getting help for asylum seekers & refugees in leeds MARCH 2016

It can feel complicated It seems to change all the time No-one is in charge of keeping everything up to date Often, even the things you think should be up to date are not

The range of help on offer Advice & Advocacy Campaigning and Activism Children & Young People Destitution Education & Employment Health Housing & Furniture Learning English Legal Support Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans+ Mental Health Money Orientation & Integration Social/Befriending Refugee Community Organisations Women’s Groups

Where does lassn fit in leeds?

signposting, signposting plus, and referral SignpostingSignposting PlusReferral Recognises unmet needChecks info is accurate and up to date Makes concrete arrangement to attend Suggests a place where this might be met Makes sure the person knows how to get there – gives a map or phone number Ensures person knows who they will be seeing and when Gives details of how to contactHelps prepare the person for what to expect Explores potential communication/support needs Helps person to gather all the info they are likely to need Completes referral form Checks outcome of referral

what to do if there isn’t someone obvious who can help Be aware of your own limitations, and how this makes you feel Don’t give advice about things you’re not sure of Talk to the other people who are helping Try and signpost to generalist providers – like Citizen’s Advice Bureau Don’t give people a false sense of hope

where to find up-to-date information leedsmultiagency.org.ukleedsmultiagency.org.uk – blog about asylum and refugee organisations in Leeds leedsdirectory.orgleedsdirectory.org – general support services in Leeds leedsmhdirectory.co.ukleedsmhdirectory.co.uk – mental health support in Leeds lel.helplel.help – comprehensive list of places to learn English in Leeds migrationyorkshire.org.ukmigrationyorkshire.org.uk – limited but up to date info on asylum and refugee organisations in Leeds & beyond lassn.org.uk/directorylassn.org.uk/directory – out-of-date asylum and refugee organisations in Leeds oisc.gov.ukoisc.gov.uk – find an approved immigration adviser

where to find up-to-date information part 2 Leeds Refugee ForumLeeds Refugee Forum – a great place to find small refugee community organisations and groups for people from particular backgrounds Leeds Migrant Access Project – here’s a link to their activities in February 16 – but these will change all the time. For more information about the activities of the Migrant Access Proejct Volunteers, contact in February A 3 page guide to Services in Leeds by Welcome to Leeds/RETAS/City of Sanctuary – published January 163 page guide to Services in Leeds