We recognise that young people who arrive in the UK without a parent or carer may need additional support as they move towards adulthood. This includes support with immigration matters, advocacy, financial support where eligible, and maintaining connections with family, culture, faith and community.
- immigration advice
- advocacy
- No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) support
- social networks, community and cultural support
- useful links
Immigration advice
If you are seeking asylum or have questions about your immigration status, your Personal Adviser (PA) will help you access the support and information you need. They can help you keep in touch with your solicitor, understand letters from the Home Office, and make sure you know what is happening with your asylum or immigration application.
Your PA can also signpost you to specialist organisations that provide immigration advice and legal representation.
Advocacy
You have the right to have your views listened to and taken seriously.
If you would like support to express your views, challenge a decision or make a complaint, you can access an independent advocate through NYAS. An advocate can help you understand your rights and ensure your voice is heard.
Your PA can also support you to prepare for meetings, understand important information and communicate with professionals involved in your immigration or asylum claim.
No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) Support
If your immigration status means you have No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), we will work with you to understand your circumstances and make sure you receive any support you are entitled to.
Where the local authority has a duty to support you, we will provide assistance with accommodation and living costs while your immigration matter is being resolved. Your PA will help you access immigration advice, understand your options and stay in contact with the professionals supporting you.
If you are worried about your immigration status, accommodation or finances, speak to your PA as soon as possible.
Social networks, community and cultural support
We know that staying connected to people, culture, faith and community is important, especially if you have moved to the UK on your own or are living far from family and familiar surroundings.
As part of your Pathway Plan, your PA will talk with you about the people, communities and activities that are important to you and help you maintain and develop supportive relationships as you move towards independence.
This could include:
- keeping in touch with family members where it is safe and appropriate
- accessing local groups, activities and organisations that reflect your culture, faith or interests
- meeting other young people with similar experiences
- accessing language support where needed
- taking part in education, training, volunteering and community activities
- building friendships and support networks within your local community
If you have lost contact with family members, we can help you access specialist services such as the British Red Cross Family Tracing Service. The service helps people who have been separated from family through conflict, migration or other humanitarian circumstances to try and re-establish contact where it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Useful links
NYAS - the National Youth Advocacy Service
Home Office asylum information
Migrant Help - independent advice to assist people seeking asylum in the UK
Asylum Aid - legal representation
Refugee Council - help for refugees and people seeking asylum
British Red Cross family tracing service
PERN Legal and Info is a Cumbria-wide legal and information service for asylum seekers and refugees.