Refugee & Migrant Advice Service

Since August 2020 we have supported 75 vulnerable migrants of 23 different nationalities.  More than ¾ of those who received legal advice through the pilot were presented with viable options to apply to regularise their immigration status.  We have also assisted some people to access information about voluntary return.  So far, a number of people have received leave to remain through our support, with more awaiting the outcome of an immigration / asylum application.

In addition to access to high quality legal advice, we have helped people to access; GP registration, medication, health & social care, hardship payments, food, clothing, mental health support, English language learning and community activities.

This is what a client who regularised their status through our support had to say:

“I cannot really find the words to express my gratitude or to explain what your service meant to me.  It came at a time when I was in the depths of hopelessness and in despair, I did not know who to turn to for help.  Once I met you, you took away all that fear, you gave a sense of security and safety.  Your help was so methodical, it was very orderly and effective that from one stage to another everything kept moving on, everything was progressing.  I then received indefinite leave to remain. When I heard the news, the joy I felt was so deep, I was in shock for a few days, I could not believe that all of the hardship that I had been through had now come to this wonderful outcome.  You and your team are extraordinary, I cannot describe the sense of safety that you brought.  Initially I was so hopeless, no one had bothered to really listen to me, but with you I found you so accepted me and understood where I was coming from.”