Here is a glossary of key contacts to support you when you need it. This directory also has a great list of contacts for a range of subjects: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/csmh/assets/csmh-mhpss-refugee-migrant-directory-v2-june22.pdf
ESOL Classes
- Free English Classes for Refugees - Conversations Over Borders: http://www.conversationoverborders.org/
- English Classes (ESOL) - New Citizens' Gateway (ncgateway.org.uk): http://www.ncgateway.org.uk/services/esol-courses
Libraries
Libraries have more than just books to borrow, they have free computer access, language classes, employment advice and more - www.gov.uk/local-library-services
Volunteering
Volunteering can help you gain and skills and confidence while you’re waiting for a decision.
- Greater London - Get Volunteering: www.getvolunteering.co.uk/places/ greater-london
- www.england.nhs.uk/ get-involved/get-involved/volunteering/
Job Search
There are restrictions on paid work while having an active asylum claim, information is here: righttoremain.org.uk/applying-for-permission-to-work-asylum
If you receive a positive decision and want to find work you can get support here: www.gov.uk/ contact-jobcentre-plus
Legal Advice
Getting legal advice can be helpful throughout your asylum claim, it may take time but you can find out how here: I need immigration advice - Liberty libertyhumanrights.org.uk
- Lawyers (solicitors) and legal advice – Right to Remain: www.righttoremain.org.uk/toolkit/yourlegalcase/
Stages of the asylum process
- Right to Remain Toolkit – Right to Remain: https://righttoremain.org.uk/toolkit/
Citizens Advice Bureau
- CAB can offer advice on many issues, find your local CAB centre here: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
LGBTQ+
Whether you are claiming asylum on the grounds of your sexuality or gender identity, or other reasons, you can access support as a LGBTQ+ asylum seeker here: Contact us - Micro Rainbow: www.microrainbow.org/contact-us/
- Get support from us if you’re seeking asylum - Rainbow Migration: www.rainbowmigration.org.uk/get-support-from-us-if-youre-seeking-asylum/
- Rainbow Mind | Championing LGBTQ+ Mental Health in London and Greater Manchester: www.rainbowmind.org/
Drug and Alcohol
Having lived through difficult times it can be tempting to use drugs or alcohol to feel better. If you are concerned about your relationship between drugs and alcohol you can get advice here: Alcohol and drug advice and info from Change Grow Live: https://www.changegrowlive.org/ advice-info/alcohol-drugs
- Alcohol addiction support services - NHS (www.nhs.uk): https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/ alcohol-advice/alcohol-support/
Smoking
Smoking can damage our physical health in the long term, get help to quit here:
- Quit smoking - NHS: www.nhs.uk/conditions/stop-smoking-treatments/
Disability and Neurodiversity
- https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/
- Exploring neurodiversity: http://www.nhsdorset.nhs.uk/neurodiversity/explore/
Safeguarding
If you have any concerns about the safety of yourself or others to report please contact your hotel receptionist, or migrant help via the portal or phoneline ellis.custhelp.com or call 0808 8010 503. You can also talk to outreach workers and caseworkers.
Modern slavery
- Modern Slavery Helpline: 0800 0121 700 or www.modernslaveryhelpline.org/
- Freedom from torture: www.freedomfromtorture.org/help-for-survivors
Female Genital Mutilation
Abuse and Violence
- Links to support all genders and identities: www.solacewomensaid.org/get-help/are-you-afraid-or-being-hurt/