The UK asylum system is tough and leaves people at risk of falling through the cracks. Our Refugee Support Service provides help and advice so people in crisis can find hope in extremely difficult circumstances.
In the six months between April and September of this year, we helped 352 people facing homelessness and destitution.
If someone seeking safety receives a negative decision on their asylum application, their financial support is stopped and they face eviction from their accommodation. But people in the asylum system do not have the right to work, so can’t earn money to support themselves.
Our Refugee Support Service employs expert advisers who make sure clients understand their rights and entitlements at this very difficult and vulnerable time.
We help people apply for emergency financial support, register for medical and mental health care, and find nearby charities offering food, clothing and homelessness support.
We also link clients with lawyers to help them fight eviction and support them to submit fresh asylum claims.
Knowing that we are here to listen and offer advice can be a life line for people in desperate situations, as this feedback from some of our clients shows.
“I was so worried and really down these past weeks. Thank you so much for your help and support. I really appreciate it so much.”
“Thank you for being so supportive throughout my difficult moments. If I could give a shout-out to your name in a survey I will be happy to do that.”
“I will never forget your kindness and how you helped me. I hope you are always healthy. Thank you so much.”
“I really appreciate everything. You have done so much in my life. Thank you.”
“Thank u so much. This means a lot to us. I am very grateful.”
“I really appreciate your help and many thanks for everything. You did great job for me.”
“I’m in the flat now. Very good accommodation. Nice quiet place, wow.”
“Thank you. I’m so impressed how hard you’re working to help me out, which I definitely need the most at this moment.”
“Just to let you know that I have gotten my ASPEN* card and activated it this morning. Thanks for your good work, cares and concerns.”
*People seeking asylum should receive an ASPEN card from the Home Office. This contains their weekly allowance for basics like food and other essentials.
Our Refugee Support Service is here for everyone who needs our help, wherever in Scotland they are based. Find out more about our work.
Find out more about our support for people facing homelessness and destitution.
Henry is one of our amazing casework volunteers. Read his story to find out how he’s using his personal experience of seeking safety in Scotland to help people in crisis.
