Seeking Sanctuary / Asylum

• Asking for asylum means asking the UK government for safety.

• You can claim asylum if you cannot return to your home country because it is dangerous for you.

• Your claim will be looked at by the Home Office.

You can find full information on the UK government website.

You will usually need to:

1. Tell the Home Office you want to claim asylum.
   
   
2. Go to a screening interview.
   
   
3. Later, go to a longer interview explaining why you need protection.

You can learn about every step using the Right to Remain Toolkit.

This toolkit uses simple language, diagrams and videos. It is free to use.

It explains:

• What happens first
• Interviews
• Evidence
• Appeals
• Possible decisions

‍

Government website

There is more information about the asylum system on the UK government website.

City of Sanctuary Sheffield

City of Sanctuary Sheffield is an independent charity that supports people seeking safety.

The Sanctuary is a friendly place in Sheffield City Centre. Volunteers welcome you, offer you a hot drink, and give you a safe and calm space to sit.

You can take part in social activities and get advice about services, events, and opportunities around the city.

• Address: The Sanctuary, 37-39 Chapel Walk, Sheffield, S1 2PD.
• Contact: 0114 221 1845

‍

The Multi-Agency Drop In

Wednesdays 1-4pm, Victoria Hall, Norfolk Street, Sheffield S1 2JB

The Multi-Agency Drop In is coordinated by City of Sanctuary Sheffield and is an advice and information hub for people seeking sanctuary in Sheffield. Each week there are different organisations available to support you with essential needs, advice and immigration support.

If you are a child in England on your own and applying for asylum you should contact the Refugee council:

• Telephone: 0808 175 3499
• WhatsApp: 07888 866615 (messaging only)
• Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm

MESH (Migrant English Support Hub) provides support and resources for LGBTQ+ migrants on their website.

If you are seeking asylum or need help with immigration problems, there are free services in Sheffield that can support you.

You can get legal advice, help with your asylum claim, and support if you have been refused asylum.

Some organisations offer free solicitors, and others give information, guidance, and a safe place to talk about your situation.

‍

Manuel Bravo

Manuel Bravo (opens in new tab) provides free legal representation to asylum seekers and refugees who cannot get legal aid.

‍

South Yorkshire Refugee Law and Justice

South Yorkshire Refugee Law and Justice (opens in new tab) (SYRLJ) is a local charity offering free immigration advice and representation for people seeking sanctuary.

‍

Victoria Hall Multi-agency Drop-in

You can get private immigration legal advice at:

Multi-Agency Drop-In

Location:
Victoria Hall, Norfolk Street, Sheffield S1 2JB

Opening Times:
Wednesdays, 1pm–4pm (doors close 3:30pm)

Email contacts for legal advice:

• [email protected]
  
  
• [email protected]

‍

Migrant Help Support Free 24 hour Helpline

Migrant Help (opens in new tab) gives independent advice to people seeking asylum.

Telephone: 0808 8010 503

‍

Refused Asylum Support

ASSIST Sheffield (opens in new tab) works with people who are seeking sanctuary and who have been refused asylum. They may be able to provide accommodation, information and other support.

‍Location:

• You can find ASSIST at the Multi-Agency drop-in at Victoria Hall (Norfolk Street, Sheffield, S1 2JB) every Wednesday between 1-3pm.

‍Contact Details:

• Telephone: 0300 2010072.

‍

Citizens Advice Sheffield

Citizens Advice (opens in new tab) can offer immigration advice and support.

If you are seeking asylum, there may be financial support available to help you with housing, food, and basic needs.

The Home Office provides some money each week and extra help for families, pregnant women, and young children.

Some people cannot get public benefits because of their immigration status, but there is still advice and support available.

This page explains what help you may get and where to find more information.

‍

Help from the Home Office

If you claim asylum, you may receive from the Home Office (opens in new tab). This may include:

• Somewhere to live (you cannot choose the location)
  
  
• Weekly money
  
  
  • £49.18 per person if you cook for yourself
    
    
  • £9.95 per person if meals are provided
    
    
• Extra support
  
  
  • Healthy food support if you are pregnant or have a child under 3
    
    
  • A £300 maternity payment if your baby is due soon or is under 6 months
    

The No Resource to Public Funds (NRPF) Network

The No Recourse to Public Funds Network (opens in new tab)(NRPF) supports:

• Families
  
  
• Adults
  
  
• Care leavers

who cannot access benefits because of immigration rules.

The network helps local councils support people safely.

‍

SPRING Project (Sheffield Project for Refugee Integration and Growth) is a partnership of six organisations, who help refugees to settle into the local community.

SPRING supports people once they receive “leave to remain” to access housing advice, benefits and immigration advice. We can also help with practical issues, such as opening a bank account or registering with a GP.

Once these urgent needs have been addressed, we can support people to access other opportunities, such as learning English, social activities and routes into volunteering, education, training and finding employment. We can also make referrals for specialist therapeutic support and signpost to a variety of other activities and services across Sheffield.

Location:

• SPRING can be access via the Multi-Agency Drop in at Victoria Hall, Norfolk Street, Sheffield S1 2JB (Wednesdays 1-4pm) and via the Sanctuary.

• Please contact Blessan: [email protected] or 0742 131 3518 (Calls, WhatsApp)