outbreak. You can read the information page here.

Doctors of the World has produced Coronavirus (Covid 19) advice for patients in 20 languages, which were produced in partnership with the Red Cross, Migrant Help and Clear Voice. you can find it here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/193qQN9l04Dvf0N9L5zeWTiXK_DRbrAxg

Voices in Exile padlet

Voices in Exile have created a Padlet (an online notice board), which links to dozens of resources that migrants and those helping migrants will find very useful. This includes ESOL provision, money and legal advice, employability, foodbanks and many other topics. It can be found using this link.

Fuel and food support information

We have prepared a document for people who need help in paying for fuel and food. Click here to download the PDF.

Afghanistan support organisations

There is a very useful document prepared and regularly update by Stephen Hoffman of organisations responding to the crisis in Afghanistan you can donate to, volunteer for or help in other ways. View the document here.

Learn English Online

For people who would like to carry on learning while MEP is closed, we have made a list of some websites and apps which you can use to learn English. Go to the Learn English Online page.

Translated Guides to Zoom

JCORE have produced some useful translated guides to Zoom video conferencing software which could be useful to MEP members during the time when meeting in person isn't possible. The guides now include English, Arabic, French, Polish, Somali, Tigrinya and Kurdish. You can download the guides here.

Raise money for MEP by switching to Octopus Energy

For every person who signs up to Octopus Energy through the link below, Octopus Energy will donate up to £50 towards MEP's Summer Activities for migrants, asylum Seekers and Refugees. People who sign up will also get a credit of £50 on their new Octopus Energy account. Click here to sign up.

The Hummingbird Refugee Project

The Hummingbird Young Leaders have made a video to help young people learn more about the lives of young refugees in the UK.

EU Settlement Scheme translations

Translations of the updated guidance on applying to the EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status) in European languages are now available online. Read more here.

Right to Remain Asylum Navigation Board

In April 2020 in response to the Covid-19 crisis, Right to Remain launched the online version of the Asylum Navigation Board. The Board helps people understand the UK asylum process, raises awareness of common problems people face as they navigate the process, and shares survival strategies. The navigation board, developed by Right to Remain, Dr Vicky Canning and Calverts Cooperative, was originally a "serious board game", with a physical real-life presence. It was launched in 2018, with copies going out to asylum support groups, community service-providers, universities and local government departments across the UK. With people no longer meeting face-to-face and attending support groups, Right to Remain has developed it as an online resource. Right to Remain also produces the Right to Remain Toolkit - a guide to the UK immigration and asylum system. It gives an overview of the legal system and procedures, with detailed information on rights and options at key stages, and actions you can take in support of your claim, or to help someone else. You can view the toolkit here.

Information for people at MEP about Coronavirus

Coronavirus is a new illness that is spreading quickly. That's why we think it's a good idea to give MEP some basic information and tell you what we (MEP organisers) are planning. Read MEP's Coronovirus Information Page here.

Welcome for New Asylum Seekers in Brighton

Brighton and Hove is now an asylum dispersal city. A leaflet with details of some of the organisations supporting asylum seekers, and the regular events and services they provide, can be downloaded here. The Sanctuary on Sea website also has a directory of resources supporting refugees, migrants and asylum seekers, which include these and other local and national organisations.

MEP Art Group

Between March and September students at MEP on Mondays took part in art sessions learning about collage techniques. Read more and view a gallery of images here.

Migrant Welcome Project

The Migrant Welcome Project supports a friendly and welcoming group that meets weekly during term time to learn how to access practical and leisure services and meet people in Brighton and Hove. About half the sessions take place at Voices in Exile, while the other half are organised trips and visits around the City. Topics and visits are chosen by the group members, with support from paid workers and volunteers. All travel and other expenses are paid for by the project. Download the flyer for more information.

Pictures from Recent MEP Events and Activities

As well our core activities, MEP members often participate in local community events, and arrange group outings and trips. To see some pictures of some or our recent activities, click here

Sign the Defend the NHS Sussex pledge

MEP has been supporting and advising Defend the NHS Sussex on the newly introduced charges and share of data.

For decades UK governments have been bringing in unjust and inhumane immigration laws and controls. The rights of people wishing to settle in this country, to work, benefits, housing, education and residency have been destroyed. Click here for more information and to sign the pledge.

Giving a donation

We rely on financial contributions to pay for rent, lunch, tea and coffee and travel costs. If you would like to donate please see our Localgiving page. Any contribution however small is incredibly useful and very much appreciated by everyone at MEP.

MRN - Know Your Rights

The Migrants' Rights Network and partners have released Know Your Rights - A Guide for Migrants. The guide aims to help migrants understand their rights and how to assert them in 8 key areas of everyday life: banking, driving, education, employment, health, housing, social services, and the detention and deportation of homeless EU nationals. Read more here.

MEP Winter Party

There was music, poetry, food and much more at this year's winter party. Read more here.

Brexit Guide for EEA nationals updated

JCWI's guide for EEA+ Nationals & Family Members has been updated with new information about the ongoing negotiations, and updated resources for people looking to secure their status in the UK. Read the guide here.

Sewing Group

We are now running a weekly sewing group. This is a chance for migrant women to come and learn some basic sewing skills and make their own clothes in a fun, friendly and supportive environment. Read more here.

New online tool to help advisors working with migrant families

The NRPF network has produced a new website to help find out what support options might be available to destitute migrant families. It's designed to be used by LA staff, voluntary sector advisors and members of the public. The web tool can be accessed here.

Advice on 'What to do if you're worried about racism'

The Equality and Human Rights Commission published a factsheet in July 2016 What to do if you're worried about racism: EU referendum factsheet.

Brighton & Hove Fairness Commission

MEP contributed to the Brighton Fairness Commission which was set up to find out how to make Brighton & Hove a fairer and more equal place to live and work. The Fairness Commission released their report on 27 June 2016.

EEA Administrative Removal

The Migrants Rights Network have published a factsheet describing the operational process for the administrative removal of a European Economic Area (EEA) national by Immigration Compliance and Enforcement teams. It has been written for voluntary-sector agencies, local authorities and others working with EEA nationals facing homelessness. Download the factsheet here.

FareShare Sussex

MEP is pleased to be a part of FareShare Sussex

TUC guide to working in the UK

Working in the UK is a TUC online guide to your rights at work in the UK.

Country of Origin (COI) Portal

The European Asylum Support Office's public Country of Origin (COI) Portal allows users to search for country of origin information from different sources, in different languages and to be regularly informed of COI publications or events. Additional features (e.g. country or topic specific alerts, country overview pages, etc.)

Awards For All projects

Thanks to funding from Awards For All, MEP is running two projects:

MEP recipe book

During 2014/2015 people participating to MEP celebrated the cultural diversity of food across the city by cooking vegan dishes from around the world. Every month a vegan dish from a different country was prepared and served at lunch time to everyone at MEP.

The project involved people from different cultural background. Every recipe was created by a small group of people coming from the same culture or sometimes by a creative experiment of different cultures meeting in the kitchen.
Migrant English Project - Recipes from Around the World

The idea for the quilt came about in a GDWG volunteers local meeting. The idea was for volunteers to come together on a regular basis to sew and share stories of visiting. This was seen as a positive way for visitors to share their experiences and celebrate the stories of survival and overcoming hardship that inspire them. Subsequent research showed that political sewing has a vibrant history, including sewing to express human rights themes and women's protest art in Pinochet's Chile.

Visitors were joined by detainees in the art class in Tinsley House and ex-detainees from Tinsley House and Brook House who came to a workshop in Crawley. A competition was held in Tinsley House to encourage participation and GDWG volunteers were welcomed to join the art classes in the centre and to help detainees sew squares on the theme of 'journeys'.

Pound Hill Junior School formed an afterschool sewing club for children to work on squares for the project. Many of the children chose to sew hands representing 'the hands of friendship' being shown to refugees.

Local organisations sewed their logos onto the quilt to show their support for the work of GDWG and Refugee Week, and the positive contributions that refugees make to our lives in the UK today.

Through this project, we hoped to tell detainee and visitor stories of journey and welcome as a positive focus of our wider work. This was seen as important by detainees, who had told GDWG that they wanted to share their stories, and by visitors, who had said in their local meetings that they wished to share their experiences and those of detainees they had met. We also wanted to use the quilt to reach out to the local community with a participatory art project inspired by the work of GDWG volunteers visiting detainees in Brook House and Tinsley House.

Article in Migrant Voice

Language, advice, support, friendship and belonging - the Migrant English Project (article by Emilio Casalicchio in Migrant Voice, May 2014)

MEP outings

We also organize days out for our students and volunteers to get to know places around Brighton & Hove and further afield to London.

The Sail Boat Project

The Sail Boat Project has been working with students and volunteer teachers from the Migrant English Project to take people out on short sailing trips in Chichester harbour.

Refugee Radio - http://www.refugeeradio.org.uk/index.html - 'Migrant English Project actively work with and support Refugee Radio' Read more...

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The Migrant English Project: To download the leaflet click here Coronavirus is a new illness that is spreading quickly. That's why we think it's a good idea to give MEP some basic information and tell you what we (MEP organisers) are planning. MEP has prepared an information sheet which can be downloaded here.

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Kemp Town Talks - Free conversational English classes​

​​Wednesday and Friday mornings, 10am -12pm
St Mary's holds free, drop-in classes for adults who need or would like to improve their English conversation skills. We have friendly, experienced ESOL teachers who will get you talking confidently and help you understand colloquial usage.
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The groups are small, free, friendly, and welcoming. No need to book. Just turn up! Tea and coffee included.

https://www.stmaryschurchbrighton.org.uk/regular-activities.html

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Sanctuary on Sea directory of free online English courses

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Sanctuary on Sea directory of free online English courses

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https://brighton-and-hove.cityofsanctuary.org/local-resources/free-online-english-classes

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Here is a useful list of FREE, online English classes, for people who would like to learn or improve their English skills from home during the COVID-19 crisis.
Basic English 2: Pre-Intermediate
Develop your English for use in different everyday situations and build more confidence in your listening skills.
Basic English 1: Elementary
Learn basic English for everyday situations and improve your listening skills with this online course.
English for Academic Study
Prepare to study at university, explore the qualities of a successful student, and learn key vocabulary in an academic context.
Writing in English for University Study
Develop English writing skills to help you succeed at university with this flexible program of online courses.
An Intermediate Guide to Writing in English for University Study
Improve your academic English skills further, learning about critical analysis, using sources, avoiding plagiarism and more.
A Beginner's Guide to Writing in English for University Study
Learn how to use English for study at university or college and develop your writing skills, vocabulary and grammar.
English Pronunciation in a Global World Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
In this course you will improve your English pronunciation skills and learn about speaking English in today's globalised world.
Understanding IELTS: Techniques for English Language Tests
Improve your English and prepare for tests, such as IELTS reading, writing, speaking and listening, with this free online course.
Exploring English: Language and Culture
This course for learners of English looks at British culture and examines English in use to help you improve your language skills.

Discover new work and study opportunities worldwide with a range of online English courses designed to improve your English speaking and writing skills.
English for Academic Purposes: a MOVE-ME Project Course Università per Stranieri di Siena (UniStraSi)
Develop the language skills you need to study in English and make the most of European student mobility programmes.
Research Writing: How to Do a Literature Review University of Wollongong
Learn how to write a strong literature review with this course designed for research students, at any level, in any discipline.
Inside IELTS: Preparing for the Test with the Experts Cambridge Assessment English
Learn about the skills you need for IELTS Academic on this free course from Cambridge Assessment English, the makers of the test.
Learning English for Academic Purposes: First Steps
Develop the academic language and study skills you need to learn in English at university.
Listening and Presenting: Learning English for Academic Purposes
Improve your listening and note-taking skills, plus your understanding of academic vocabulary, then create your own presentation.
Writing an Academic Essay: Learning English for Academic Purposes
Improve your academic reading, vocabulary and study skills and gain confidence in writing academic essays in English.
Study UK: Prepare to Study and Live in the UK
Be prepared for university study in the UK by familiarising yourself with UK culture and higher education.
Study Skills for International Students UEA (University of East Anglia)
A course looking at key skills that international students need in order to be successful at a UK university.
Understanding Language: Learning and Teaching University of Southampton
An introduction to some key concepts in the effective teaching and learning of languages.

With thanks to Mary Forbes at the University of Coventry, who compiled the list.

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Free online English classes - Sanctuary on Sea

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Here is a useful list of FREE, online English classes, for people who would like to learn or improve their English skills from home during the COVID-19 crisis. Basic English 2: Pre-Intermediate King's College London Develop your English for use in different everyday situations and build more confidence in your listening skills.

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Class Location:
West Hill Baptist Chapel
27 West Hill Road
Brighton
BN1 3RT

Class Day & Times:
Friday 12:30-2:00 pm
Friday 3:00-4:30 pm

​Cost: Free
All Levels Accepted
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For more information please contact the class coordinator, Jonathan 07429 082936

http://www.westhillbc.org.uk/free-english-classes.html

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We offer a warm, friendly environment for our students to learn English. This is a wonderful opportunity our church has within the community to reach out to people from all over the world.

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We offer a warm, friendly environment for our students to learn English. This is a wonderful opportunity our church has within the community to reach out to people from all over the world.

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Allsorts provides specialist LGBT+ services for children & young people (5-25) including youth groups, one-to-one support and family services. However, there are times where we will refer or signpost to other specialist services. For a wide range of services, including sexual health services, drugs & alcohol, mental health and more, please visit one of the directories below.

https://www.allsortsyouth.org.uk/

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Accessibility Toolbar

Our Services

Current waiting times

Youth Groups & One-to-One Sessions
Up to 2 weeks for initial induction

Family Service
Up to 2 weeks for initial induction

Any LGBT+ space is your space.
‍Allsorts is committed to creating an organisation that is representative of our wonderfully diverse LGBT+ community.

We endeavour to employ a POC and Minority Ethnic workforce and recruit and involve POC and Minority Ethnic trustees, to ensure representative support for young people within our service.

To ensure competency across the board, all our staff have undertaken inclusion training, which has equipped them with skills to empathetically work with children and young people from all walks of life.

If you would like to know more, or have any questions, head over to our Inclusion Pledge & Anti-Racism Statement

To get in touch with Allsorts, please visit our contact page

If you are in crisis, please click here to access services offering crisis support.

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Allsorts Youth Project provides youth, family and LGBT+ training services across Sussex. Our youth support and groups are for children & young people under 26 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or exploring their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

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Common Ground is our organic food growing community project working in partnership with refugees and migrants. Through the project we aim to

To reconnect people to our food, our ecosystem and each other

To offer a safe welcoming space to the refugee and migrant community

To teach people land based skills and traditional crafts especially organic food growing

To give people the opportunity to share their skills and stories

To grow, prep and cook good food

Have fun

The current refugee crisis has left hundreds of people displaced without a connection to home, or familiar ground. We are offering a friendly, relaxing space for food growing, cooking and sharing. Sessions follow a semi-structured programme, with tasks and activities relevant to the changing seasons the natural calendar and the interests and passions of our participants.

https://stanmerorganics.com/projects-2/living-vital/

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When: 10:00 – 1:00 on Tuesdays, Wednesday or Thursdays (Join one of three groups)

Where: Brighton and Hove (or online when necessary)

Contact: Hayat Shehab hayat.shehab@voicesinexile.org

Mobile: 07526 0772347 (text or whatsapp)

The groups meet every week during term time, and practice the following ethos:

Learn about useful services, interesting places and fun activities in Brighton and Hove

Practice English in a friendly, supportive space

Build connections and a community of friends

Improve your health and wellbeing

Get support with accessing digital devices and using the internet

Use public transport with confidence

Access information to develop your skills and employability

Learn about other groups and volunteering

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VYD has been running football sessions for asylum seekers and refugees from around the world since 2019. We provide a safe, inclusive, and fun space for young and old to play, interact and integrate into English society. This space is their time to revisit their favourite sport, meet new people and feel welcomed and at home, Away From Home…

https://www.vydcic.org/away-from-home/

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Call the UK modern slavery & exploitation helpline on 08000 121 700 (open 24 hours a day and available in over 200 languages)

https://www.modernslaveryhelpline.org/

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We provide specialist support for all survivors of modern slavery in England and Wales. Our confidential Referral Helpline 0800 808 3733 is available 24 hours a day.

https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/modern-slavery/supporting-survivors

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Every Child Protected Against Trafficking (ECPAT UK) is a leading children's rights organisation working to protect children from trafficking and transnational exploitation. We support children everywhere to uphold their rights and to live a life free from abuse and exploitation.

For general enquiries, email info@ecpat.org.uk or call 020 7607 2136

To refer a young person you suspect may be a victim of trafficking, email Elias youth@ecpat.org.uk

https://www.ecpat.org.uk/

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Call our advice line

If you are detained under immigration powers in a prison or removal centre, you can call our advice line for free legal advice.

It is open Monday - Thursday between 10 am and 12 midday and outside of those times you can email us casework@biduk.org.

The number is 020 7456 9750

https://www.biduk.org/pages/3-contact-us

Email us about your case

You can also email the team about your case. For legal advice enquiries email casework@biduk.org

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Details for how to call, email, fax or write to our team for free legal advice and other enquiries.

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Refugee Radio is an independent charity dedicated to human rights. We work in Brighton and Sussex. Our services are client-led. Everything we do begins with listening to the refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants that we support. Our holistic service empowers our clients to live fulfilled lives within their new communities.

We hold weekly mental health support groups.

Our specialist case work and advocacy service helps with practical issues.

We amplify refugee voices through our radio show and podcasts.

We facilitate Trauma Informed Mental Health Training programmes for professionals working with refugee communities.

Our community projects target mental health, isolation and social exclusion

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Are you a person seeking refuge?

We can support you to explore your new town and begin your new life.

We can ‘match’ you with a Buddy to help you get to know your new community

Match you with a buddy to practice conversational English

Employment preparation support - computer skills, CV writing, and interview skills. Our employment support is tailored to your aspirations and needs.

Interpretation and translation. Language should not be a barrier.

https://www.therefugeebuddyproject.org/buddy-programme

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Services:

Friday gathering:

Translation: Volunteer translators, using multiple languages, help people to get the most from the Sanctuary opportunities.

Immigration Signposting: The law and practicalities of seeking asylum are bewildering. Free expert signposting is on hand to support people to understand their situation, what they need to do, and what they should not do.

Signposting: Support is provided to direct people to help such as GPs, mental health support, community projects, English conversation classes and volunteering opportunities.

Refreshments: Food is available provided through the Fare Share scheme.

Social Space: Games and conversational space to mingle.

Ladies Room: Gives our female clients an opportunity find their voices in a supported environment and offers a therapeutic stitch project.

Bikes: In association with Sustrans, a service providing and repairing bikes so that clients can have their own transport.

Art Table: Art can be informal, but the therapeutic space allows people to show how they feel without words.

External Agencies: Providing opportunities for other agencies to engage with clients e.g. Refugee Employability Programme, Health in Mind, Vandu Bilingual Advocacy.

English Classes:
We run functional English classes (with a focus on communication). Experienced TEFL teachers focus on functional English, for example how to buy food, use transport, describe common ailments and where to buy medicines. They also focus on cultural awareness through language.

Weekly Support:
Outside of these fixed Friday sessions, Sanctuary Eastbourne also provides support through the week as needed or as opportunities arise. For example:

Walk and Talk Sessions:  delivering social, cultural and linguistic support whilst providing accompanied exercise outdoors, building social and linguistic confidence.

Co-ordinating volunteering opportunities:  placements with local organisations such as St Wilfrid’s Hospice and the Gather Community Garden which can provide a sense of purpose and access to vital experience and skills development.

Supporting healthcare journeys:   helping people navigate the system to access healthcare particularly GP surgeries, prescriptions and dentists.

Organising sporting activities:  opportunities to play football, go to a boxing club or attend football matches helps them to develop interests and skills as well as to socialise with the local community in a positive way.

https://sanctuaryeastbourne.org/services

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Migrant and Refugee Children's Legal Unit

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Migrant and Refugee Children's Legal Unit

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Immigration advice line: 0207 440 2669
10.30-12.30 on Wednesdays
10.30-13.30 on Fridays

Support asylum seekers throughout the asylum process:

​Before an asylum claim has been lodged with the Home Office

Whilst awaiting a decision.

After the decision has been received, and regardless of whether the applicant has been recognised by the Home Office as a refugee.

If recognised as a refugee, we can then assist with Family Reunion applications

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The Immigration Legal Service provides advice and representation, under the Legal Aid scheme, in all areas of asylum and human rights law relating to Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Advice and representation is provided by specialist solicitors and caseworkers.

Email: ImmigrationLegalServices@bht.org.uk
Telephone: 01273 645400

We offer appointments for the following matters where Legal Aid is available and the client qualifies financially for Legal Aid:

Asylum matters

Advice, preparation and representation on Asylum applications and in all appeal stages

Advice, preparation and representation on Article 3 matters

Domestic Violence and Bail matters – advice, preparation and representation on all appeal stages

Advice on the merits of making an application for Judicial Review

Appeals on Judicial Review where there are merits

https://www.bht.org.uk/services/legal-advice/brighton-advice-centre/immigration-legal-service/

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Immigration Advice Line

Tuesdays: 1.30 – 3.30
01273 082105
For refugees, asylum seekers and migrants unable to pay for immigration advice or to access legal aid services elsewhere.
Please note that we cannot currently assist with citizenship applications, visitor visas, or any enquiries relating to the points-based system (work and student visas).

https://www.voicesinexile.org/

https://www.voicesinexile.org/immigration-toolkit/

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Jollof Cafe is a space organised by a group of people who are on the wrong side of the immigration system. The cafe runs every Wednesday afternoon, 1-3pm at West Hill Hall, Compton Avenue, Brighton. All of the proceeds go to support destitute members of the self-support group. It is a wonderful example of what hospitality actually looks like.

We work very closely with the Sussex Refugee and Migrant Self Support group. We are always at the Jollof Cafe and it’s the place where we meet people and get to know them as we establish what kind of support we can provide. We strongly encourage residents to join in with the cafe because it is one way of ensuring that you remain at the centre of your case and in control of what steps you take to resolve your immigration status. If you are on the wrong side of the border regime, and would appreciate being part of the mutual self-support group, please get in touch.

https://www.thousand4thousand.org.uk/#contact

https://www.facebook.com/jollofcafe/

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Founded in 2016, we are a grassroots charity supporting young refugees into work. We do this by delivering three employability programmes in London and Brighton that provide jobs, work experience, training and mentoring at our market stalls and through our wholesale service.

https://www.breadwinners.org.uk/brighton

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An award-winning charity, supporting women who’ve experienced abuse, exploitation or displacement with the confidence, skills and knowledge for a positive future.

https://bramberbakehouse.co.uk/

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Learning Space is a weekly drop-in educational and language support session with qualified teachers that runs on Thursday from 6.00-7.00pm.

Whatever subject or level, young people are offered one-to-one support or work in small groups with teachers. We also offer support with applying for university or college and can help with applications and CVs.

Young refugees who we work with have come from a variety of backgrounds, some have had some education before arriving in the UK and others may have never been to school at all. In our Learning Space they have a chance to catch up if they have missed education due to fleeing their home country or language barriers and can learn more about the UK education system.

https://www.hummingbirdproject.org.uk/homework-club-brighton.html

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Welcome to Hummingbird Young Leaders. We’re a group for young people from refugee backgrounds, who want to have their voices heard.

We meet every Wednesday 5-7pm at the BMECP Centre to learn new skills such as public speaking, communication and teamwork. At Young Leaders you will discover how important things like politics, law and change making works and work together on campaigns to help create change.

From making videos to educate the public, to creating podcasts, makings zines, and talking to the media and politicians to change the way the UK treats refugees, we support you to have your voices heard. And we believe that the best way for you to have your voice heard, is to have a seat at the table!

Too many conversations and decisions that affect your life are made by people with no experience of what it’s like to be a refugee. But we know that you can change this. You deserve to be in those conversations and you have important ideas to share on how issues like the asylum process and safe routes to the UK can be made better.

By becoming a Hummingbird Young Leader, you will become part of a team of amazing young people, who will help you to learn new skills and will join you ‘shoulder to shoulder’ in making big change happen.

https://www.hummingbirdproject.org.uk/young-leaders-refugees-public-speech.html

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Global Social Club (GSC) meets every Monday 5 - 7pm. Our team welcome young people aged 14-25 from around the city and around the world. We’re based at the BMECP in central Brighton. GSC is delivered in partnership with the Refugee Council and Pathways to Independence.

GSC is an awarding winning youth service! We started this new group in August 2017 in response to hearing requests from our young people to meet more local people their age. Since then we have welcomed over 400 young people and become recognised as the UK’s first Youth Club of Sanctuary!

We have fun, celebrate diversity, build friendships and share culture & creativity. Each week we do different activities, socialise and share food together. It’s a space to nurture connection and solidarity between young people of different backgrounds.

https://www.hummingbirdproject.org.uk/gsc-youth-club-brighton.html