Welcome to the “Safe Spaces – Asylum & Refugee Community Advocacy and Support Services” project landing page, a transformative initiative under the Comic Relief Community Fund Programme.

Our goal is to provide asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants in Greater London, who face financial hardship and social isolation due to the high cost of living, with an enriching and inclusive experience.

Project Overview

• Start Date: June 2023
• End Date: May 2024

In this project, we aim to provide personalised support via face-to-face, phone, and online services to refugees and asylum seekers. We will address logistical, social, economic, and employability challenges, fostering their social integration within the society they live in.

The project will offer 1-to-1 consultancy, information support, and educational activities to empower participants.

Objectives

1. 1-to-1 Personalised Support:
   • Employment Support: Assistance in writing CVs, job applications, and interview preparation.
   • Immigration Advice: One-to-one sessions and telephone support from our in-house solicitor.
   • Welfare Support: Informing individuals about economic packages and local business updates.
   • Volunteer Support: Regular contact with service users to provide emotional support and build positive relationships.

2. Community Workshops:
   • Cost-of-Living Biweekly Helpline
   • Education Support
   • Understanding of the UK Job Market
   • HMRC and Council Website and Information
   • Spreadsheet Training
   • Basic Digital Accounting
   • Introduction to Human Resources
   • Child Benefit and Welfare Forms
   • Share Your Skills Workshop

3. Translation Services:
   • Posting advice online about benefits or asylum support in Turkish for dissemination by those working with migrants and refugees.

Project Activities

1. 1-to-1 Personalised Support

• Weekly 1-to-1 sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment between 11:00-2:00pm. Please fill out registration form below or email info@londonadvocacy.org for appointment.
• 1 hour of walk-in sessions each project day between 3:00pm-4:00pm. Please fill out registration form below or email info@londonadvocacy.org for appointment to guarantee your spot.

2. Community Workshops

• Monthly Community Workshops on Legal Advice, Business Advice, and Digital Help.
• Workshops offered both in-person and online.
• Please fill out registration form to get an update about community workshops.

Rationale

Refugees and immigrant communities in Greater London are facing financial struggles due to the rising cost of living. They also encounter barriers to integration, access to social life, housing, and employment. The project aims to provide essential services, support, and information to bridge these gaps.

Expected Impact

• Participants will build resilience, self-confidence, and a sense of identity, leading to improved well-being.
• Improved employment prospects and better opportunities for participants to access various benefits and services.
• Enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in the community, resulting in an improved quality of life for beneficiaries.

Conclusion

Safe Spaces – Asylum & Refugee Community Advocacy and Support Services will make a significant positive impact on the lives of asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants in Greater London. By providing personalized support, workshops, and translation services, we aim to empower participants to overcome challenges, improve their social and economic standing, and become active members of their communities.

As we embark on this journey, we hope to create a lasting legacy of support and advocacy for future projects, ensuring the sustainability of the work we do. Together, we can build a safer, more inclusive, and supportive environment for all members of our community.

Project Timeline: Safe Spaces – Asylum & Refugee Community Advocacy and Support Services

Month 1: June 2023

• 1-to-1 Personalised Support: Weekly sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm (12 hours)
• Community Workshops: The first month (planning and preparation)

Month 2: July 2023

• 1-to-1 Personalised Support: Weekly sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Community Workshops: 2 workshops on the first and last Monday (3rd and 31st)

Month 3: August 2023

• 1-to-1 Personalised Support: Weekly sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Community Workshops: 2 workshops on the first and last Monday (7th and 28th)

Month 4: September 2023

• 1-to-1 Personalised Support: Weekly sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Community Workshops: 2 workshops on the first and last Monday (4th and 25th),

Month 5: October 2023

• 1-to-1 Personalised Support: Weekly sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Community Workshops: 2 workshops on the first and last Monday (2nd and 30th)

Month 6: November 2023

• 1-to-1 Personalised Support: Weekly sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Community Workshops: 2 workshops on the first and last Monday (6th and 27th)

Month 7: December 2023

• 1-to-1 Personalised Support: Weekly sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Community Workshops: 2 workshops on the first and last Monday (4th and 25th)

Month 8: January 2024

• 1-to-1 Personalised Support: Weekly sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Community Workshops: 2 workshops on the first and last Monday (1st and 29th),

Month 9: February 2024

• 1-to-1 Personalised Support: Weekly sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Community Workshops: 2 workshops on the first and last Monday (5th and 26th)

Month 10: March 2024

• 1-to-1 Personalised Support: Weekly sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Community Workshops: 2 workshops on the first and last Monday (4th and 25th)

Month 11: April 2024

• 1-to-1 Personalised Support: Weekly sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Community Workshops: 2 workshops on the first and last Monday (1st and 29th)

Month 12: May 2024

• 1-to-1 Personalised Support: Weekly sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Community Workshops: 2 workshops on the first and last Monday (6th and 27th)

Please note that the dates are subject to adjustments based on public holidays or unforeseen circumstances. The project will run for a total of 12 months, concluding in May 2024, providing consistent opportunities for asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants to benefit from this enriching experience and support their integration into the Greater London community.

Join us on this journey of empowerment and integration! Together, we can build stronger communities and foster a sense of belonging for all individuals in Greater London. Let’s make a positive impact on the lives of those who need it the most.

Project Registration

Who can apply?

You may be eligible to participate in the “Asylum & Refugee Community Advocacy and Support Services” project if the following criteria apply:

• Immigrant Status: Individuals with immigrant status, including dependents, asylum seekers, refugees, visa holders, or those with other approved pathways, are welcome to join our sessions.