Support for Asylum Seekers is provided in many ways by many people in Lancaster and Morecambe. Here are some things that are happening.
Initial Support
Private companies have been given a contract by the government to ‘distribute’ asylum seekers to different locations in the UK and to provide basic accommodation, usually in shared houses. We aim to provide practical help for new arrivals and show them around town, register them with a doctor and dentist, help with legal matters and support their integration.
English Lessons
All asylum seekers coming to Lancaster and Morecambe are offered English lessons. English lessons are currently being taught online until further notice. Learn more about it here
Drop Ins for Help
Asylum seekers and refugees face many difficulties in a strange country: housing, benefits, getting a doctor, getting a bank account, negotiating the legal system.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, all drop-ins have been suspended but there are a number of helplines you can contact:
RAIS
Our partner RAIS Lancaster (Refugee Advocacy, Information and Support)
Monday to Thursday 10am – 2pm
Text / call 07731 552259
You can also email: [email protected] for advice.
Email in your language – they will translate it.
The Cornerstone, Sulyard Street, Lancaster LA1 1PX, is currently closed.
GLOBAL LINK
Because of Coronavirus most support services, including education, English, advice and information, and Lunch Drop-ins and meetings have been temporarily suspended.
If you are an asylum seeker or refugee in Lancaster and need help, please call these phone numbers:
Monday – 07484686947
Tuesday – 07483237596
Wednesday – 07485180383
Thursday – 07485180383
Friday – 07484686947
For more information or a translation please visit the Global Link website.
EAST MEETS WEST
A safe and friendly environment specifically for women (and pre-school children) is offered by our partners at East Meets West.
The weekly Thursday meetings have been suspended for the time being.
Bikes for Lancaster
An asylum seeker is entitled to £5 a day (and is not allowed by law to take paid work to supplement this). That must cover food, clothing, and the rest of everyday living costs. There’s not much available for bus fares! So we have a scheme to provide bicycles to solve the problem. Old bikes are refurbished and lent to asylum seekers for as long as they are needed.
Football
We play football once a week at Ripley St Thomas High School: 5:45pm on Wednesdays. Everyone is welcome, regardless of ability, age, gender, etc! It’s about getting weekly exercise, making friends and having fun. Locals are welcome and asked to pay £3 towards running costs. Free for asylum seekers, refugees and anyone else who can’t afford it.
Sewing Circle
Victoria Frausin’s sewing circle combines practical self-help with a relaxed informal environment where friendships can be made and social barriers broken.
Special Events
As well as the regular help talked about so far special events are also often arranged. Parties, music, outings, swimming …
And more..
If you have an area of expertise or an idea for something that might prove popular why not have a go? We would be delighted to hear your ideas and offer what assistance we can in bringing it to life. Contact [email protected]