Asylum and refugee support
Gateshead Council Housing Services have an Asylum and Refugee Team which
is one of ten Local Authority teams in the North East which offers support
to asylum seekers and refugees. It is also a member of NECARS (North East
Consortium for Asylum and Refugee Services).
There are two main services within the team. These are;
- Asylum Support Service: the team supports asylum seekers from their
dispersal to the North East, until they receive a positive or negative
decision from the Home Office.
- Move on Service: if an asylum seeker is granted permission to remain
in this country, they are granted the status of refugee. The Move on
Service supports refugees who wish to settle in Gateshead and contribute
to the community.
Who is an asylum seeker?
The Immigration and Asylum Act (1999) defines an asylum seeker as: 'a
person over the age of 18 years who has made a claim for asylum, to the
Secretary of State, and is awaiting a decision'
Who is a refugee?
A refugee is someone the Home Office has granted permission to stay in
this country due to:
'a well proven fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion,
nationality, sexual orientation or membership of a particular social group
or political opinion'
Human Rights abuses are also considered.
The Asylum and Refugee Team is based at:
Asylum Support Team
Community Based Services
Civic Centre
Regent Street
Gateshead
Tyne and Wear
NE8 1HH
Tel: 0191 433 3927
Fax: 0191 433 3230
The office is open between 8:45am and 5pm Monday to Thursday, and
8:45 to 4:30pm on Fridays. You do not need to make an appointment and
the team will offer advice to anyone who comes into the office.
What Assistance can the Asylum Support Team Offer?
The primary responsibility of the team is to support asylum seekers who
are housed in council accommodation in Gateshead. Each new arrival is
given a named worker to support them throughout their stay in Gateshead.
The team have an open door policy, and can offer advice to other asylum
seekers living in the area or refer on to other agencies if appropriate.
What other Services are Offered?
- Interpreting Services
- Regular contact with a team member to assist with any difficulties
- Assistance to register with doctor, dentist, optician and children's
health clinic
- Contact with social groups, community centres and faith groups.
- Assistance to register at college
- Assistance to arrange crèche/ nursery for children
- Contact list for legal advice
- Reporting system for racist incidents
- Advice on reporting housing repairs
- A listening ear
- Contact with NASS (National Asylum Support Service)
- General information and advice
- Move on Service.
Am I eligible to access the Move on Service?
If you have been granted a positive decision from the Home Office, either
Indefinite Leave to Remain (I.L.R.), Humanitarian Protection (H.P.) or
Discretionary Leave (D.L.) and have a Home Office decision letter confirming
this, a NASS 35 document (if you were supported by the National Asylum
Support Service, NASS), then you are eligible to access the Move on Service
if places are available and if it is decided there is a need. A need is
defined as;
- A person who has recently received a positive decision and has to
leave their NASS accommodation
- A person requiring help to access statutory services
- A person having difficulties securing and maintaining a council tenancy.
- A person who requires help with home management
- A person who is or may have difficulties maintaining their tenancy
due to health, social or cultural issues
- A person under 18 years of age.
(This is not an exhaustive list)
What assistance can the Move on Service offer?
- A dedicated worker to guide and accompany you to the many appointments
that you will need to attend
- Accessing the job centre regarding benefits/ employment/ training
- Completing application forms
- Accessing welfare benefits
- Accessing child benefits
- Connection and registering with amenities (Gas/Electric) suppliers
- Furnishing property and sourcing items
- Accessing grants, loans and backdated support
- Accessing health services such as doctor, dentist and optician
- Housing management
- Contact with social groups, community centres and faith groups
- Guidance on legislation
- Verbal interpretation of letters and documents
- General information and advice
- Regular reviews of needs
- Referrals to other agencies.
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