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Leicester

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Leicester City of Sanctuary is part of the City of Sanctuary Network, a movement spread throughout the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, committed to building a culture of hospitality and welcome, especially for refugees seeking sanctuary from war and persecution.Contact Leicester City of Sanctuary .

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Certificate course or 60 ECTS credits towards a Master's degree

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As Ireland's first formally designated University of Sanctuary, Dublin City University (DCU) through the support of the DCU Educational Trust has a number of scholarship options for online study for Irish-based refugees and asylum seekers. We have two main options for online study:

* DCU Connected Scholarships

* DCU FutureLearn Scholarships

1. DCU Connected Scholarships

In 2017, DCU announced 10 Scholarships for Irish-based refugees and asylum seekers to support degree-level online study through DCU Connected. This year we plan to extend this initiative with another 5 Scholarships for refugees and asylum seekers taking the total number of scholarships to 15. The DCU Connected Scholarships cover the costs for either a 60 credit online undergraduate or postgraduate programme of study which can be shown to clearly benefit recipients in advancing their personal ambitions and professional goals. The Scholarship also provides funding to support Internet access and the purchase of relevant textbooks and related study costs.
Who can apply?
Refugees and asylum seekers living in the Republic of Ireland.
What can you study?
Applicants can apply for a Scholarship for online study to:

- complete 60 ECTS credit points (or less) for a full qualification (e.g., Certificate in Information Technology; Certificate in Software Systems & Entrepreneurship); or

- complete 60 ECTS credit points towards an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification (e.g., Diploma, Degree, Masters).

The DCU Connected website contains the list of online courses and programmes available to select from under this category of University of Sanctuary Scholarships.
What is the Application Process?
There are three steps to the application process:

Step 1 - Application Form - (closed 20th August 2018)

The first step involves completing and submitting the online application form. An important part of the application process is establishing your eligibility to apply for the scholarship. Applicants will also be required to provide evidence of their ability to apply for university study and meet DCU's specific English language requirements. Another feature of the application form is your reason for wanting to pursue university-level study and how the Scholarship will contribute to your future career and life aspirations. Together these are the main elements that make up the selection criteria. Please note that based on previous experience we anticipate a large number of applications. The deadline for submitting the application form is Monday 20th August, 2018.
Step 2 - Review, Selection and Notification of Outcome
Initially the Selection Panel will review all applications and then short-list the strongest based on clear selection criteria, as outlined above. Short-listed applicants may be requested to provide additional information or participate in an online interview. All successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified of the outcome and receive general feedback on their application. There is no appeals process.
Step 3 - Formal Registration and Getting Started
If you are successful in being awarded a DCU Connected Scholarship, then the next step is to select and formally register for your chosen programme of study. Once all the relevant documentation has been processed you are ready to attend the Welcome Day at the end of September for all new DCU Connected students on DCU's Glasnevin Campus, and embark on what we hope will be a transformative and life changing experience.
Further Information
If you are thinking about applying to study online we encourage prospective applicants to complete the "Am I Ready for Study?" online quiz and the "Do I Have Enough Time?" calculator. These tools, and others on the same website, may be useful in helping you to reflect on your decision to undertake further study. If you require further information about the DCU Connected University of Sanctuary Scholarships, then please email our Scholarships Co-ordinator, Colum Foley, < colum.foley@dcu.ie>

2. DCU FutureLearn Scholarships

On World Refugee Day (June 20th 2018), DCU was pleased to announce 30 Scholarships for online study on the FutureLearn platform. The joint DCU FutureLearn scholarship initiative will enable refugees and asylum seekers living in Ireland to undertake study from a wide range of courses offered on FutureLearn's online platform though to certificates of completion. Announcing the 30 new scholarships, Mark Lester, Director of Partnerships Development at FutureLearn, said, "DCU has long been a champion of online education in Europe. We are delighted to be building upon our partnership with DCU in providing 30 scholarships for refugees and asylum seekers in Ireland, who will have an opportunity to access hundreds of flexible learning options." More information about for the DCU Future Scholarships appears below.
Who can apply?
Refugees and asylum seekers living in the Republic of Ireland.
What can you study?
Applicants can apply to study a FutureLearn online short course through to Certificate of Completion that they can demonstrate is relevant to their particular interests and future career and life aspirations. Importantly, the DCU FutureLearn Scholarship opens up addtional learning resources and experiences beyond those freely available. While applicants can nominate a specific forthcoming online course from those available on the FutureLearn website the following courses have identified as particualrly relevant to Irish-based refugees and asylum seekers:

* Irish 101

* Basic English 1: Elementary

* Basic English 2: Pre-Intermediate

* English for Academic Study

* Digital Discovery 1

* Learning Online

* Preparing for University

* Volunteering with Refugees
What is the Application Process?
There are three steps to the application process:

Step 1 - Application Form - (closed 20th August 2018)

The first step involves completing and submitting the online application form. An important part of the application process is establishing your eligibility to apply for the scholarship. The second part of the application form asks you to explain and demonstrate how the Scholarship will contribute to your future study, career and life aspirations. These are the main elements of the selection criteria. The deadline for submitting the application form is Monday 20th August, 2018.
Step 2 - Review, Selection and Notification of Outcome
The Selection Panel will review all applications and identity the 30 strongest based on clear selection criteria, as outlined above. Other factors that will be taken into account in the final selection process are gender and ethnic diversity along with a range of courses and discipline areas. All successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by the middle of September, 2108. There is no appeals process.
Step 3 - Formal Registration and Getting Started
If you are successful in being awarded a DCU FutureLearn Scholarship, then the next step is to select and formally register for your chosen course. We hope your chosen course will contribute to your readiness for further study and/or support your future career and life aspirations.
Further Information
If you require further information about the DCU FutureLearn University of Sanctuary Scholarships, then please email our Scholarships Co-ordinator, Colum Foley, < colum.foley@dcu.ie>

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Online Learning | Dublin City University - DCU | Scholarships for Refugees

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university of sanctuaryconnectedScholarships for Refugeesand Aslyum Seekers...As Ireland's first formally designated University of Sanctuary, Dublin City University (DCU) through the support of the DCU Educational Trust has a number of scholarship options for online study for Irish-based refugees and asylum seekers.

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Master's in History, Politics & International Relations

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Sanctuary Scholarship - University of Leicester

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Our Sanctuary Scholarship offers opportunities for those with refugee or asylum-seeking status to study at the University of Leicester via distance learning.

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An EU research project - see report, webinar and MOOC starting Jan 2019

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The value of developing and using MOOCs for refugees and migrants in the European context

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This course is about the application of MOOCs for displaced people (refugees and migrants) with a view to their social inclusion, employment, and accessing higher education. The contents of this MOOC have theoretical, pedagogical and practical dimensions, and present case studies of different MOOC application scenarios, in four different countries (Germany, Spain, Sweden, and the UK).

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E.g. Brighton & Hove CoS

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This directory lists organisations which offer support to or are taking action for refugees, people seeking asylum and migrants. It also lists organisations which offer specific services of interest to refugees, people seeking asylum and migrants. A version of this directory that is suitable for printing can be downloaded here.

There are a number of refugee, asylum seeker and migrant community groups which provide support across the city. A list of these groups is included here. The directory is updated regularly, so if you spot any errors, please contact Sanctuary on Sea at [email protected]

Other sources of information about local organisations and services include:

If you want to know more about groups and organisations coming together across the UK to take action for refugees in Calais, and beyond, the Calaid-ipedia website has a list.

The organisations listed in the Local sections here are based in Brighton and Hove or nearby in East Sussex and West Sussex.
National organisations Local organisations supporting or campaigning for refugees, people seeking asylum and migrants Government and local authority services Children's services English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)Hate incidents and antisocial behaviour Modern slavery and human trafficking Social care Training and skills Visas, immigration and settlement Local services and organisations Employment English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)Family tracing and family reunion travel assistance Health and mental health Language services Legal advice - local charities Legal advice - local commercial firms Sport and wellbeing Support for community groups Training and skills Ukrainians Violence and abuse Young people Community organisations and groups
National organisations

The Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA) supports vulnerable refugees and recent migrants, from Afghanistan and other parts of the Middle East and central Asia, living in some of the most disadvantaged and deprived areas of the UK, to improve their wellbeing, independence, aspirations and integration. ACAA aims to break down language and cultural barriers and give these communities a voice and address their needs. ACAA's work is underpinned by a community development ethos centred on addressing individual needs and circumstances. Although ACCA's main area of support is refugee families, activities are open to all.

Amnesty International UK works to protect women, men and children wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied. As a global movement of over 7 million people, Amnesty International is the world's largest grassroots human rights organisation. They investigate and expose abuses, educate and mobilise the public, and help transform societies to create a safer more just world.

Asylum Aid is part of Migrants Resource Centre. It offers free, confidential and independent legal advice and representation on asylum and statelessness.

Asylum Help
Web: asylumhelpuk.org
For details of helplines in own language: asylumhelpuk.org/our-services
Telephone helpline for advice: 0808 8000630
Telephone helpline for support applications: 0808 8000631

Asylum Help is part of a charity called Migrant Help. Asylum Help services are free of charge and are available to anyone entering the UK and applying for refugee status, or anyone who has had their refugee status refused. They can provide advice at every stage of the asylum application process (see advice helpline below), and they can assist with applying for accommodation and support if you are a person seeking asylum (see support applications helpline below). Both their helplines are free.

Freedom from Torture provides direct clinical services to survivors of torture who arrive in the UK, as well as striving to protect and promote their rights. Referrals for clinical services can be made by survivors themselves, or by a professional.

The charity provides emotional and practical support, through its volunteer visitors, to people seeking asylum and immigration detainees held at Tinsley House and Brook House removal centres near Gatwick Airport.

Helen Bamber Foundation
Address: Bruges Place, 15-20 Baynes Street, (Entrance is via Randolph Street), London NW1 0TF
Web: www.helenbamber.org
Referrals: www.helenbamber.org/referrals
Tel: 0203 058 2020
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: helenbamberfoundation
Twitter: @helenbamber

The Helen Bamber Foundation supports refugees and people seeking asylum who have experienced extreme human cruelty, such as torture and human trafficking. They provide specialist care to meet the complex needs of some of the most marginalised and vulnerable people in the world, offering survivors specialist psychological and physical therapy, housing and welfare support, legal protection and creative arts and skills programmes to help people rebuild their lives.

Help Refugees is a grassroots collective working with small groups and organisations that have sprung up in response to the humanitarian crisis. They respond where the need is greatest, whether by providing food, clothing, shelter or funding to more than 80 projects across Europe and the Middle East. In the UK, they are taking joint action to improve lives of refugees.

The network works and campaigns in support of migrants in the UK. They promote policy analysis, partnership and debate for the rights of all migrants. Sign up on their website to receive their regular newsletter and get all the latest updates on migration issues.

Provides help and advice for refugees and people seeking asylum on issues including the asylum process and how to access support.

The Refugee Council supports refugees to rebuild their lives, advocates for them and ensures they have a stronger and more influential voice in decisions that affect them. It runs a "holistic information service" supporting people who have recently been granted asylum. It provides services for people seeking asylum, including counselling and support; signposting to helpful services for people seeking asylum by phone, in person or through an online resources directory; destitution support (mainly in London) and English classes. Its Children's Section works to safeguard and improve the lives of separated children seeking asylum.

If you are working with an unaccompanied child who is seeking asylum, refer them to the Children's Section by clicking here.

Refugee Therapy Centre
Address: 1A Leeds Place, Tollington Park, London, N4 3RF
Web: www.refugeetherapy.org.uk
Referrals: www.refugeetherapy.org.uk/make-a-referral/
Email: [email protected]

The Refugee Therapy Centre was established in 1999 in response to the growing need for a therapeutic service which respected, and worked with, the cultural and linguistic needs of refugees and people seeking asylum providing people with the opportunity to be heard and receive help in their own language where possible or in English if they so wished.

The Refugee Therapy Centre's central purpose is to help refugees and people seeking asylum to feel empowered to deal with their psychological difficulties by providing specialist counselling, psychotherapy and support.

Refugees in Effective and Active Partnership (REAP) is an independent, refugee-led organisation in West London that aims to empower refugees and people seeking asylum to live as valuable and valued members of British society.

Right to Remain's vision is a world in which everyone can exercise their right to remain with dignity and humanity, where they need to be.

In April 2020 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 download the toolkit here.

If you suspect that someone is the victim of modern slavery or human trafficking, or if you are a victim you can get advice from the Salvation Army on their 24 hour confidential helpline.

Stonewall provides help and support to LGBT communities and their allies. We're here to let all lesbian, gay, bi and trans people, here and abroad, know they're not alone.

UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group (UKLGIG)
Web: uklgig.org.uk
UKLGIG affiliated solicitors: uklgig.org.uk/?page_id=100

UKLGIG promotes equality and dignity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and intersex + (LGBTQI+) people who seek asylum in the UK, or who wish to come here to be with their partners. Our asylum related activities include: supporting LGBT people seeking asylum: providing emotional support & legal information referring to solicitors; visiting detention centres and running other social support projects; Research & Policy: working to ensure LGBTQI+ people are treated equally and with dignity in the asylum process; seeking to improve the quality of Home Office decision making and seeking an end to the detention of LGBTQI+ people; training and Information: providing training and information on LGBTQI+ asylum issues. UKLGIG also provide support and information to LGBTQI+ people seeking to settle in the UK with their partners, via our website, an online forum and a monthly meeting.

UNHCR leads and co-ordinates international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise their right to seek asylum and refugee in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country. It also has a mandate to help stateless people.

Women for Refugee Women challenges the injustices experienced by women who cross borders to seek safety. We work in three ways: We work at the grassroots to support and empower women who are seeking asylum; We work with the arts, media and public events to tell women's stories; And, by publishing research and informing politicians, we try to create a fairer asylum process.

Local organisations supporting or campaigning for refugees, people seeking asylum and migrants

Based in Steyning, West Sussex, ASN helps refugees in Greece by raising funds to support local grassroots organisations.

Articulate works with children and young people who've had a difficult start in life; and continue to face some tough challenges. Their art projects and Creative Safe Spaces help young people to be creatively vocal, providing them with a positive environment where they are free to explore, express themselves and enjoy themselves in the process.

Established in 2009, Best Foot Music is an intercultural music and arts organisation. It aims to encourage social inclusion and cultural diversity by supporting, promoting and documenting the music and arts of communities and individuals who have moved to the UK from around the World. Bestfoot is a volunteer organisation with committee members working on a 'not for profit' basis, whilst strongly believing musicians should be paid a professional wage for the work they do. Activities include:

Music recordings and documentation

Event Production

Supporting artists in developing their own projects

Booking artists for events held by other organisations

Documenting events held by similar organisations and advising those wanting to organise their own events.

The Black and Minority Ethnic Community Partnership offer a drop in service for refugees and people seeking asylum every other Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is a great opportunity to meet other refugees and migrants, seek welfare benefits and advice, and help to apply for documents such as naturalisation and travel. Information about hate crimes is also available. Call the centre to find out which Fridays the drop in takes place.

Brighton and Hove Community Sponsorship is a volunteer organisation set up to welcome refugee families to the city and support them as they establish their lives in the UK. It is a Community Sponsorship group operating with the approval and guidance of the Home Office. BHCS is looking for people to volunteer, to share their expertise in areas such as English lessons, school placement, benefits, fundraising and access accommodation.

Brighton Migrant Solidarity is a community and campaign group who focus on freedom of movement and supporting migrants. They warmly welcome people with experience of fleeing conflict or seeking sanctuary to all their meetings and events.

Calais Action - Brighton
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Calais-Action-Brighton-646481882121064

An active grassroots group which organises regular collections of practical aid (mostly men's clothes and food) to Calais and Northern France. Volunteers travel to France to support organisations working on the ground (Refugee Community Kitchen, Help Refugees Calais Warehouse, School Bus Project). Please contact for more information.

Community Works connects charities, volunteers and businesses. They help people who want to volunteer their time to find local opportunities. Their volunteer centre can help you find a volunteering opportunity with an organisation that is supporting or taking action for refugees, people seeking asylum and migrants in Brighton, Hove, Adur or Worthing.

The searchable Directory of Community Works member organisations lists details of the range of services and activities provided by the over 550 members, all of which are voluntary or community organisations based in Brighton, Hove, Adur or Worthing. This is accessible via www.bhcommunityworks.org.uk/member-directory

Euro-Mediterranean Resources Network specialises in news and information gathering, strategic research and training on environment, development, social justice and civil liberties in the countries across the Euro-Mediterranean region.

The Hummingbird Project grew out of solidarity and aid to refugees in the Calais and Dunkirk. With the closure of the camps, the Hummingbird Project now work creatively 1:1 and in groups with young refugees in Brighton. They run a youth group every Monday at the YPC, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Young people can drop in or be referred through [email protected]

The Hummingbird team have experience of working with at risk young people who have been forced to be on the move. They can offer case work in Sussex and extra emotional and practical support. Additional support, training and awareness sessions can be organised at request.

Lewes Group in Support of Refugees and Asylum Seekers (LGSRAS)
Address: c/o Town Hall, Lewes BN7 2QS
Tel: 07976 923393
Email: [email protected]

LGSRAS is a voluntary group in the Lewes district, which works to raise awareness and to support people in our area, regardless of their status. We also advocate about issues affecting refugees and people seeking asylum.

We provide a voluntary befriender service to families in the district who have come under the Syrian Resettlement Programme, and are keen to extend support to other refugees and people seeking asylum as they move into the district.

MARS is an activist network set up by workers, teachers and students at the University of Brighton in solidarity to the millions of migrants and refugees seeking a safer and better future outside their countries of birth. We are linked to local and international solidarity initiatives. Contact MARS if you want information, speakers, and contacts or if you have ideas to share. They are keen to utilise their academic skills and links with a variety of actors, in Britain and abroad.

Refugee Radio provides a weekly support group around mental health, as well as outreach and advice. It also produces radio with refugees and people seeking asylum for their stories to be heard.

Sanctuary Café
Address: Hove Methodist Church, Portland Road, Hove BN3 5DR
For more information contact Paul: [email protected]
Facebook: sanctuarycafehove

Sanctuary Café takes place on the second Saturday of the month between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. The aim is to create a place for people who are people seeking asylum and refugees to meet local residents and get to know each other better over a meal. It will always be a simple vegetarian meal and free (donations if possible).

The venue is fully accessible and children are welcome. People of any faith and no faith are welcome - no need to bring anything other than love. For details of the next event visit the Sanctuary Cafe Facebook page.

Sanctuary on Sea is the Brighton group of the City of Sanctuary movement, a national network made up of about 100 local groups of businesses, community organisations and individuals who aim to foster a culture of welcome for people seeking sanctuary. Since recognising Brighton and Hove as a City of Sanctuary, it maintains a dialogue with the Council about how the city can live up to that name. Its steering group is made up of some of the other organisations included in this directory. It runs a Schools of Sanctuary and Clubs of Sanctuary programme, coordinates the annual Refugee Week celebrations in June and supports national campaigns. It provides information about any events relating to refugees and migrants in the city via facebook, twitter and an e-newsletter.

STAR is a national charity of 12,000 students welcoming refugees to the UK. They work to:

Volunteer at local refugee projects

Campaign to improve the lives of refugees

Educate people about refugees and people seeking asylum

Fundraise to welcome refugees.

STAR has been represented at Sussex University since 2014; their Equal Access campaign work has resulted in the University's management offering two full scholarships to students with Discretionary Leave to Remain in the UK. The local STAR group meets regularly.

Sussex Interpreting Services offers a range of support services which are free to all refugees, people seeking asylum and migrants. These include community interpreting, bilingual advocacy, a health promotion project, and translation.

There is a drop-in service at BMECP Centre, 10a Fleet Street, Brighton BN1 4ZE, any time between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of every month offering free help, support and information in 16 languages. No appointment necessary.

Sussex Interpreting Services have prepared a translation of useful information for Ukrainian refugees. Download here.

Sussex Refugee Solidarity is a local community support and action group for refugees, set up by parents in Sussex. It is a forum which aims to set out what we can offer to refugees resettling in East Sussex and West Sussex.

Thousand 4 £1000 is a Brighton-based charity which pools hundreds of small regular donations to provide temporary accommodation for migrants without documented right to reside in the UK.

The charity works closely with the Sussex Refugees and Migrants Self-Support Group, which runs the weekly Jollof Cafe at the Cowley Club, London Road on Tuesday afternoons. The Jollof Cafe is the first point of contact for anyone seeking help.

Government and local authority services

Lucy Bryson is the Community Safety Manager for Refugees and Migrants for Brighton and Hove City Council. She can be contacted for further information regarding the council's work on migration in the city. Lucy is also the Chair of the Brighton & Hove Refugee Forum.

Brighton and Hove City Council is proud to be welcoming Syrian refugees through the UK's Vulnerable Person's Resettlement Scheme (VPRS) which aims to resettle 20,000 Syrian refugees across the UK by 2020. The success of the scheme is reliant on local landlords willing to provide properties at affordable rates and for at least one year or longer if possible.

If you have any questions about the resettlement scheme in Brighton and Hove or you are a private landlord and want to find out more, please get in touch.

Children's services

The Brighton and Hove City Council website contains a page of web links to a wide variety of support and activities for young people

Education

Brighton and Hove schools work hard to prevent and respond to bullying, but bullying does occur and children and young people often need the support of adults to resolve it.

The 'Safe from bullying' leaflet aims to support parents and carers to work with schools to resolve bullying issues. The leaflet was written by Brighton and Hove City Council's Children's Services working in partnership with the Parent's Forum. We also involved other statutory, community and voluntary sector organisations.

A leaflet for parents and carers can be downloaded here. A leaflet for children and young people can be downloaded here.

The Brighton and Hove City Council Ethnic Minority Achievement Service (EMAS) provides support to children in schools, and at home to school liaison officers to support families if English is not their first language. EMAS is a team of specialist teachers, teaching assistants, bilingual liaison workers and home school liaison workers. EMAS works with pre-school, primary and secondary aged children, within their own schools.

English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)

There are a number of ESOL providers in the city offering a range of courses: some for free or at a low-cost. Some providers also offer courses irrespective of immigration status or benefit entitlement. The Brighton and Hove ESOL network have prepared a comprehensive list of ESOL providers in the city which is available in the resources section of the Voices in Exile website. It can be downloaded here.

Brighton and Hove Libraries have books in community languages, including e-books, e-audio books and newspapers, resources to support learning English, free wifi and PCs, study areas and events and activities for all ages. Jubilee Library was awarded Library of Sanctuary in 2020 and they support many groups and organisations supporting refugees and people seeking asylum, offering a warm welcome to all.

Hate incidents and antisocial behaviour

Racist and religiously motivated incidents, disability hate incidents, transphobic and homophobic hate incidents and anti-social behaviour can be reported directly to a specialist casework service within the Community Safety Casework Team based at Hove Town Hall (BHCC). Vulnerability and risk are assessed for each incident and the team will either directly support victims, or refer cases to appropriate agencies. The team can also provide advice and guidance regarding any hate incident or anti-social behaviour concern. Hate incidents or anti-social behaviour can also be reported directly to the police by calling 101 (or 999 in an emergency).

Sussex Police Liaison Officers
Non-emergency calls: 101
Emergency calls: 999

Contact to the liaison officers is made via 101 asking for a message to be passed on to them and they will reply as soon as they can to offer support, guidance and advice.

Gypsy/Traveller Liaison: PCSO Debbie Kimpton 39382

Disabled Community Liaison: PCSO Vanessa Farrell 39061 and PCSO George Verral 37344

Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Liaison: Alex Hyatt

All faiths institutions Liaison: PCSO Rob Bartholomew 39789 and PC Georgina Baker EA547

Jewish Community Liaison: PCSO Verity Mepham 40742

Hindu Community Liaison: PCSO Richard Wright 63623

LGBTQ+ Liaison: PC Richard Hall CH059

TNBI community Liaison: PC Ella Perfect EA241

Modern slavery and human trafficking

Modern slavery is a term used to describe human trafficking, forced labour, slavery and servitude. Human trafficking occurs when people are moved from one place to another with the use of force or deception for the purpose of exploitation, for example, in the sex industry, in organised crime or for forced labour. Victims of modern slavery are often migrants. This crime is hidden from view and there are many barriers to victims reporting what has happened to them.

If you suspect that someone is the victim of modern slavery, or if you are a victim, call the police on 101 (or 999 in an emergency). If the victim is a child, call the police or social services in the same way as you would report another child protection concern.

Social care

The Brighton and Hove City Council website contains a web page listing a wide variety of social care available in the city

In some limited cases Brighton and Hove City Council may have a responsibility to accommodate and support families, or single adults with care needs, who have no recourse to public funds and would otherwise be at risk of destitution. Referrals for assessment can be made directly or on a person's behalf.

Training and skills

The Library Connect service provides free one-to-one and drop-in sessions helping people develop digital and online skills. Help is available to develop skills in areas such as using the internet and email, keeping in touch with friends/relatives on line, job searches, sending attachments, accessing Council services online, navigating online forms, printing/scanning, downloading apps or e-books, transferring photographs from a digital camera to a computer/ memory stick, sending text messages and more. Sessions are tailored to individual needs. Free Library Connect sessions at your local library can be booked by phone or through the Library Connect website.

Visas, immigration and settlement

Diversity Resource International provide an advice service for people arriving from Hong Kong with British National (overseas) status. A leaflet with further information in English and Chinese can be downloaded from this link.

UK Visas and Immigration is a national government department which decides who has the right to visit or stay in the UK. They run the UK's asylum service which offers protection to those eligible under the 1951 Geneva Convention.

If someone is in the UK unlawfully the Home Office can help them to return to their home country if they wish to do so. They can assist with travel documentation and arranging financial help to support resettlement in their home country.

Local services and organisations

Advocacy

Sussex Interpreting Services provide bilingual advocates who work with vulnerable and isolated people. They take the time to appreciate people's views, needs, expectations and concerns and ensure they are heard, respected and acted upon where necessary.

Education

Alnoure Academy is an independent non-profit community Arabic school organisation for GCSE and A-level pathways. Students are from a range of communities and a wide variety of backgrounds including: Iraqi, Palestinian, Bangladeshi, Polish, Syrian and English.

Employment

Growing Points
Online referral form for organisations: growingpoints.co.uk/referral/
Tel: 07889 752169
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: ambitionandaction

National charity Growing Points works to improve the social mobility of people from excluded communities, using the powerful and influential networks of volunteer Guardians to enable them to achieve their ambitions. Guardians are talented and well connected in all sorts of fields including education, health and social care; management consultancy and journalism. They are matched up with people with ambition from excluded communities such as refugees. Guardians work with them on their ambitions by using their networks to find opportunities for growth and success in their chosen field. They work in partnership with referring organisations including City of Sanctuary, the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Brighton Mind. Most work is by email and telephone with some face to face contact with customers. Referrals do not come directly from individuals but from organisations working with people who are likely to need Growing Points' help.

The Launchpad Collective offer free support to refugees and people seeking asylum looking for training and work in Brighton and surrounding areas.

English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)

There are a number of ESOL providers in the city offering a range of courses: some for free or at a low-cost. Some providers also offer courses irrespective of immigration status or benefit entitlement. The Brighton and Hove ESOL network have prepared a comprehensive list of ESOL providers in the city which is available in the resources section of the Voices in Exile website. It can be downloaded here.

Brighton Table Tennis Club offers 'PingLish', which gives migrants and refugees the opportunity to learn English for free with the support of an experienced ESOL teacher whilst playing Table Tennis (also known as Ping Pong).

Kemp Town Talks
Address: St Mary's Church, Kemp Town, 61 St James's Street, Brighton BN2 1PR
Tel: 01273 698601
Email: [email protected]

Free conversational English classes. Friendly, informal learning for speakers of other languages.

Every Friday

Beginner - Elementary: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Intermediate - Advanced: 11 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

No booking necessary. Just drop in!

The Migrant English Project provides:

free and informal English lessons for people seeking asylum, refugees and migrants on Mondays.

a welcoming, friendly and safe space where people can meet others and receive support

support, basic advice, referrals and signposting when needed

free lunch & refreshments during the project

1:1 casework to support English, employability and integration
The MESH team provides an integrated 'one stop' advice service for migrants 16 years and over, offering a welcoming gateway to ESOL learning provision plus signposting and referral to other support services across Brighton and Hove. Members of the team work with people on a one-to-one basis and connect them with the right support as soon as possible, helping people achieve their aims in relation to education, employment and integration into the life of the city.

There are two MESH case workers - Cicely Lloyd is working at Trust for developing Communities, (who work in neighbourhoods, across the city and beyond to support and facilitate community-led changes) and Rosa Jones is based at Voices in Exile, (a local charity offering practical and legal support to refugees, people seeking asylum and vulnerable migrants). The project co-ordinator Alison Kelly is based at Friends Centre, an independent adult education organisation and charity which serves over 1,100 learners each year through their wide range of daytime and evening classes.

The personalised 1:1 support from case workers offers help with:

To refer someone, self-refer or for further information please contact one of the case workers.

University of Sussex
Address: University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9RH
Web: www.sussex.ac.uk/languages/english
Email: [email protected]

The University of Sussex offers scholarships to study English language for 15 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.) or 21 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. plus three afternoons 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.). Full attendance is required. Terms start September / January / April / June. Not suitable for beginners.

The University of Sussex also offers free English language courses in Falmer in the spring term. The classes are on Tuesdays from 1 p.m to 3 p.m starting on 13 February. The classes are open to anyone over the age of 18.

Whitehead-Ross Education and Consulting (WREC Ltd) is a leading provider of innovative education, youth and social welfare programmes. We pride ourselves in offering flexible programmes that are relevant and beneficial. Our ESOL Skills for Life qualifications support speakers of other languages based within the UK to develop their English language skills for work, further learning or everyday life. The course will develop your skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Come and see our state of the art training facility in the centre of Brighton for more information.

Family tracing and family reunion travel assistance

The British Red Cross has two main migration related services. Refugee Support and International Family Tracing. These are open to people seeking asylum, refugees and migrants.

International Family Tracing (IFT) Service helps to restore and maintain contact between families separated by armed conflict, migration or natural disaster by using the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network. The IFT team can also provide a service for sending Red Cross Messages, certificates of detention for those imprisoned overseas and also provides services inside Immigration Removal Centres.

Our Refugee Support service provides dedicated casework support to those in need. Destitution support, advocacy and information are all provided to those in need by our dedicated team of caseworkers.

Our Refugee support service also provides a dedicated Family Reunion Travel Assistance Scheme, which pays for and arranges travel to reunite refugee families. The scheme organises and pays for family members travel to the UK only. To be eligible, individuals must already be in possession of visas, and meet our criteria. Please see our website for more information.

Food

Individuals need to be referred to most food banks and cannot just turn up. If you are an individual in need, or a professional and want to refer someone to emergency food, read the Brighton and Hove Food Partnerships advice on what to do.

The Brighton and Hove Food Partnership is a non-profit organisation providing a hub for information, inspiration and connection around food. It delivers a range of community projects such as:

Health and mental health

Boloh, a service provided by Barnados, is a helpline offering advice, emotinoal support and free therapy to aduls seeking asylum and Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic parents in the UK. Boloh advisers can also offer help in understanding symptoms of colds, coughs and respiratory infections to adults caring for children at home.

The free telephone helpline is available Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Brighton Exiled/Refugee Trauma Service (BERTS) is a dedicated trauma service hosted by Brighton and Hove CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), for refugees and people seeking asylum in Sussex. It offers free specialist trauma counselling and psychotherapy to local people to help them come to terms with their relocation in the UK, after what can be very difficult experiences for themselves and their families in their countries of origin. Referrals are accepted from the NHS Counselling Services or from your GP. Contact the Sanctuary Project if you are unsure of how to do this or need more help

The Brighton Natural Health Centre run free weekly drop-in yoga classes for female migrants, people seeking asylum and refugees on Fridays at 11.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. in central Brighton. The classes are run by experienced Iyengar Yoga teacher, Jen Henwood and observe social distancing and Covid 19 safety measures.

The health benefits of yoga can help to reduce depression, stress and anxiety, allowing those who are suffering to feel better in themselves, build confidence and self-esteem. These classes provide a safe and supportive space to exercise, make new friends and improve physical and mental well-being.

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove is a local watchdog and consumer champion for health and social care. It can support you to influence the design, delivery and improvement of local health and social care services. It can also enable you to make informed choices about your health and wellbeing by assisting you when you have concerns or complaints about these services.

The Independent Health Complaints Advocacy Service (IHCAS) is provided in Brighton and Hove by POhWER, a charity providing free advocacy, information and advice to people who experience disability, vulnerability, distress and social exclusion. They offer support to people making complaints about NHS care or treatment, and can be contacted by phone: 0300 456 2370 or by email [email protected] . More information can be found on the POhWER website at: https://www.pohwer.net/brighton-and-hove

Mind in Brighton and Hove
Address: 51 New England Street, Brighton BN1 4GQ
Web: www.mindcharity.co.uk
Tel: 01273 666950

Mind in Brighton and Hove is an independent charity, which offers free and confidential advice to anyone affected by mental health issues. The service can be accessed by telephone or by email. If you would prefer to talk in person, one-to-one meetings can also be booked at the Mind in Brighton and Hove office in New England Street. Mind in Brighton and Hove runs outreach advice sessions in Moulsecoombe and Whitehawk. Appointments are available for residents of East Brighton.

Mind also has an online Directory of mental health and wellbeing services to help individuals and professionals locate services and resources directly or indirectly promoting and supporting mental health and wellbeing, including for refugees and people seeking asylum. It includes NHS and other statutory, voluntary and non-profit making organisations who offer services. Focusing primarily on services and resources in Brighton and Hove, it also includes some national organisations, the directory can be found here.

The NHS 111 service is for when you urgently need help or advice but it is not a life-threatening situation.

OK Rehab specialises in addiction treatment. This treatment is available via both inpatient and outpatient treatment providers. OK Rehab's aim is to help individuals break free from the shackles of addiction and find a treatment that's ideally suited to their needs. This treatment is applicable for drug addiction, alcoholism and process/behavioural addictions.

An over-the-phone assessment to determine if you require addiction treatment

Access to over 140+ clinics across the UK and abroad

Advice relating to outpatient, residential and home detox services

Access to detox clinics regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)

Fast access to emergency detox treatment, is appropriate

Access to professional interventionists across the UK

Advice by staff members who are themselves in recovery

Information on both private and statutory funded addiction treatment providers

Specialist Health Visiting Team for BME and Traveller families
Address: Candy Barrett, Community Public Health Nurse Specialist: Refugees and Migrants, Healthy Futures Team, Tarner Children's Centre, Morley Street, BN2 9QE
Tel: (Tuesday - Wednesday): 01273 666484 ext. 6576
Tel: 07785 521131
Email: [email protected]

Health Visitors are qualified nurses with training in public health. In this team they visit families with insecure immigration status, people seeking asylum and newly arrived refugees as well as Travellers. They assess children's development and provide information on a range of health issues and local services for all family members.

The Sussex Beacon provides a range of specialist HIV treatment and support services.

Sussex Interpreting Services' volunteer Linguists, reach out to isolated people and excluded communities to explain what services are available and how to access them. They support people to make appointments, understand correspondence, fill in simple forms and appreciate health information. They also act as a reference group for local planners to improve understanding of service users' needs.

Sussex Mental Health Line
Tel: 0300 5000101

Open 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. on week nights, and on a 24 hours basis during weekends and bank holidays

Psychotherapeutic counselling is provided by the Wellbeing Service, a part of the local NHS primary mental healthcare service. It is an adults-only service and works with anyone (including refugees and people seeking asylum) who doesn't need hospitalisation or very intensive input with mental health issues at a primary level. The Service works with interpreters when necessary and can help refugees and people seeking asylum struggling with the mental health impact of what their status has imposed on them, including issues such as self- esteem and trust. The Wellbeing Service offers six sessions to patients who are referred to them. There are 2 routes into the Wellbeing Service, via a GP and via a form that can be downloaded from the website. The Service has a limited capacity and present waiting list of approximately 4-6 months.

If you feel you are not able to keep yourself safe, and do not need immediate medical assistance, you should contact the Mental Health Rapid Response Service which is able to offer immediate support: 0300 304 0078 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week including bank holidays).

Housing

Apptivists have created an online directory of local resources. It includes local information on housing, food, social activities, health, mental health and abuse, substance misuse, benefits and debt advice to youth, elderly, refugees and migrants, women, men and the LGBTQ community.

Brighton Housing Trust offers a range of specialist housing advice to those in need through its Brighton Advice Centre.

ESFRS provides free visits to your home to give advice and information about fire and home safety, and can fit free smoke alarms if needed.

Language services

An online list of all the current English provisions for speakers of other languages (ESOL) in Brighton and Hove is available at the Brighton and Hove City Council Libraries website.

Sussex Interpreting Services
Web: www.sussexinterpreting.org.uk/booking.asp
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: 01273 702005
Emergencies at any time of day or night.: 07811 459315
Email: [email protected]

Sussex Interpreting Services provides community interpreting. Their community interpreters work face to face to ensure access to services for people with language support needs.

Sussex Interpreting Services also provides translation services. Their community translators are experienced in translation of a wide range of written information and documentation, including: letters, reports, leaflets, newsletters, websites, medical records and passports, birth and marriage certificates.

There is a drop-in service at BMECP Centre, 10a Fleet Street, Brighton BN1 4ZE, any time between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of every month offering free help, support and information in 16 languages. No appointment necessary.

Sussex Interpreting Services have prepared a translation of useful information for Ukrainian refugees. Download here.

Vandu Language Services provide cost effective, culturally intelligent interpreting and translation services in Sussex.

Legal advice - local charities

The Migration Law Clinic at the University of Sussex was established in 2019 to offer migration and asylum legal advice on a pro bono (cost-free) basis to any individual who requires advice in this legal field and cannot afford to pay a legal practitioner. The Clinic has OISC registration (at Level 3). In its first months, the Clinic focussed on asylum law and Article 8 issues, and provided advice on citizenship applications. The Clinic does not run during university holiday or assessment periods, which restricts its capacity, and unfortunately this means it is unable to accept any new clients before the start of the next academic year (September 2019). For further information please email [email protected]

The legal framework in England and Wales is heavily regulated and legal advice can only be provided under very strict conditions. The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 made it unlawful for anyone to provide unregulated immigration advice or immigration services. Immigration advice in the UK is regulated by the OISC (Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner). The type of advice that a qualified and registered adviser can give depends on their level of qualification. Click here for an explanation on the Gov.uk website.

For more complex immigration issues, an immigration solicitor or specialist caseworker is needed. You need to make sure that an immigration specialist is registered with OISC before you ask for their advice.

There are two ways of accessing immigration and asylum representation. Firstly, through private solicitors at regulated law firms. They will charge fees which can be discussed directly with your solicitor. The second is through the publicly funded legal aid scheme for asylum claims and some limited types of immigration cases. If you qualify to receive legal aid, the Legal Services Commission (LSC) is responsible for the payment of your fees. The amount the LSC is willing to pay may be limited; in some cases you may have to pay towards the cost. Qualifying for legal aid to meet the costs of immigration and asylum representation is dependent on your financial position and the nature of your claim. You can find out if you're eligible in the following ways:

Citizens Advice website explains the financial conditions for getting civil legal aid.

Government website includes an online tool to check if you can get legal aid.

Civil Legal Advice helpline: call 0345 345 434.

In Brighton and Hove, the lack of immigration advice and representation has reached a critically low level. There are very few OISC accredited advisors, particularly at the higher level of OISC qualification. Where legal aid is still available for asylum applications, it can be difficult to secure representation. Currently, the only local legal aid representation and advice is supplied by Brighton Housing Trust, but it cannot take on all cases. At the time of writing, they were prioritising cases involving children and only a limited number of adult cases. However, this may change so please contact them if you have a claim that may be eligible for legal aid support. Please see its website here for further information.

Please note that services funded by legal aid provide a comparable quality to private services, so if you are entitled to legal aid representation you would be well-advised to try and secure it. Out of area, legal aid cases may be taken on by Barnes Harrild and Dyer, a solicitor firm based in Croydon (details below).

Anyone looking for information about organisations or people providing legal services in England and Wales that are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) can freely search the online Find a Solicitor service run by the Law Society; this can be found on the Law Society website.

Brighton Housing Trust's Immigration Legal Service
Address: 144 London Rd, Brighton BN1 4PH
Web: www.bht.org.uk/services/legal-advice/brighton-advice-centre/immigration-legal-service/
Email: [email protected]

Brighton Housing Trusts Immigration Legal Service can offer legal advice and representation for those eligible to legal aid funding e.g. asylum cases, bail and some specific cases involving domestic violence or human trafficking. As the ILS team is small, they can only take on cases when they have capacity to do so (see entry above).

Citizens Advice Brighton and Hove provides free and confidential advice. They can give basic advice on immigration applications and help clients to complete standard forms. They run a drop in Monday-Thursday, 8.45 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. at Bartholomew House, Bartholomew Square, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1JA. They also run an email advice service. To access this go to: www.brightonhovecab.org.uk and complete the online web form. Information about when the Citizens Advice holds advice and telephone advice sessions can be found here.

The charity provides emotional and practical support through its volunteer visitors, to people seeking asylum and immigration detainees held at Tinsley House and Brook House removal centres near Gatwick Airport.

The Migration Law Clinic at the University of Sussex was established in 2019 to offer migration and asylum legal advice on a pro bono (cost-free) basis to any individual who requires advice in this legal field and cannot afford to pay a legal practitioner. The Clinic has OISC registration (at Level 3). In its first months, the Clinic focussed on asylum law and Article 8 issues, and provided advice on citizenship applications. The Clinic does not run during university holiday or assessment periods, which restricts its capacity, and unfortunately this means it is unable to accept any new clients before the start of the next academic year (September 2019). For further information please email [email protected]

Money Advice Plus helps people who are experiencing difficulty managing their money or financial affairs. They can give debt and benefit advice. In addition we have an adviser authorised by the OISC to give level 1 immigration advice, and can also help apply for documents such as naturalisation and travel documents. They run a drop-in session at the BMECP Centre, 10a Fleet Street, Brighton BN1 4ZE every fortnight on a Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Voices in Exile is accredited to provide specialist immigration advice up to OISC Level 2. We can assist with complex applications but cannot represent in appeals to the First Tier Tribunal or Upper Tier Tribunal or with judicial review. Our services are for vulnerable and/or destitute migrants, people seeking asylum and refugees who are not eligible for legal aid and/or do not have the means to pay for private legal advice. As a general rule we cannot currently assist EEA nationals - but will consider particularly vulnerable/complex cases. We also provide generalist advice on welfare benefits, housing and homelessness, asylum support, children's and adult community care. You can download our referral form from our website.

We currently deliver the following free advice services from our premises in Kemptown:

Immigration advice drop-in - Tuesdays 1.30 to 3.30 p.m.: for refugees, people seeking asylum and migrants unable to pay for immigration advice or to access legal aid services elsewhere. St. John the Baptist Church parish hall - entrance on Bristol Road, BN2 1AP

Phone advice - Thursdays 2 to 4 p.m. on 01273 082105

Email advice - we will respond to email advice enquiries sent to [email protected] as soon as we practically can.

Destitution service and food bank (generalist advice) - Fridays 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: by referral only (through our referral form, an email or phone call) for clients who are destitute or with no recourse to public funds.

Please note that we cannot see clients without an appointment or outside these drop-in times.

Legal advice - local commercial firms

We accept no responsibility for, nor do we endorse the services offered by these firms.

Barnes, Harrild and Dyer
Address: West Croydon Office: , 76 London Road, Croydon CR0 2TB, East Croydon Office, Fourth Floor, Park House, 22 Park Street, Croydon CR0 1YE
Tel: 020 8681 5128
Fax: 020 8686 9776
Kaweh Beheshtizadeh: 020 8253 0990
Email: [email protected]

Will accept inquiries relating to any area of immigration and asylum, and human rights issues. They can take on some cases which fall under the scope of legal aid, and also offer private services.

Will accept inquiries in all areas of immigration, asylum and EEA law. Can meet clients in Brighton office.

Irving and Co Solicitors
Address: Third Floor, Queensberry House, 106 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3XF
Tel: 01273 862 209
Fax: 01273 862 428
Email: [email protected]

Irving and Co Solicitors represent clients in all areas of Immigration law, European law, Asylum law and Nationality law. They represent clients at all stages of the appeal process in the Immigration and Asylum Chamber, Upper Tribunal, Court of Appeal and European court. They also specialise in Judicial Review applications to the High Court.

Irving and Co are no longer able to offer legal aid and costs are on a private basis.

Will accept inquiries in all areas of immigration, asylum, including deportation and EEA issues. Contact Paul Ward

LGBTQ

MindOut is a mental health service run by and for lesbians, gay men, bisexual, trans, and queer people. Please do contact us with any enquiries about mental health, we can help you find the support you need. We provide advice & information, advocacy, a peer support group programme, wellbeing activities and events, a peer mentoring service, an out of hours online chat service and a food project. We are based in Brighton, and we also work around the country to deliver LGBTQ Affirmative Practice training for Mental Health professionals and seek to influence national policy & practice.

Brighton and Hove LGBT Switchboard was founded in 1975 and has been providing services to the LGBTQ community in Brighton and beyond ever since. Originally operating as a helpline, Switchboard has expanded over the years to include an older LGBT project, a Trans Survivors Switchboard, an LGBTQ disability group and the LGBTQ Health and Inclusion Project.

Money

Money Advice Plus helps people who are experiencing difficulty managing their money or financial affairs. They can give debt and benefit advice, and help to apply for documents such as naturalisation and travel documents. As part of their money handling services they are able to distribute money to people who are not entitled to benefits but the council has a duty to support.

They run a drop-in session at the BMECP Centre, 10a Fleet Street, Brighton BN1 4ZE every fortnight on a Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A partnership between a number of organisations supporting financial inclusion in the city including CAB, Money Advice Plus, St Luke's Advice Centre, Brighton Unemployed Centre families Project, the Hangleton and Knoll Project and Possability People. It provides free, independent advice to residents of Brighton and Hove on a whole range of money issues, including dealing with debt, maximising income and paying for fuel.

Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wave Community Bank help people who are struggling to open a bank account because of a lack of ID or a permanent address. By joining Wave Community Bank people can access an Engage account, which is a basic pre-paid bank account with a VISA debit card so they can shop online and in shops. To open an account, an application form can be downloaded from https://wavecb.org.uk/join-us

Sport and wellbeing

Away from Home is a community football group open to all refugees and people seeking asylum. Run by VYD, a local social impact CIC, the training sessions combine fun with structure and professionalism. We have a qualified experienced coach who oversees the weekly training.

Football clubs belong at the heart of many communities in the UK and are a place that can help create welcoming communities by focusing on what people have in common rather than on their differences. Our aim is to give players space to forget their current problems and focus on playing and having fun with like minded people. We hope that by coming regularly players will start to feel a sense of belonging.

Sessions are free of charge. Please contact us for further details.

The Brighton Table Tennis Club is a Charity working with people of all ages, especially young people, (including refugees), to improve health, celebrate diversity and to build a strong community. The Club has hundreds of players and over 100 Tables across the city. It helps people from many communities and all ages keep fit and well, brings them together offering mutual support and friendship. There are sessions for young people of all ages and backgrounds, those aged 50+, adults with learning disabilities, children in care, at more than 10 schools and colleges.

The BTTC 'PingLish' project offers migrants and refugees the opportunity to learn English whilst playing table tennis (also known as Ping Pong) supported by an experienced ESOL teacher and keen player.

Sessions are free and fun, particularly for people that have never played table tennis before. Players will be invited to join in with other activities at the UK's first Club of Sanctuary, welcoming refugees and people seeking asylum. Weekly 1:1 and small group sessions that are 90 minutes long are available. The current timetable is Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Nam Yang Brighton Community Association is an inclusive, not-for-profit, community based Martial Arts club. They teach traditional Martial Arts and Combat Sports including Kickboxing, Kung Fu, Savate Boxe Francais, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Tai Chi, Chi Gong and Boxing. They run sessions for all ages, abilities and backgrounds including working with people with disabilities, refugees, people seeking asylum, low income households and local schools and community groups. Nam Yang Brighton aim to make a positive impact in the community using Martial Arts and Combat Sports to bring people together. Everyone is welcome.

A Brighton based community run football club for boys and girls aged 10-16, with players from 10 different countries, many of whom are refugees. Set up by the Oromo community group the club was a response to the difficulty that young Oromo people had in joining clubs and making friends. It now provides a focus for the integration of young people (including refugees) from diverse communities in Brighton & Hove. It has 40 young people from 10 diverse communities that participate in the club and train at Hove Park and have a team in the local football league.

Support for community groups

The Migrant Welcome Project aims to enable the coming together of migrants in Brighton and Hove to form friendships and mutual support to explore what the City has to offer. They meet weekly in term-time to discuss what they would find useful and share what they have learned, and to take trips around the City. The sessions and trips are supported by Rosa Jones (group facilitator) and Alison Kelly (project co-ordinator) and are funded by the project to increase confidence in:

To refer someone, self-refer or for further information please contact us.

If your community wants to run its own activities, classes or gatherings, the Resource Centre can help with setting up and organising a community group. They can help you to raise funds, keep track of your money, plan events and produce publicity materials. They also have equipment to hire. Opening times are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays to Fridays.

Training and skills

Breadwinners provide employment and training for refugees and young people seeking asylum. We transform lives through selling artisan bread at market stalls. We are offering two programmes in Brighton to support migrant employability:

Risers Programme - Provides support for young people seeking asylum aged 16-24 helping them gain UK work experience by working as Market Stall Assistants. The programme includes employability training sessions and 1:1 mentoring.

Breadwinners Programme - Supports refugees by providing them with their first job opportunity working as a Market Stall Manager in Brighton earning the UK Living Wage. We support participants with a full programme of employability training and 1:1 mentoring to help them grow and progress onto full time work.

Ukrainians

Sussex Interpreting Services
Web: www.sussexinterpreting.org.uk
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: 01273 702005
Emergencies at any time of day or night.: 07811 459315
Email: [email protected]

Sussex Interpreting Services have prepared a translation of useful information for Ukrainian refugees. Download here.

Violence and abuse

Racial Harassment Forum - Brighton and Hove
Address: MECP Centre, 10A Fleet Street, Brighton BN1 4ZE
Tel: 07523 610999
Email: [email protected]

The Racial Harassment Forum is an independent community-led organisation that works to combat and reduce racist and religiously motivated incidents, crimes and harassment in the City of Brighton and Hove. The Project Officer/Administrator, Monika Richards, works on Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursdays 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

If you feel that you have been a victim or a witness to any incident motivated by hostility to the victim's race, colour, nationality, religious beliefs, ethnic or cultural background, please report it. Brighton and Hove City Council takes hate incidents seriously and have developed a number of ways to make it easier to report them.

If it is an emergency, call the police on 999.

If it is not an emergency and you want to report by telephone, call the police on 101 and the Council's Partnership Community Safety Team on 01273 292735.

For other ways of reporting hate crime go to the Council's web page Racist and religiously motivated incidents.

Rise helps people affected by domestic violence and abuse. They offer practical solutions, shelter and support in Brighton and Hove, and other parts of Sussex. They run a drop-in every Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Hove Town Hall Customer Service Centre.

Rise currently has a specialist Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) caseworker who can provide direct support / consultancy to people supporting BME victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence and harmful practices (so-called honour based violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage). Also support can be provided to victims in East Sussex and Brighton and Hove.

Referrals can be made online via the Portal web site:

For Survivors or friends and family: theportal.org.uk/bme/
Or
For professionals: theportal.org.uk/form/?referrer=profes

Survivors' Network aims to reduce sexual violence and its impact on survivors' lives. We are the Rape Crisis Centre for Sussex, and we offer counselling, advocacy, peer support and groupwork as well as training for professionals. 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.

Due to covid-19 our groupwork and peer support are temporarily on hold, but we are still offering counselling and support with the criminal justice system for survivors of sexual violence. We are also running our Helpline twice a week: Mondays and Wednesdays from 12-2pm. There are three numbers you can call us on: 07928 818130 ; 07526 074 753 ; 01273 720 110. These mobiles will only be on during helpline hours. You can also email us for support at [email protected] . We will check and respond to these emails during helpline hours.

Welfare

Brighton Unemployed Centre Families Project provides advice, welfare advice, practical support, food, educational and leisure activities, and an Ofsted registered free playroom, to those who are unemployed, on low wages, experiencing food or fuel poverty and to families suffering disadvantage.

The centre provides welfare rights advice and representation in Brighton and Hove. They offer low cost internet and free computer access, a baby loan equipment scheme, toy library, free bread, summer outings and Christmas events for families on a low income. They provide free calls to the benefit office, utility firms and solicitors. It is open Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Women

Brighton Women's Centre works to empower women and children to improve their life chances and lead independent lives by reducing inequalities and promoting independence in a safe women-only space through integrated and holistic women specific services. All women are welcome, regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, parenthood, race, belief and sexuality.

Services include the ToyBox Pre-School project, a peer group drop in, counselling and personal development mentoring, support to women with multiple vulnerabilities in all stages of the criminal justice system through its Inspire project as well as preventative work around domestic violence, social isolation and health

BWC operates and runs services from two different premises, one in Kemptown and one near St Peter's Church. The Drop in and counselling services are available at 72 High Street, Brighton BN2 1RP. The ToyBox Pre-School and Inspire Projects are available at 22 Richmond Place, Brighton BN2 9NA

A group open to all women. Providing health focused activities including Yoga, Health Walks, women only swimming and monthly coffee mornings. For more information contact:

We also run English Classes with a Bengali speaking tutor. The courses usually run for 6-8 weeks on a Tuesday and cost £5 for members of the Multi Cultural Women's Group and £10 for non members.

For more information please contact Claire Johnson at the Hangleton and Knoll Project on 01273 410858, email: [email protected]

The International Women's Network is a new initiative for women in the city. It brings together international women from all backgrounds and offers the opportunity for women to meet up and network, exchange and share ideas. The Network meets periodically to hold discussion forums on women's issues. It hosts a range of friendly and inclusive activities including discussion forums and film shows with bring and share international dishes, or more formal education and training opportunities. Participation is voluntary, and activities are open to all women and are child friendly. To find out more, get involved or participate in the Network events contact Linda Beanlands.

Young people

Allsorts Youth Project listens to, supports and connects children and young people under 26 who are LGBT+ or exploring their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Allsorts runs a series of Youth Groups, provides a 1:1 service for young people as well as a Family Support Service, for parents of LGBT+ children and young people. To make a referral, visit the website.

Amaze is a charity that gives information, advice and support to parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Amaze also supports young people with SEND up to 25. Most of its services are for families in Brighton and Hove. It also has a Helpline for parents, carers, children and young people seeking advice.

Barnardo's
Address: Barnado's South East Regional Office, Unit 1, Satellite Business Village, Fleming Way, Crawley RH10 9NE
Web: www.barnardos.org.uk
Tel: 01293 610660
Fax: 01293 565678

National children's charity, Bernado's, works to transforms the lives of the most vulnerable children across the UK through its services, campaigning and research expertise. Barnado's work with asylum seeking families including providing support through the asylum process, including by:

Running fostering services for children and young people who arrive on their own

Helping children get the health care and schooling they need in the UK

Supporting the parents to do the best they can for their children and offer them a place where they can meet each other

Offering practical support, with finding an interpreter, donations of clothes and food and advice on financial assistance

Barnardo's Brighton and Hove Link Plus
Address: 55 Drove Road, Portslade, Brighton BN41 2PA
Web: www.barnardos.org.uk/brightonandhovelink
Tel: 01273 295179

Managed by the Barnado's South East and Anglia regional branch, Brighton and Hove Link Plus works in partnership with the Council and other agencies to provide long term, short term and short break placements for disabled children in the Brighton and Hove area.

The Black and Minority Ethnic Young People's Project is a youth-led project for young people aged 11 to 25. They provide a safe space and opportunities for young people to access support, to learn new skills through informal educational, fun, social, sports and arts activities led by and for young people.

Jodie Townsend is the main contact for social workers working with young refugees and people seeking asylum who are either enrolled at Brighton MET or thinking of becoming students there. She provides practical support, with information and signposting regarding courses, bursaries etc. as well as emotional well-being support (depending on the level of need), inclusion and social support and making external referrals where appropriate.

If you suspect a young person might be feeling suicidal, you can call Childline for help and advice on 0800 111.

Front Door for Families
Web: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/frontdoorforfamilies
Tel: 01273 290400
Out-of-hours Emergency Duty Service: 01273 335905 or 01273 335906
Email: [email protected]

Front Door for Families provides a single point of contact for services offering support, guidance and access to specialist targeted services for parents, carers, members of the public, young people and professionals. Professionals with different areas of expertise work together to assess, decide and coordinate how best to support children, young people and their families where there are concerns, including safeguarding concerns. Front Door for Families provides information, advice and support for families, young people and professionals in Brighton & Hove on issues such as:

Parenting guidance and information

How to support your child's development so that are healthy and active

Getting your child ready for school

Best ways to support children and young people with mental health or wellbeing issues

Keeping your child safe from harm and abuse

Referrals to the Front Door for Families are via an online referral form on the Front Door for Families web page. There are separate referral forms for parents, carers and members of the public and another for use by professionals.

If you want to have a conversation about a child that you are worried about call Front Door for Families. If you need to speak to someone urgently outside of office hours call the Emergency Duty Service. If you think a child or young person is in immediate danger please call 999

A list and contact details of bi-lingual families groups currently available at children centres for parents/carers & their under-5s is available here. The Brighton and Hove City Council's searchable database of information onChildren's Centres is available here.

Opening times: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. on Fridays

A new drop-in group called the Global Social and Homework Club is being hosted by the YPC (Young Peoples Centre), the Hummingbird Project, Pathways to Independence and Sanctuary on Sea. Operating from the YPC the drop-in takes place every Monday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The drop-in offers the whole of the YPC for young people to spend time on a computer, listen to music, cook or socialise with friends. Sessions are open to all young people and gives young refugees an opportunity to meet and make friends with other British children in a social environment. Specialist UASC support within the sessions is also available.

Innovation Labs, a Brighton and Hove initiative, has created the following seven Apps and Websites to help young people improve their mental health:

Doc Ready. Helps young people feel more confident and get better results when they see their GP about a mental health issue

Find Get Give. Young people can find mental health support in their area and give feedback on it

Madly in Love. Relationship and mental health advice for young people and their partners

Mood Bug. An App which helps share feelings with close friends and lets them know when you are thinking about them

Well Informed. Children and young people's workforce providing instant, accurate support on youth mental health

In Hand. Providing young people with tools, advice and activities when their mental health is at risk

Head Meds. Provides young people with information about mental health medication.

Brighton and Hove City Council webpage of support and activities for young peopleThe Brighton and Hove City Council website has a webpage containing links to a wide variety of support and activities for young people.

Pathways to Independence provides an integrated package of services to asylum seeking young people aged 16 to 21, who are in the care of the local authority, from point of arrival in the UK to the transition to independence. Services include supported accommodation for 16-21 year olds, a package of support for newly arrived asylum seeking children aged 16-17, planning and return to work, accredited training for young people, floating and outreach support as well as training for foster carers and professionals. They also work with other young people leaving care.

The Starling Project provides a range of creative arts and therapeutic services for refugees and people seeking asylum in the Brighton and Sussex areas. Art therapy can help with depression, anxiety, loss, anger, grief, working through traumatic experiences, increasing confidence, forming positive relationships and building support networks.

The project offers:

1:1 art therapy for young people and adults, including small & supportive arts projects for groups, training & Consultation for local services and creative collaborations;

Arts projects for groups, which are time limited (lasting for around 10 sessions). Groups are usually closed and offer the chance to take part in a range of art materials and creative processes, such as film-making, animation, comic-making, painting & drawing, graffiti & art-making in the environment, textiles etc.

Projects take place depending on funding / contributions from partners. There is no cost to participants. Art therapists and artists are HCPC & BAAT registered with many years of experience in the NHS, community and private sectors.

A warm welcome awaits parents and their children at Under the Bridge Studios. All classes are open at no charge and run all year round. Located close to the Green Door Store just under Brighton Station, this community music centre has fully equipped rooms with drum kits guitar and bass amps for band practice. Piano practise rooms and a large community room where mums and dads bring their babies for a weekly session of songs stories and musical activities as well as making friends and having tea together. Times of various sessions are as follows:

Babies: Monday to Friday 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. and also Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3 p.m.

Older, Active and Walking Toddlers: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 12 noon, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. and Saturdays at 11 am

After School Music Club 4-7 yrs: Mondays at 4 p.m.

Parents Choir (Tuesday night's 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. (All levels of singers welcome)

Youth Club for teenagers less interested in music: run by the Woodcraft Folk this takes place on Wednesdays at 7.30 p.m.

Free Piano Lessons for children 6-16 years.

Where To Go For is a support service database and online directory containing general information on services for young people aged 13 to 25 in Brighton and Hove. Created by The Right Here project and the YMCA, it enables young people to find the help they need in any area of their life and to browse through over 100 local services and find those that are close to them. Information and links include services for refugees and people seeking asylum as well as those relating to drugs and alcohol, food, health, housing, learning, training, volunteering and employment, LGBTU, money and benefits, sexual health and violence and abuse.

The Young People's Centre is a free space for young people, a safe haven to come and relax, and chat to people and volunteers. They hold drop-ins every, Monday 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. There is a specific session for refugees and people seeking asylum, called Brighthaven. It takes place fortnightly on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Refugee Council has a new local Children's Adviser who works with unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC) (under 18's only). The following services are available:

Advice about the asylum process either to UASC or the different professionals

involved (OISC level 1 compliant)

Help to find immigration or welfare solicitors

Acting as appropriate adults at UASC's meetings

Advice and support to age disputed young people

A once weekly drop in day takes place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Youth Advice Centre.

Referrals can be made directly to the Children's Adviser.

Community organisations and groups

Working within Brighton and Hove community to raise awareness of Rwanda past and present, and fundraising for activities in Rwanda

A Brighton based community run football club for boys and girls aged 10-16, with players from ten different countries, many of whom are refugees. The club was set up as a response to the difficulty that young Oromo people had in joining clubs and making friends. It now provides a focus on the integration of young people (including refugees) from diverse communities in Brighton and Hove. It has 40 young people from 10 diverse communities that participate in the club and train at Hove Park. They now have a team in the local football league.

The mission of Sierra Leone Sussex Association (SLSA) is to unite all Sierra Leoneans by organising social, cultural, educational and recreational activities where ideas can be shared and exchanged to promote and increase understating of diversity and peaceful integration. SLSA is a non-political association, who strive to provide a social support network and encourage a greater collaboration in order to promote peace among Sierra Leonean communities.

Sudanese Community in Sussex
Address: Community Base, 113 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3XG
Tel: 07943 141076

Promotes the benefit of the inhabitants and primarily the Sudanese inhabitants in Sussex. Advances the education of the said inhabitants.

Sudanese Women and Children
Tel: 07920422685
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Sudanese-Women-and-Children-Group-in-Brighton-894885527287445

Looks after the welfare of the children and promotes women's and children's cultural, social, economic and educational needs. It has an open monthly meeting for women to meet and discuss their problems

The Sussex Kurdish Community (SKC) is a non-profit voluntary organisation that was established by a group of Kurdish residents in the Sussex region in 2010 in order to respond to the needs of Kurdish community in the area. The SKC organises activities and provides services to develop relations among the Kurdish community, to improve the social and cultural lives of Kurdish people and help them to deal with various issues.

Community group run by and for Syrian people living in Sussex. The Sussex Syrian Community Group runs English classes for adults and Arabic classes for childrent. They provide advice, information and support to Syrian people in Sussex. The Sussex Syrian Community Group also provides a Befriending Service, a Drop in Service every Monday at St Marys' Magdalene, Summer Activities Club and a Women's Support Group. Main contact: Nadine Strasman.
We are grateful to Wiz Bishop, Ben Campbell and Humeira Yaqub for their help with updating this Directory.

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Refugees, People Seeking Asylum and Migrants Directory Updated 2 October 2023 This directory lists organisations which offer support to or are taking action for refugees, people seeking asylum and migrants. It also lists organisations which offer specific services of interest to refugees, people seeking asylum and migrants.

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Refugees' Educational Resources (RefER) project report (Nov 2018)
RefER resource audit

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Athlone Institute of Technology (Ireland)

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Athlone Institute of Technology (Ireland)

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The Refugee Online Education (ROLE) programme is a shared project between New Horizon - Athlone Refugee and Asylum Seeker Support and Athlone Institute of Technology.

The ROLE gateway to learning resources is now open .

If you are interested in joining this program please email us.

More information

This programme offers adult asylum seekers resident on the Athlone Direct Provision site free access to Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) in a wide range of subjects.

It offers assistance with study and career planning and an educational infrastructure providing:

Library access

Computer and internet access

Mentors for specific study areas

Financial assistance to complete certified MOOCs

Financial assistance towards achieving high-school level certification

Mentored online courses are offered in the following subjects:

On satisfactory completion of appropriate levels of these programs further mentored study opportunities will be offered in the following fields:

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The Refugee Online Education (ROLE) programme is a shared project between New Horizon - Athlone Refugee and Asylum Seeker Support and Athlone Institute of Technology. The ROLE gateway to learning resources is now open . If you are interested in joining this program please email us.

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Consortium of Italian HEIs for distance learning

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L'unica Università Telematica Italiana valutata positivamente e senza riserve dal CNVSU.

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MOOCs for refugees and partnerships with German universities

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Learning beyond limits:

-We believe that everyone has an equal right to access quality education.

That's why we created Kiron Campus, an online learning platform for refugees worldwide and underserved communities in the Middle East. Take your skills to the next level and enroll today for free!

Join thousands of other students from around the world in this learning experience. You can connect and exchange ideas.

Organise your studies the way you want. No matter whether you have just one hour or thirty hours per week - you can adapt our online courses to suit your needs.

You do not need to prove any previous education, language skills or finances. You only need a document that proves you are a refugee, asylum seeker, internally displaced person, Jordanian or Lebanese. Sign up and start studying for free!

Find us on the Google play store- Open a whole world of education

Our campus: Discover Kiron Campus

On Kiron Campus, our online learning platform, you will find all of our available online courses. Here you can also connect with our global student community.

Learn more
Kiron Campus

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Online HE opportunities for refugees & asylum seekers 

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Online HE opportunities for refugees & asylum seekers 