A short presentation, for volunteers, first delivered in March 2016 - with loads of good links/resources at the end

1. getting help for asylum
seekers & refugees in
leeds
MARCH 2016

2. 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

3. 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

4. Where does lassn fit in
leeds?

5. signposting, signposting
plus, and referral
Signposting Signposting Plus Referral
Recognises unmet need Checks 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 contact Helps 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

6. 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

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 lassn.org.uk/directory – out-of-date asylum and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

8. where to find up-to-date
information part 2
 Leeds 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 pria.bhabra@leeds.gov.uk
 A 3 page guide to Services in Leeds by Welcome
to Leeds/RETAS/City of Sanctuary – published
January 16