Author: Terry Rigby

Type of service

Birmingham Community Solutions supports deprived communities in Nechells with housing issues, welfare benefits/entitlements, debt and financial matters, as well as unemployment. The project has helps these vulnerable migrants to lead a settled and integrated life in the UK. Our strategy is a mixture of advice and practical support to encourage beneficiaries to better access

Organisation description

Free advice, support and information on immigration, welfare rights and council services • Health promotion workshops • Outreach work with older people • Outreach work with young people • Support for offenders and their families/carers • After school club for primary and secondary age groups • Literacy and numeracy sessions in English and Somali for adults and teenagers. • Career and employment guidance and support • Holiday clubs for families and their children • Community research projects

Geographical area covered

Birmingham

Contact information

Name:

Ismahan Duale

Email:

shukri.birminghamcommunity@gmail.com

Phone:

07438019513

Website:

http://www.birminghamcommunitysolutions.com

Social Networks

Twitter:

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Facebook:

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Linked In:

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Instagram:

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Type of service

Housing and Business Support

Organisation description

The ACH refugee housing program is designed to find homes for refugees living in Britain who are homeless and vulnerable. Providing access to safe and secure housing is the first step towards successfully integrating refugees into society and giving them a chance to live and work independently. We assist our tenants with council and social housing applications, as well as finance and refugee housing benefits.

Our Migrant Business Support project is designed to help entrepreneurs from a migrant background navigate the world of business and get their ideas up and running, or advance a pre-existing business. We offer: 1-2-1 Business & Entrepreneurship Support from business experts in various industries Advice & Training Modules on Product Development, Ecommerce, Marketing, Social Media, HR, Customer Acquisition & Retention No time limit or cost, even if you are already on a government programme or supported by another organisation Help exploring self-employment, setting up a business or supporting an existing business.

Geographical area covered

Birmingham & Coventry

Contact Information

Name: ACH Birmingham Office

Email: infobham@ach.org.uk

Phone: 0121 565 3384

Website:

https://ach.org.uk/

Social Networks

Twitter:

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Facebook:

Linked In:

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Instagram:

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Type of service

Wellbeing activities; Carers support; Health promotion; Day Service for Chinese elders; Information, Advice & Guidance; Translation & Interpreting

Organisation description

CCC-B is the primary organisation in the West Midlands offering capacity-building support to all sections within the Chinese/ESEA community as well as cultural activities to facilitate engagement and connections with other communities. We are a registered charity and company limited by guarantee.

Geographical area covered

Birmingham & West Midlands

Contact Information

Name:

Kate Gordon

Email:

service@ccc-b.org.uk

Phone:

0121 685 8510

Website:

http://www.chinesebirmingham.org.uk/

Social Networks

Twitter:

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/chinesebirmingham

Linked In:

Instagram:

Type of service

We give bikes to asylum seekers and refugees, run a befriending cycling programme, and teach cycling to refugee women

Organisation description

Our mission is simple: get refugees cycling! At The Bike Project, we take second-hand bikes, fix them up and donate them to refugees and asylum seekers in London and Birmingham. The UK is bursting with opportunities – but it’s also expensive. Especially when you’re a refugee trying to navigate the complex asylum process on just £37.75 a week. At The Bike Project, we believe that no one should have to choose between eating a square meal and catching the bus. That’s why we do bikes. For a refugee without the money for public transport, a bike can make all the difference: a free and sustainable way to access education, lawyers, healthcare and psychological support.

Geographical area covered

London and Birmingham

Contact Information

Name:

Anya Jhoti

Email:

info@thebikeproject.co.uk

Phone:

0207 733 8098

Website:

https://thebikeproject.co.uk/

Social Networks

Twitter:

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/TheBikeProjectUK

Linked In:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/the_bikeproject/

Type of service

Emergency Refuge Accommodation, Outreach Service, West Midlands Forced Marriage and “Honour” Based Abuse Helpline, Safe to Talk Helpline, IDVA Support

Organisation description

Every person has the right to live a life free from violence Panahghar provides free dedicated BME multi lingual support, advice and advocacy and access to safe Refuge for victims and their families of domestic abuse, sexual abuse or gendered abuse. Panahghar provides safe emergency supported Refuge accommodation for BME victims. The Refuges offer emotional support, legal advice and practical help. We provide specialist Independent Domestic Abuse Advisors (IDVA) service supporting survivors and their families affected by abuse in their own environment. We also provide Outreach support in the community for males and female victims who may not wish to leave their relationship or want to leave but are not ready to. Panahghar has been providing this service for over 40 years.

Geographical area covered

West Midlands Coventry Leicester Solihull

Contact Information

Name:

Sandra Manak

Email:

referrals@safehouse.org.uk

Phone:

0800 055 6519

Website:

Social Networks

Twitter:

@panahghar

Facebook:

@panahghar

Linked In:

Instagram:

@panahghar

Type of service

Community Mental Health & Wellbeing Support

Organisation description

The Birmingham Mind Community Development Worker Service (CDWs), work with communities across Birmingham to promote discussion around mental health and wellbeing through various training, workshops and activity sessions. Focusing on working with all communities groups and leaders; they work to increase knowledge of mental health and wellbeing, encourage greater self-awareness and self-management as well as to increase community engagement and cohesion citywide. The service has seven different projects which all look at different aspects of wellbeing as listed below. Women’s Health,led by Fatema Hickson, this project provides a safe space to talk about the importance of women’s health and wellbeing, including during and immediately after pregnancy, and will be working with women are who survivors of domestic abuse, and the importance of positive relationships.

Men’s Health, this project supported by Owen Harris, Uroy Kelly and Julie Carnell engages with men to find out men’s copings strategies to mental health and wellbeing within the different community groups. Newly Arrived Communities offers support and signposting for newly arrived communities in Birmingham, i.e. asylum seekers and refugees, advising them of health, wellbeing and housing services. Ibrar Uddin, also delivers workshops in health and wellbeing, to help reduce feelings of isolation and to promote integration.

Supporting Families is a project led by Zahida Khan to assist in identifying the needs of families with carers, mental health issues, debt and self-harm behaviours and works to address the needs of families within the city providing resourcing and signposting information. Criminal Justice project looks to identify barriers faced by ex-offenders on release from prison. Stephen Lewis supports them in their journey reconnecting with society, as well as supporting their friends and family.

African Caribbean Communities a project led by Uroy Kelly, which provides a meeting place for community members, to identify common issues concerning their community, in order to maintain cultural activities and promote understanding and equality. LGBTQ Communities, this will be a new project that will be led by Julie Carnell, that looks to address the barriers faced by the LGBTQ people, improve mental health and wellbeing and provide opportunities to connect and share experiences To find out more about the work undertaken by our CDW Team, please call.

Geographical area covered

Birmingham

Contact Information

Name:

Birmingham Mind

Contact information:

Uroy Kelly: African Caribbean Communities – 07801 130 660

Stephen Lewis: Criminal Justice – 07801 130 658

Zahida Khan: Supporting Families – 07801 130 655

Owen Harris: Men’s Health – 07801 130 656

Fatema Hickson: Women’s Health – 07801 130 657

Ibrar Uddin: Newly-Arrived Communities – 07801 130 526

Julie Carnell: Service Manager – 07801 130599

Website: https://birminghammind.org/

Social Networks

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/CDWBhamMind

Type of service

Creative educational workshops promoting social cohesion, tolerance, mental well-being

Organisation description

A grassroots creative projects promoting social cohesion, peace and tolerance in communities, girl and women’s empowerment through creative educational workshops.

Geographical area covered

UK

Contact Information

Name:

Salma Zulfiqar

Email:

N/A

Phone:

N/A

Website:

http://www.artconnects.co.uk

Social Networks

Twitter:

N/A

Facebook:

N/A

Linked In:

N/A

Instagram:

N/A

Type of service

The Journey LGBT+ Asylum group is a support group for LGBT+ asylum seekers who live in Birmingham and the West Midlands.

Organisation description

We provide a welcoming, safe and supportive space, building confidence and a sense of community to asylum seekers who identify as LGBT+. We offer information, signposting and support throughout the asylum process and settling into the UK.

We hold monthly in person and online meetings, organise social activities, 1-2-1 support and Buddy support.

We are a volunteer run organisation.

Geographical area covered

Birmingham and West Midlands

Contact Information

If you want to find out more look at our website  Journey LGBT+ Asylum Group – Providing friendship and support to LGBT asylum seekers in the Midlands region of the UK. or contact us at hello@journeylgbtasylumgroup.co.uk.

Website: https://journeylgbtasylumgroup.co.uk/

Email: hello@journeylgbtasylumgroup.co.uk

Type of service

Social Inclusion, Housing and Benefit Advice, Elder Healthcare, Dementia Support, Culture and Heritage, Passport and All Things Irish Help and Advice, Family Support, Volunteering and Befriending, St Anne’s Club

Organisation description

Birmingham Irish Association is the Midlands’ leading charity providing support and cultural services to the Irish community. Our aspiration is to be the service of choice for all Irish people seeking advice, support and information. To achieve this we provide quality and responsive services that improve wellbeing and quality of life. We are based in the Heart of the Irish Quarter in Digbeth, Birmingham

Geographical area covered

Birmingham

Contact Information

Name:

Email:

Phone:

Website:

http://www.birish.org.uk

Social Networks

Twitter:

Tweets by brumirish

YouTube:

Linked In:

Instagram:

Type of service

We provide support and advice to Czech & Slovak communities. Organise cultural, social and educational events to promote and share the values and traditions that the Czechs and Slovaks bring to the UK

Organisation description

Our main aims are to:

-work in partnership with other community groups and local authorities to seek solutions to the barriers and problems encountered by the Czech and Slovak communities in the UK -keep the unique culture and values of the Czech and Slovak community that lives in the UK by organizing Folk dance lessons for adults & children, one-off events such as concerts, theatre performances, balls, sport competitions, story telling events and puppet shows for children -engage with the wider British public in these events and promote and share the values and traditions that the Czechs and Slovaks bring to the UK -maintain the school and nursery for children who wish to learn and speak Czech or Slovak and to preserve their heritage and identity -establish an education centre teaching Czech and Slovak language to adults

Geographical area covered

Birmingham, Oxford, Nottingham

Contact Information

Name: Dana Klamparova

Email: birmingham@czskclub.co.uk

Phone:N/A

Website: https://www.czskclub.co.uk/

Social Networks

Twitter:

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/CzSkClubUK

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/czskclubuk/

Type of service

EU Settlement Scheme support, Central and Eastern European

Organisation description

Centrala is a non-profit organisation that has been supporting Central and Eastern European migrants in Birmingham since 2009. Our main objectives are migrant empowerment, improving integration and community cohesion. Our wide range of activities include: – Support with applications to the EU Settlement Scheme – Cultural events – Arts & Exhibitions – Campaigns and information

Geographical area covered

Birmingham, West Midlands

Contact Information

Name:

Email:

Phone:

Website:

http://centrala-space.org.uk/

Social Networks

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/PEA___

Type of service

Volunteering, Welcome and support to refugees and asylum seekers arriving into Birmingham, Weekly activities, Visits, Welcome Boxes

Organisation description

Our aim is to welcome newly arrived refugees into Birmingham. We have trained volunteers ready to visit and welcome refugees as they first arrive in assisting them to settle within the community, particularly within the first three months. During this time, we aim to help refugees become independent, empowering them to feel at home and find a place to belong.

Geographical area covered

Birmingham

Contact Information

Name: Joel

Email: info.welcomeboxes@gracelandpiwc.org.uk

Website:

http://www.gracelandpiwc.org.uk

Type of service

Gifting of practical items such as clothes, food, shoes, toiletries, books and English lessons

Organisation description

St Chad’s Sanctuary is a place of welcome for asylum seekers and refugees. We give out clothing, food, toiletries and other practical items as well as providing English lessons and help with questions.

Geographical area covered

West Midlands

Contact Information

http://www.stchadssanctuary.com

Social Networks

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/stchadsanctuary

Twitter:

Tweets by StChadSanctuary

Type of service

Immigration Advice, Information, Advice and Support on Benefits, Housing, Health, Education, Employment for asylum seekers, refugees and other migrants, Befriending activities, Leisure activities, Homework Club for children, Youth Club for Unaccompanied Asylum seeking children, Destitution Support.

Organisation description

Entraide is an established charity based in Chelmsley Wood (Solihull Council). Our aims are to support asylum seekers, refugees and other vulnerable migrants living in Solihull and the surrounding area in order to facilitate their integration into society. We are currently the only refugee specialist organisation in Solihull and support around 500 clients a year from 30 different countries of origin. We are regulated by the Office of Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) to provide advice at Level 1 Immigration, Asylum & Protection and provide a wide change of services to refugees and other vulnerable migrants. Please visit our website: www.entraideuk.org.uk for more information.

Geographical area covered

Solihull and the wider Greater Birmingham area (Birmingham, Sandwell, Dudley, Walsall, etc.)

Contact Information

Name:

Email:

Phone:

Website:

Social Networks

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Entraidecharity?sk=wall

Type of service

Support for Romanian speaking nationals for integration, cultural events, networking and provides a Saturday school for children

Organisation description

Romani Uniti din Anglia or, more simply, RUDA NGO in Birmingham was created from the need to share cultural values of Romanian community and create cohesion with the international communities in Birmingham.

We offer translation support, CV development and job seeker assistance for the Romanians who arrive in Birmingham in difficult situations.

We are also organizing cultural events in English and Romanian for the international community of Birmingham so to share our rich cultural values and heritage and reduce the stereotypes that Romanians might encounter.

Geographical area covered

Birmingham, Smethwick, Oldbury

Contact Information

Name:

Mariana Plamadeala

Email:

romaniunitidinanglia2019@gmail.com

Phone:

07919276903

Social Networks

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/RomaniUnitiDinAnglia2019

Type of service

Roshni provides a range of services that support Black, Asian and Ethnic Minorities affected by domestic abuse including:

• Outreach Service
• I Have the Right to Choose West Midlands Forced Marriage & Honour Based Abuse Outreach Service
• Emergency Refuge Accommodation
• Black Asian Minority Ethnic Floating Support Service
• Free Confidential Counselling for South Asian Women Affected by Domestic Abuse

Organisation description

WE LISTEN | WE BELIEVE | WE HELP | YOU ARE NOT ALONE

We support Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic communities (BAME) affected by domestic abuse including Forced Marriage & Honour Based Abuse.

Established in 1979, Roshni Birmingham is a leading provider supporting BAME communities through their journey to safety, confidence and independence to live free from violence, abuse and fear.

Geographical area covered

Birmingham, West Midlands, Coventry, Walsall

Contact Information

Name:

Email:

Phone:

Website:

https://www.roshnibirmingham.org.uk/

Social Networks

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/roshni.birmingham.1

Twitter:

Tweets by RoshniBham

Type of service

Work with asylum seekers and refugee communities in North West Birmingham

Organisation description

We aim to build the confidence of newly arrived migrants, helping them to stand on their own feet and participate in UK society. This support has enabled some to join with other members of their community to form their own organisations. One of our priorities is encouraging their engagement with the long-established host communities, the majority of whom are of Irish, Caribbean and South Asian heritage.

We offer benefits, employment, housing and debt advice on a drop-in basis.

Immigration Advice is available on site on a sessional basis. We are involved in a significant partnering relationship with Handsworth College and other local organisations to develop a Peoples’ Heritage Centre celebrating the area’s diversity.

Geographical area covered

Birmingham, Sandwell, Wolverhampton

Contact Information

Name:

Email:

Phone:

Website:

http://www.nwbnewcommunities.org.uk

Social Networks

Twitter:

Facebook:

Linked In:

Instagram:

Type of service

Craft sessions and opportunities for women through Zoom (during lockdown), or weekly Friday sessions

Organisation description

Shelanu, which means ‘belonging to us’, is a collective of migrant and refugee women working with Craftspace (a craft development organisation), to develop craft skills, confidence and well-being. You can learn design processes and creative skills from professional makers in a friendly and safe environment. Members use the skills they learn to produce high quality craft for sale inspired by their new home, the city of Birmingham and their experiences of migration.

Geographical area covered

Birmingham

Contact Information

Name:

Email:

Phone:

Website:

https://craftspace.co.uk/shelanu/

Social Networks

Facebook:

@ShelanuCollective 

Instagram:

@craftspace_ 

Twitter: 

Tweets by ShelanuCraft

#ShelanuCraft 

Type of service

Welcome, support and befriending to asylum seekers and refugees newly arrived in Birmingham

Organisation description

A church where you can receive acceptance,forgiveness, healing and hope for the future

Geographical area covered

B15 and surrounding area

Contact Information

Name:

Email:

Phone:

Website:

https://www.oasis-church.org.uk/

Type of service

Creative arts sessions for women and children over zoom/facebook (during lockdown), as a group in normal circumstances

Organisation description

Community Arts organisation providing creative sessions for newly arrived mothers and their children

Geographical area covered

Birmingham and the Black Country

Contact Information

Name:

Email:

Phone:

Website:

http://mothershipprojects.org.uk

Social Networks

Type of service

Bearwood Action for Refugees is a not for profit community group run by volunteers. There are three main strands of activity: fundraising, awareness raising and befriending.

Organisation description

There are three main strands of activity: fundraising, awareness raising and befriending.

Monthly deliveries of food and essentials (during lock-down) / monthly Community Lunch events in normal circumstances, befriending

Geographical area covered

Bearwood/Smethwick predominanly

Contact Information

Name: Leonie Hart

Email: bearwoodactionforrefugees@gmail.com

Website:

www.actionforrefugees.org/

Social Networks

Twitter: 

Tweets by BearwoodAction

Type of service

Conversational and accredited ESOL, Life & Living Skills, English, Numeracy, Literacy, ICT, education & career advice.

Organisation description

From its inception in March 1984 B.E.E.A.S has been responsible for teaching in various venues across the City.

We provide guidance and advice on education and training, bilingually where required. Assist in enhancing employability and access to training. Signpost to other services. Promote health and recreational programmes.

BEEAS also offers Pre-Entry English classes to enable learners to start informally before joining our nationally accredited courses. All learners are supported with job plans and career aspirations. BEEAS is a well – established organisation, whose purpose is to help adults from local communities particularly but not exclusively in the inner-ring areas of Lozells, Newtown, Aston, Alum Rock, Saltley and Nechells.

Geographical area covered

Birmingham

Contact Information

Name:

Email:

Phone:

Website:

Type of service

Educational Mentoring, Wellbeing support, Education access support for Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children.

Organisation description

We help refugee and asylum-seeking children and young people to build more hopeful futures through education. We provide a range of services which help 14-25 year olds seeking safety in the UK to get into, stay in and do well in education. Educational mentoring We recruit, train and support community volunteers to provide weekly 1:1 educational mentoring – a blend of EAL tutoring and wellbeing support – to young refugees and asylum seekers. Visit the educational mentoring page to find out more. We prioritise young people who are already in education, helping them set and work towards their educational goals (such as improving their written English or passing a particular exam). We deliver this programme through local mentoring hubs across London, Oxford, Birmingham and the East of England, overseen by mentoring coordinators whose names and contact details can be found here. Specialist education and wellbeing support We provide long-term (1 year +), holistic support to young asylum seekers and refugees, helping them explore and pursue sustainable pathways back into education. Visit the specialist education and wellbeing support page to find out more. We prioritise those with mental ill health, survivors of trauma, young people who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) or at risk of withdrawing from or being excluded from education. We work with young people to build resilience and emotional wellbeing and to address core foundational challenges to educational progression such as protracted immigration applications, homelessness and housing, poverty, welfare and benefits, access to health and other essential services, building confidence in understanding and asserting rights and entitlements. Access to higher education We support young asylum seekers and refugees who have the academic potential to attend university but who face challenges in doing so because of practical and immigration status-related barriers. Visit the access to higher education page to find out more. We run a specialist email and WhatsApp advice service, helping young people understand their options, entitlements, barriers and opportunities as they move towards university. We provide bespoke, face-to-face support to young people at different stages of their journey towards higher education: from young people in school or FE who want to identify appropriate progression pathways to those applying to university who need help with the process or answers to specific questions. We run workshops for young people who want to explore and understand the journey towards higher education. Innovation stream Our new three year strategy has introduced an innovation stream, enabling us to respond with dynamism and flexibility to the evolving needs of the young people we serve. The current focus of this stream is our values-based youth leadership programme. Our values-based youth leadership programme helps young refugees and asylum seekers identify their strengths and uniquenesses as leaders, encouraging them to grow as ‘servant leaders’ in their communities and spheres of influence. Our 8 week leadership course takes place twice a year, with weekly sessions comprising presentations by course facilitators, group discussions and journaling and reflection times. Alumni of the youth leadership course are invited to periodic events with RSN and other partner organisations in order to continue giving them opportunities to grow in confidence and leadership skills. The course is primarily aimed at young people we are already working with through our other programmes, though some referrals are accepted from partner organisations. Research, consultancy, training Alongside our direct work with young people, we undertake research and consultancy and provide training, ensuring that the voices of young refugees and asylum seekers are heard by the policy- and decision-makers who affect their lives.

Geographical area covered

Smethwick, Birmingham

Contact Information

Name:

Email:

Phone:

Website:

Social Networks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Refugee.support.network/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rsn_uk/

Type of service

Professional arts therapies & therapeutic arts in health & wellbeing workshops

Organisation description

The Birmingham Centre for Arts Therapies (BCAT) is a registered charity which was set up in 1993 to provide an accessible arts therapies and arts in health service throughout the Midlands.

We assist children and adults who are experiencing mental health, physical, behavioural or emotional issues with arts therapies, and we also work closely with our community partners across Birmingham to support the health and wellbeing of citizens using art, dance, drama, music and play.

We run specific projects for children with English as an Additional Language needs, and their families funded by the Community Fund.

Geographical area covered

West Midlands

Contact Information

Name:

Email:

Phone:

Website:

http://www.bcat.info

Social Networks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/9903316258/

Twitter: 

https://twitter.com/mailbcat

Type of service

Hosting, UASC befriending, Family Meet & Greet Service

Organisation description

Birmingham Community Hosting Network is a volunteer led charity working to harness the enthusiasm of local people to offer friendship and hospitality to people seeking sanctuary in the Birmingham area.

We were first established in 2011 as a hosting network aiming to relieve the destitution of asylum seekers whose support and accommodation from the Home Office has been cut off. We have supported a growing network of amazing volunteer hosts to provide accommodation to individuals experiencing destitution in their journey through the asylum process. Since then, BIRCH has grown to incorporate a further two projects. The Family Befriending Project supports local volunteer families to befriend young refugees aged 16-21 who have come to the UK alone, usually as unaccompanied minors.

The Meet and Greet caters for families with children in who have recently arrived in the country, offering welcome, friendship and activities to overcome isolation. Much of our work is currently effected by the Covid-19 pandemic and services are not currently able to operate in their usual way.

Geographical area covered

Birmingham

Contact Information

Name:

Email:

Phone:

Website:

Social Networks

Twitter: 

Tweets by Birchnetwork

Type of service

Refugee Support, Anti-Trafficking, Family Reunion, Family Tracing, Young Refugee Support, Mobility Aids

Organisation description

The British Red Cross supports vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers. We provide refugee services in 58 towns and cities across the country.

We offer care and support when people arrive in the UK after a political or humanitarian crisis.

Due to Coronavirus we are operating a reduced service in some areas. To find out what support is available in your area please contact us.

Geographical area covered

West Midlands, delivery points in Birmingham, Coventry and Stoke

Contact Information

T. 01217665444

W. https://www.redcross.org.uk/

E-mail. RSWestmidlands@redcross.org.uk

Social Networks

Type of service

Legal, Housing, Financial Support for Refused Asylum Seekers

Organisation description

Hope Projects helps homeless asylum seekers to challenge flawed refusals of asylum and so escape destitution for good. We offer legal assessments to ensure that those refused asylum understand why they have been refused and what steps they can take to challenge this.

Housing for homeless asylum seekers whose refusals we believe to be flawed.

Financial support for destitute asylum seekers whose refusals we believe to be flawed

Geographical area covered

BIRMINGHAM, Coventry, Black Country

Contact Information

Philip Davis
admin@hope-projects.org.uk
http://www.Hope-projects.org.uk

Social Networks

Facebook – @HopeProjectsBirmingham

Twitter

Type of service

Support newly arrived LGBT Asylum Seekers

Organisation description

The organisation aims to bring the Newly Arrived, Asylum Seekers and Refugee LGBT members together to develop a welcoming safe place environment for its members here in the UK. Interested members are always welcome to join and participate regardless of age, sexual orientation, nationality or religion. PLGBTO aims to promote self-esteem, confidence and unity amongst its members by working alongside surrounding LGBT communities and organisations both locally and nationally. around

The Persian LGBT+ Organisation does not provide immigration advise but will signpost and support access to external agencies that can provide member support.

Geographical area covered

U.K

Contact Information

Mazyar Shirali
07999950251
mshirali@persianlgbt.org
http://www.persianlgbt.org

Social Networks

Type of service

Ayslum and Immigration advice/representation/advocacy.

Family Reunion.

Asylum Tribunal representation.

Asylum Support Appeals.

Student placements, volunteering.

Organisation description

In 2005 files were awarded to David Forbes upon the liquidation of the “Midland Refugee Council” and in 2006 Lifeline Options was born as a micro enterprise, becoming a Community Interest Company in 2010. Initially supported by European and Council funding, Lifeline has survived over the last 10 years thanks to voluntary work and donations from churches and small charities. Until 2015 we were on the grants committee of Hope Projects. David Forbes was a founder member of RESTORE in 1999-2000 and served on the committee until 2008. We have had a number of Leonardo and Erasmus placements over the years as well as Social Work Students between 2010 and 2015.

Geographical area covered

West Midlands , plus individuals and families dispersed throughout the UK.

Contact Information

David Forbes
0121 3595435
07759 957 295

Website:

https://www.lifelineoptions.org.uk/

Type of service

Housing, Social inclusion & Moving-on support for LGBTI Asylum Seekers & Refugees.

Organisation description

We support LGBTI asylum seekers and refugees through three main programmes:

1. Housing: we provide them with safe temporary housing. Once obtained refugee status we support them to find more permanent housing, to access other services (e.g.healthcare) and we advocate for them;

2. Social inclusion: we provide group and 1-2-1 activities (mindfulness, workshops in managing stress and anxiety, etc.) that help people to improve their life skills, reduce their isolation and build friendships;

3. Employability: we support people accessing Universal Credit in getting ready for work (CV, interview skills, job search) and we facilitate job opportunities.

Geographical area covered

Greater London, West Midlands, North West

Contact Information

Sebastian Rocca
02035596490
info@microrainbow.org

https://microrainbow.org/

Social Networks

Twitter:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/microrainbow/

FaceBook:

Type of service

Informal English language practice, community building, improving self-esteem, educating others about asylum / refugee issues

Organisation description

Stories of Hope and Home is a project focused around building a community and creating safe space in which Asylum Seekers and Refugees can explore and share their stories. It encourages and empowers them to discover their voice, allowing them to share their narrative in their own words, and helping to realise that their stories, individually and collectively have worth and value.

By taking these stories: expressed through storytelling, poetry, theatre and other media; to others, particularly in educational settings, the stories become powerful points of encounter with other sectors of the community, helping to educate, to change perceptions and to build positive relationships.

Geographical area covered

Birmingham

Contact Information

Stephanie Neville
07598922095
info@storiesofhome.org.uk
http://www.storiesofhome.org.uk

Social Networks:

Twitter:

Facebook: @hopeandhomestories

Type of service

Doula service for isolated pregnant women. We also provide a listening service to people experiencing low level mental health issues.

Organisation description

Bethel Health and Healing Network provides support services for the most vulnerable and isolated citizens of Birmingham and the surrounding areas. Our award-winning Doula service supports isolated vulnerable pregnant women and a listening service addressing low-level mental health issues.

Geographical area covered

Birmingham and surrounding areas.

Contact Information

01216614276
enquiries@bethelnetwork.org.uk
https://www.bethelnetwork.org.uk/

Social Networks

Facebook

@bethelhealingnetwork

Twitter:

Type of service

Vocational Education & Training Programme.

Organisation description

CodeYourFuture is a non-profit organisation offering tech vocational training to refugees and other disadvantaged groups. We believe that education and employment in the tech industry are the best way to offer a thriving life to underprivileged people. We do this through a 8-month part-time training program in areas like software development. We teach people to code, support their personal development then help them find meaningful work in tech. Over 70% of eligible graduates have found employment in companies like the Financial Times, BBC, Capgemini, PA Consulting and Ticketmaster.

Geographical area covered

West Midlands

Contact Information

Claire Bickley
07306142223
https://www.codeyourfuture.io

Social Networks

Type of service

Legal Support – Asylum Seeker Children

Organisation description

Helps unaccompanied children who have been age disputed over 18. Where possible we work with local authorities to resolve a young person’s age. Where this is not possible we work with highly experienced solicitors and barristers to ensure the client receives quality legal advice and representation.

Geographical area covered

West and East Midlands

Contact Information

https://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/service-category/children-young-people/

Yasmin Begum (Monday, Thursday and Friday).
yasmin.begum@RefugeeCouncil.org.uk Age.Disputes@refugeecouncil.org.uk

0121 661 7293

Type of service

Advice & Support (refused asylum seekers)

Organisation description

Enabling destitute people seeking asylum in Birmingham, Coventry and Stoke-on-Trent to access Home Office or Local Authority support.

Geographical area covered

West Midlands

Contact Information

Berna
Telephone: 0121 201 3090

WhatsApp: 07827775956 or 07929769363

Email: CARE@refugee-action.org.uk

https://www.refugee-action.org.uk/project/asylum-crisis-project-birmingham/

Type of service

Homeless Health Service

Organisation description

GP practice for homeless and vulnerably housed patients.
Patients over 16 years old only.

This service is for Homeless people only, within the Birmingham boundary

Geographical area covered

Birmingham

Contact Information

Caroline Maclaren
0121 4653965
07985 883589
carolinemaclaren@nhs.net

Type of service

Housing & Support – Refugees

Organisation description

Accommodation provider & Housing support for the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Programme;
General homeless accommodation and support.
Provider of Male Survivors of Modern Day Slavery Outreach Support Service (Birmingham)

Geographical area covered

Birmingham,
Worcester,
Wolverhampton,
Hereford,
Staffordshire,
Shropshire,

Contact Information

Dominic Bradley – Managing Director

Janette Beckett – Director of Support Services and New Business
janette@springhousing.org.uk

Ellie Thorne – Tenancy Sustainment Lead
ellie@springhousing.org.uk

www.springhousing.org.uk  
info@springhousing.org.uk
0121 6631443

Social Networks

Twitter

Type of service

Wellbeing & Inclusion Support – Asylum Seekers & Refugees

Organisation description

Restore aims to welcome, include and integrate refugees and asylum seekers through a range of relational work, including one-to-one befriending by a team of over 100 volunteers and group social activities for families, women and men. 

Geographical area covered

Birmingham, Smethwick and Solihull

Contact Information

Jeremy Thompson
0121 661 4275
Befriend@restore-uk.org
http://www.restore-uk.org/

Social Networks

Type of service

Advice & Support – Asylum Seekers, Refugees & Migrants

Organisation description

Assisting refugees and migrants through crisis and disadvantage, by removing barriers to their integration and enabling them to become equal citizens.

Geographical area covered

Birmingham and Black Country

Contact Information

The Refugee and Migrant Centre
57 Frederick St,
Birmingham
B1 3HS

0121 374 0140
www.rmcentre.org.uk
infobham@rmcentre.org.uk

Social Networks

Facebook

@rmcwolverhampton

Twitter

Type of service

Therapeutic Support – Asylum Seeker & Refugee Children

Organisation description

A part of Therapeutic Services at Refugee Council, the My View project offers shot-term one-to-one psychotherapy (up to 12 sessions) and small group therapy interventions to separated children & adolescents.

Geographical area covered

Birmingham

We accept referrals from outside the city, however we operate out of our Birmingham base

Contact Information

Rozeena Sujjad/Zahra Akthar
rozeena.sujjad@refugeecouncil.org.uk
myview.regional@refugeecouncil.org.uk
https://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/service-category/mental-health/

Social Networks

Type of service

Advice & Support – Asylum & Refugee Children

Organisation description

The Children’s Advice Project is part of the Children’s Section of the Refugee Council and it works across England with separated children who are seeking asylum. We offer expert advice and support, and work with a range of professionals including solicitors, social workers and foster carers.

Geographical area covered

West and East Midlands

Contact Information

Edin Hromadzic
Senior Children’s Adviser
07956 173 880
Edin.Hromadzic@refugeecouncilorg.uk

https://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/service-category/children-young-people/

Children’s Section Advice Line
020 7346 1134
children@refugeecouncil.org.uk

Social Networks

Type of service

Refugee Resettlement Support

Organisation description

Practical support and guidance for people who are resettling in the UK having fled conflict and persecution (referrals from the Local Authorities who are participating in Resettlement schemes)

Geographical area covered

West Midlands

Contact Information

Berna
Telephone: 0121 201 3090

WhatsApp: 07827775956 or 07929769363

care@refugee-action.org.uk
https://www.refugee-action.org.uk/

Social Networks

Facebook:

Twitter

Type of service

Advice & Support – Asylum Seekers & Refugees

Organisation description

Migrant Help exist to protect people affected by displacement and exploitation, helping them thrive as individuals and recover from their trauma. They look to support those most in need and least likely to find support elsewhere, whilst aiming to bridge community gaps and bring services and support together.

Migrant Help work in the areas of asylum & refugee support, human trafficking, slavery, refugee resettlement, Clear Voice interpreting and translation.

Geographical area covered

National

Contact Information

Free Asylum Helpline

0808 8010 503

https://www.migranthelpuk.org/

Social Networks

Twitter

Type of service

Advice & Support – Asylum Seekers, Refugees, Migrants

Organisation description

We serve the whole community, particularly asylum seekers, refugees and newcomers, with kindness and respect, to affirm the rights and dignities of vulnerable people across Sandwell, West Birmingham and the Black Country.

We support language skills and personal development through IELTS, Life in the UK and basic IT.

We provide a work club, advice on asylum support and support opportunities regarding health care, welfare benefits, housing and immigration (including EU settlement).
We also provide information and support on the asylum process/ food, clothing and baby pack distribution. We also have a weekly community café.

Geographical area covered

Sandwell and West Birmingham

Contact Information

David NewallB
Project Manager
0121 565 2234
info@brushstrokessandwell.org.uk
www.brushstrokessandwell.org.uk

Social Networks

FB: Brushstrokes Sandwell

Type of service

Specialist legal advice

Organisation description

We provide specialist legal advice to those most in need and use legal processes to fight social exclusion. Our focus is on client’s who are or at risk of being destitute and/or in a situation of crisis. We advocate for people, challenge unfair decisions, take cases to the highest courts and work in partnerships with other support services.

As well as helping people move from crisis to stability, we deliver services that help people anticipate problems by acting early and tackling the root cause.

Areas supported include:

Employment and discrimination

Family

Immigration and Asylum

Health and Social Care

Housing

Public Law

Welfare Benefits

Geographical area covered

Birmingham, West Midlands

Contact Information

Administration Team
0121 2277640
Bhamenquiries@centralenglandlc.org.uk
www.centralenglandlc.org.uk

Social Networks

Twitter:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ce_lawcentre

Type of service

Neighbourhood advice & information from Birmingham City Council

Organisation description

General Advice & Information

Geographical area covered

Birmingham

Contact Information

NAIS telephone line:  0121 216 3030

Social Networks

Twitter

Type of service

Education Services

Organisation description

We provide a range of general adult education opportunities including ESOL tuition across communities.

Geographical area covered

Birmingham

Contact Information

Pauline Desch
0121 303 2523
www.learnbaes.ac.uk

Pauline_desch@birmingham.gov.uk
deschp@baes.ac.uk

Type of service

Immigration Advice & Support – Children

Organisation description

Direct support to children (up to 18yrs) “separated from country and family” who have been trafficked and/or exploited. Support provided to assist young people to navigate complex systems including immigration, children’s services and criminal justice, as well as emotional and practical support.

Geographical area covered

Birmingham, Coventry, Solihull, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell – children are the responsibility of these Local Aothorities whether they are placed within or out of these areas.

Contact Information

0800 0434303 –support line 24/7
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/child-trafficking-advocates-early-adopter-sites

For information
rachel.hopper@barnardos.org.uk

For referrals
trafficking.referrals@bypmk.cjsm

Counter Trafficking
CounterTrafficking@barnardos.org.uk

Social Networks

Twitter

Type of service

Advice, Advocacy & Support for Refugee/Asylum Seeker & Migrant Women

Organisation description

Baobab gives confidential advice and assistance to women on immigration, health, financial and housing issues. We also provide information on other projects and services, colleges and support groups. We focus on undocumented and asylum seeking women, and help newly granted refugees and settled women access established community services. We prioritise women who have been affected by gender violence and trafficking.

Our trauma informed ethos is to engage women to learn about and navigate the system in a positive way, stand in their own power and draw on supportive people and networks. Practicing advocates have years experience and are working with newly qualified advocates, we are all developing casework skills. We work with community interpreters.

We provide advice, advocacy and assistance to refugee and migrant women, through drop in and 1-1 support services. We also work with partners on research, training and awareness raising. 

Geographical area covered

West Midlands

Contact Information

Website:

https://www.baobabwomensproject.net/

General Enquiries/Volunteering/Media/Training/Awareness Raising Support:

Email: info@baobabwomen.co.uk

Advocacy Support:

Open Wednesdays 10am-1pm

*Email: advocate@baobabwomen.co.uk

Advocacy Advice Line: 07847271022

*Please note e-mails for Advocacy Support are checked weekly on a Wednesday

Social Networks

Twitter:

Type of service

Immigration Legal Advice, Advocacy & Support

Organisation description

Please note: Team are working from home due to COVID-19. Please send all inquiries via email.

ASIRT is a not-for-profit OISC regulated advocacy organisation. We provide legal support and representation to asylum seekers and other undocumented migrants in the West Midlands. We can help with: Human rights applications (including help with fee waivers) Applications for recourse to public funds ‘Zambrano’ applications Fresh asylum claims Applications for local authority Children Act/Care Act assessments Training around migrants’ health and social care rights for local professionals We particularly help those that are not eligible for publicly funded legal representation, and who may lack the financial resources to be able to pay for private representation to help regularise their immigration status.

Geographical area covered

West Midlands

Contact Information

Dave Conroy
0121 213 5893
manager@asirt.org.uk
https://asirt.org.uk

Social Networks

Twitter