Refugee and Migrant Services

Who do we walk alongside?

The Refugee & Migrant Service comprises of two teams who work in collaboration with one another to provide holistic support for individuals resettled to the U.K.

Our casework team supports clients with things like registering with a GP, applying for schools, supporting them with their landlord, finances and employability. We help people to build a life in the UK. These families come from war-torn countries and are here because it is not possible for them to continue living where they are.

Our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) team provides trauma informed ESOL lessons Monday to Thursday for the families we support. The lessons are delivered by CELTA qualified ESOL teachers.

Our ESOL provision is unique in that it also provides the wrap-around support of transport to our locations and creche at all of our classes. This enables parents with young children to attend our classes, knowing their children are safe nearby with qualified childcare staff and volunteers.

What are clients looking for when the come to us?

Support

A wide range of practical and emotional support to help clients settle in the UK.

ESOL

Learning English is crucial for clients to gain independence and build community.

How do we support our clients?

Casework

Warm Welcome & Initial Setup

Prepare housing and provide food for arrival.
Introduce families to their new home and surroundings.

Essential Services

Set up utilities, bank accounts and link to benefits like Universal Credit.
Use a priority checklist to ensure a smooth transition.

Building Trust

Develop strong, trusting relationships.
Handle sensitive information with care and respect.

Advocacy

Advocate for clients with external agencies.
Bridge cultural and communication gaps to get clients what they need.

Ongoing Practical Support

Meet regularly with clients to guide them through daily life in the UK.
Support with navigating systems and overcoming language barriers.

ESOL

Assessment

Conduct initial English Language Assessments within 4 weeks of a family being resettled to the U.K.

ESOL Classes

Provide ESOL classes for individuals resettled under Home Office Schemes until Pre-Intermediate level within their funding period.

Trauma-Informed Creche

Provide a trauma-informed creche to enable parents to study ESOL classes & their children to learn, develop and grow in accordance with the EYFS.

English Language Club

We also run an “open to all” English Language club, supported by charitable giving and a number of small grants. This club is attended by those from a variety of backgrounds who wish to improve their conversational English. We focus on key topics to support integration and independence in life in the UK, enabling individuals to contribute to society and learn about British values. A team of volunteers are a key part of this provision, where we build community and celebrate diversity.

Why do we do what we do?

The Osman family arrived in the UK having lost a son due to the conflict in Syria, and another son with a severe disability. It was clear from the outset that they were struggling with mental health issues, bereavement and the challenges of starting a new life in the UK.

We walked with them for 2.5 yrs helping them overcome the barriers they faced and getting them the support they needed.

As they transitioned to independence they wrote to us;

“Good morning, I would like to thank you for your cooperation with my family since we entered the United Kingdom. You have been a support to us and stood by us in the most difficult situations. Thank you from the heart, and I thank our caseworker who was with us at every moment. She is very wonderful. I wish you all the best. On behalf of myself and my family, we thank you all and wish you all the best.”