Refugees, People Seeking Asylum and Migrants Directory

Updated 6 May 2024

This directory lists organisations which offer support to or are taking action for refugees, people seeking asylum and migrants. It also lists organisations which offer specific services of interest to refugees, people seeking asylum and migrants. A version of this directory that is suitable for printing can be downloaded here.

There are a number of refugee, asylum seeker and migrant community groups which provide support across the city. A list of these groups is included here. The directory is updated regularly, so if you spot any errors, please contact Sanctuary on Sea at [email protected]

Other sources of information about local organisations and services include:

A directory of local community organisations and their services is on the Community Works website.
A directory of local organisations which support groups to organise themselves and run activities is on the Community Works’ website.
A website listing a range of health and social care services is on the My Life website.
A website listing services for young people is on the Where To Go For website.
A local network to tackle homelessness in Brighton and Hove on Street Support Network

If you want to know more about groups and organisations coming together across the UK to take action for refugees in Calais, and beyond, the Calaid-ipedia website has a list.

The organisations listed in the Local sections here are based in Brighton and Hove or nearby in East Sussex and West Sussex.

National organisations

Local organisations supporting or campaigning for refugees, people seeking asylum and migrants

Government and local authority services

Children’s services

Education

English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)

Hate incidents and antisocial behaviour

Modern slavery and human trafficking

Social care

Training and skills

Visas, immigration and settlement

Local services and organisations

Advocacy

Education

Employment

English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)

Family tracing and family reunion travel assistance

Food

Health and mental health

Housing

Language services

Legal advice – local charities

Legal advice – local commercial firms

LGBTQ

Money

Sport and wellbeing

Support for community groups

Those fleeing conflict in Ukraine

Community organisations and groups

National organisations

Afghanistan and Central Asian Association
Web: acaa.org.uk
Tel: 0208 572 0300
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: AfghanCentralAsian
Twitter: @A_CAA

The Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA) supports vulnerable refugees and recent migrants, from Afghanistan and other parts of the Middle East and central Asia, living in some of the most disadvantaged and deprived areas of the UK, to improve their wellbeing, independence, aspirations and integration. ACAA aims to break down language and cultural barriers and give these communities a voice and address their needs. ACAA’s work is underpinned by a community development ethos centred on addressing individual needs and circumstances. Although ACCA’s main area of support is refugee families, activities are open to all.

Amnesty International UK
Address: Amnesty International UK, Human Rights Action Centre, 17-25 New Inn Yard, London EC2A 3EA
Web: www.amnesty.org.uk
Tel: 020 7033 1500
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: AmnestyUK
Twitter: @AmnestyUK

Amnesty International UK works to protect women, men and children wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied. As a global movement of over 7 million people, Amnesty International is the world’s largest grassroots human rights organisation. They investigate and expose abuses, educate and mobilise the public, and help transform societies to create a safer more just world.

Asylum Aid
Address: Migrants Resource Centre, Berol House, 25 Ashley Road, London N17 9LJ
Web: www.asylumaid.org.uk
Tel: 020 7354 9631
Asylum Advice Line (Tuesday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.): 020 7354 9264
Email: [email protected]

Asylum Aid is part of Migrants Resource Centre. It offers free, confidential and independent legal advice and representation on asylum and statelessness.

Asylum Help
Web: asylumhelpuk.org
For details of helplines in own language: asylumhelpuk.org/our-services
Telephone helpline for advice: 0808 8000630
Telephone helpline for support applications: 0808 8000631

Asylum Help is part of a charity called Migrant Help. Asylum Help services are free of charge and are available to anyone entering the UK and applying for refugee status, or anyone who has had their refugee status refused. They can provide advice at every stage of the asylum application process (see advice helpline below), and they can assist with applying for accommodation and support if you are a person seeking asylum (see support applications helpline below). Both their helplines are free.

Freedom from Torture
Web: www.freedomfromtorture.org
Tel: 020 7697 7777
Facebook: FreedomfromTorture
Twitter: @freefromtorture

Freedom from Torture provides direct clinical services to survivors of torture who arrive in the UK, as well as striving to protect and promote their rights. Referrals for clinical services can be made by survivors themselves, or by a professional.

Gatwick Detainees Welfare Group
Address: The Orchard, 1-2 Gleneagles Court, Brighton Road, Crawley RH10 6AD
Web: www.gdwg.org.uk
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Gatwick-Detainees-Welfare-Group-134375319959263
Twitter: @GatDetainees

The charity provides emotional and practical support, through its volunteer visitors, to people seeking asylum and immigration detainees held at Tinsley House and Brook House removal centres near Gatwick Airport.

Helen Bamber Foundation
Address: Bruges Place, 15-20 Baynes Street, (Entrance is via Randolph Street), London NW1 0TF
Web: www.helenbamber.org
Referrals: www.helenbamber.org/referrals
Tel: 0203 058 2020
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: helenbamberfoundation
Twitter: @helenbamber

The Helen Bamber Foundation supports refugees and people seeking asylum who have experienced extreme human cruelty, such as torture and human trafficking. They provide specialist care to meet the complex needs of some of the most marginalised and vulnerable people in the world, offering survivors specialist psychological and physical therapy, housing and welfare support, legal protection and creative arts and skills programmes to help people rebuild their lives.

Help Refugees
Web: helprefugees.org.uk
Email: [email protected]

Help Refugees is a grassroots collective working with small groups and organisations that have sprung up in response to the humanitarian crisis. They respond where the need is greatest, whether by providing food, clothing, shelter or funding to more than 80 projects across Europe and the Middle East. In the UK, they are taking joint action to improve lives of refugees.

Migrants’ Rights Network
Web: www.migrantsrights.org.uk
Tel: 020 7336 9412
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: migrantsrights
Twitter: @migrants_rights

The network works and campaigns in support of migrants in the UK. They promote policy analysis, partnership and debate for the rights of all migrants. Sign up on their website to receive their regular newsletter and get all the latest updates on migration issues.

Refugee Action
Web: www.refugee-action.org.uk
Tel: 020 7952 1511
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: RefugeeAction
Twitter: @RefugeeAction

Provides help and advice for refugees and people seeking asylum on issues including the asylum process and how to access support.

Refugee Council
Web: www.refugeecouncil.org.uk
Tel: 020 7346 6700
Facebook: refugeecouncil
Twitter: @refugeecouncil

The Refugee Council supports refugees to rebuild their lives, advocates for them and ensures they have a stronger and more influential voice in decisions that affect them. It runs a “holistic information service” supporting people who have recently been granted asylum. It provides services for people seeking asylum, including counselling and support; signposting to helpful services for people seeking asylum by phone, in person or through an online resources directory; destitution support (mainly in London) and English classes. Its Children’s Section works to safeguard and improve the lives of separated children seeking asylum.

If you are working with an unaccompanied child who is seeking asylum, refer them to the Children’s Section by clicking here.

Refugee Therapy Centre
Address: 1A Leeds Place, Tollington Park, London, N4 3RF
Web: www.refugeetherapy.org.uk
Referrals: www.refugeetherapy.org.uk/make-a-referral/
Email: [email protected]

The Refugee Therapy Centre was established in 1999 in response to the growing need for a therapeutic service which respected, and worked with, the cultural and linguistic needs of refugees and people seeking asylum providing people with the opportunity to be heard and receive help in their own language where possible or in English if they so wished.

The Refugee Therapy Centre’s central purpose is to help refugees and people seeking asylum to feel empowered to deal with their psychological difficulties by providing specialist counselling, psychotherapy and support.

Refugees in Effective Active Partnership (REAP)
Address: Key House, High Street, Yiewsley, Middlesex, UB7 7BQ
Web: reap.org.uk
Tel: 01895 441 530
Email: [email protected]

Refugees in Effective and Active Partnership (REAP) is an independent, refugee-led organisation in West London that aims to empower refugees and people seeking asylum to live as valuable and valued members of British society.

Right to Remain
Web: righttoremain.org.uk
contact form: righttoremain.org.uk/contact/
Facebook: RightToRemainUK
Twitter: @Right_to_Remain

Right to Remain’s vision is a world in which everyone can exercise their right to remain with dignity and humanity, where they need to be.

In April 2020 Right to Remain launched the online version of the Asylum Navigation Board. The Board helps people understand the UK asylum process, raises awareness of common problems people face as they navigate the process, and shares survival strategies. The navigation board, developed by Right to Remain, Dr Vicky Canning and Calverts Cooperative, was originally a “serious board game”, with a physical real-life presence. It was launched in 2018, with copies going out to asylum support groups, community service-providers, universities and local government departments across the UK. With people no longer meeting face-to-face and attending support groups, Right to Remain has developed it as an online resource. Right to Remain also produces the Right to Remain Toolkit – a guide to the UK immigration and asylum system. It gives an overview of the legal system and procedures, with detailed information on rights and options at key stages, and actions you can take in support of your claim, or to help someone else. You can download the toolkit here.

Salvation Army
Web: www.helpforvictims.co.uk/content/G90.htm
Tel: 0300 3038151

If you suspect that someone is the victim of modern slavery or human trafficking, or if you are a victim you can get advice from the Salvation Army on their 24 hour confidential helpline.

Stonewall
Web: www.stonewall.org.uk

Stonewall provides help and support to LGBT communities and their allies. We’re here to let all lesbian, gay, bi and trans people, here and abroad, know they’re not alone.

UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group (UKLGIG)
Web: uklgig.org.uk
UKLGIG affiliated solicitors: uklgig.org.uk/?page_id=100

UKLGIG promotes equality and dignity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and intersex + (LGBTQI+) people who seek asylum in the UK, or who wish to come here to be with their partners. Our asylum related activities include: supporting LGBT people seeking asylum: providing emotional support & legal information referring to solicitors; visiting detention centres and running other social support projects; Research & Policy: working to ensure LGBTQI+ people are treated equally and with dignity in the asylum process; seeking to improve the quality of Home Office decision making and seeking an end to the detention of LGBTQI+ people; training and Information: providing training and information on LGBTQI+ asylum issues. UKLGIG also provide support and information to LGBTQI+ people seeking to settle in the UK with their partners, via our website, an online forum and a monthly meeting.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Address: 10 Furnival Street, London EC4A 1AB
Web: www.unhcr.org/uk/united-kingdom-of-great-britain-and-northern-ireland.html
Tel: 020 3761 9500
Facebook: unhcr.uk
Twitter: @UNHCRUK

UNHCR leads and co-ordinates international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise their right to seek asylum and refugee in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country. It also has a mandate to help stateless people.

Women for Refugee Women
Address: Tindlemanor, 52-54 Featherstone St, London EC1Y 8RT
Web: www.refugeewomen.co.uk
Tel: 020 7250 1239
Email: [email protected]

Women for Refugee Women challenges the injustices experienced by women who cross borders to seek safety. We work in three ways: We work at the grassroots to support and empower women who are seeking asylum; We work with the arts, media and public events to tell women’s stories; And, by publishing research and informing politicians, we try to create a fairer asylum process.

Local organisations supporting or campaigning for refugees, people seeking asylum and migrants

Aegean Solidarity Network Team UK
Web: asnteamuk.org
Email: [email protected]

Based in Steyning, West Sussex, ASN helps refugees in Greece by raising funds to support local grassroots organisations.

Articulate
Address: ONCA Gallery, 14 St George’s Place, Brighton BN1 4GB
Web: www.articulate.global
Tel: 07967 719 137
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: articulate.global
Twitter: @articulate_arts

Articulate works with children and young people who’ve had a difficult start in life; and continue to face some tough challenges. Their art projects and Creative Safe Spaces help young people to be creatively vocal, providing them with a positive environment where they are free to explore, express themselves and enjoy themselves in the process.

Bestfoot Music
Web: www.bestfootmusic.net
Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/bestfootmusic
Tel: 07983 810 874
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: BestFootMusicPage

Established in 2009, Best Foot Music is an intercultural music and arts organisation. It aims to encourage social inclusion and cultural diversity by supporting, promoting and documenting the music and arts of communities and individuals who have moved to the UK from around the World. Bestfoot is a volunteer organisation with committee members working on a ‘not for profit’ basis, whilst strongly believing musicians should be paid a professional wage for the work they do. Activities include:

Music recordings and documentation
Event Production
Supporting artists in developing their own projects
Booking artists for events held by other organisations
Documenting events held by similar organisations and advising those wanting to organise their own events.

Black and Minority Ethnic Community Partnership
Address: BMECP Centre, 10A Fleet Street, Brighton, BN1 4ZE
Web: bmecp.org.uk
Tel: 0300 3031171
Email: [email protected]

The Black and Minority Ethnic Community Partnership offer a drop in service for refugees and people seeking asylum every other Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is a great opportunity to meet other refugees and migrants, seek welfare benefits and advice, and help to apply for documents such as naturalisation and travel. Information about hate crimes is also available. Call the centre to find out which Fridays the drop in takes place.

Brighton & Hove Community Sponsorship
Web: brightonhovecs.com
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: brightonhovecs
Twitter: @brightonhovecs

Brighton and Hove Community Sponsorship is a volunteer organisation set up to welcome refugee families to the city and support them as they establish their lives in the UK. It is a Community Sponsorship group operating with the approval and guidance of the Home Office. BHCS is looking for people to volunteer, to share their expertise in areas such as English lessons, school placement, benefits, fundraising and access accommodation.

Brighton Migrant Solidarity
Web: www.brightonmigrantsolidarity.wordpress.com
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: brightonmigrantssolidarity
Twitter: @brimigsol

Brighton Migrant Solidarity is a community and campaign group who focus on freedom of movement and supporting migrants. They warmly welcome people with experience of fleeing conflict or seeking sanctuary to all their meetings and events.

Calais Action – Brighton
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Calais-Action-Brighton-646481882121064

An active grassroots group which organises regular collections of practical aid (mostly men’s clothes and food) to Calais and Northern France. Volunteers travel to France to support organisations working on the ground (Refugee Community Kitchen, Help Refugees Calais Warehouse, School Bus Project). Please contact for more information.

Community Works
Address: Community Base, 113 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3XG
Web: www.bhcommunityworks.org.uk/volunteering
Tel: 01273 234023
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: bhcommunityworks
Twitter: @bh_cw

Community Works connects charities, volunteers and businesses. They help people who want to volunteer their time to find local opportunities. Their volunteer centre can help you find a volunteering opportunity with an organisation that is supporting or taking action for refugees, people seeking asylum and migrants in Brighton, Hove, Adur or Worthing.

The searchable Directory of Community Works member organisations lists details of the range of services and activities provided by the over 550 members, all of which are voluntary or community organisations based in Brighton, Hove, Adur or Worthing. This is accessible via www.bhcommunityworks.org.uk/member-directory

Euro-Mediterranean Resources Network
Address: Community Base, 113 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3XG
Web: www.euromernet.org
Tel: 01273 251574
Facebook: euromernet
Twitter: @euromernetnews

Euro-Mediterranean Resources Network specialises in news and information gathering, strategic research and training on environment, development, social justice and civil liberties in the countries across the Euro-Mediterranean region.

Hummingbird Project
Address: BMECP Centre, 10A Fleet Street, Brighton BN1 4ZE
Web: hummingbirdproject.org.uk
Tel: 07756 216722
Facebook: HummingbirdUK
Twitter: @hummingbirdbtn

The Hummingbird Project grew out of solidarity and aid to refugees in the Calais and Dunkirk. With the closure of the camps, the Hummingbird Project now work creatively 1:1 and in groups with young refugees in Brighton. They run a youth group every Monday at the YPC, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Young people can drop in or be referred through [email protected]

The Hummingbird team have experience of working with at risk young people who have been forced to be on the move. They can offer case work in Sussex and extra emotional and practical support. Additional support, training and awareness sessions can be organised at request.

Lewes Group in Support of Refugees and Asylum Seekers (LGSRAS)
Address: c/o Town Hall, Lewes BN7 2QS
Tel: 07976 923393
Email: [email protected]

LGSRAS is a voluntary group in the Lewes district, which works to raise awareness and to support people in our area, regardless of their status. We also advocate about issues affecting refugees and people seeking asylum.

We provide a voluntary befriender service to families in the district who have come under the Syrian Resettlement Programme, and are keen to extend support to other refugees and people seeking asylum as they move into the district.

Migrant and Refugee Solidarity (MARS)
Web: marsuob.wordpress.com
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: marsbrighton

MARS is an activist network set up by workers, teachers and students at the University of Brighton in solidarity to the millions of migrants and refugees seeking a safer and better future outside their countries of birth. We are linked to local and international solidarity initiatives. Contact MARS if you want information, speakers, and contacts or if you have ideas to share. They are keen to utilise their academic skills and links with a variety of actors, in Britain and abroad.

Refugee Radio
Address: Community Base, 113 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3XG
Web: www.refugeeradio.org.uk
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Refugee-Radio

Refugee Radio provides a weekly support group around mental health, as well as outreach and advice. It also produces radio with refugees and people seeking asylum for their stories to be heard.

Sanctuary Café
Address: Hove Methodist Church, Portland Road, Hove BN3 5DR
For more information contact Paul: [email protected]
Facebook: sanctuarycafehove

Sanctuary Café takes place on the second Saturday of the month between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. The aim is to create a place for people who are people seeking asylum and refugees to meet local residents and get to know each other better over a meal. It will always be a simple vegetarian meal and free (donations if possible).

The venue is fully accessible and children are welcome. People of any faith and no faith are welcome – no need to bring anything other than love. For details of the next event visit the Sanctuary Cafe Facebook page.

Sanctuary on Sea
Web: brighton-and-hove.cityofsanctuary.org
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: BrightonandHoveCityofSanctuary
Twitter: @Brightonsanct

Sanctuary on Sea is the Brighton group of the City of Sanctuary movement, a national network made up of about 100 local groups of businesses, community organisations and individuals who aim to foster a culture of welcome for people seeking sanctuary. Since recognising Brighton and Hove as a City of Sanctuary, it maintains a dialogue with the Council about how the city can live up to that name. Its steering group is made up of some of the other organisations included in this directory. It runs a Schools of Sanctuary and Clubs of Sanctuary programme, coordinates the annual Refugee Week celebrations in June and supports national campaigns. It provides information about any events relating to refugees and migrants in the city via facebook, twitter and an e-newsletter.

Student Action for Refugees (STAR)
Web: www.star-network.org.uk
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: STARsussex

STAR is a national charity of 12,000 students welcoming refugees to the UK. They work to:

Volunteer at local refugee projects
Campaign to improve the lives of refugees
Educate people about refugees and people seeking asylum
Fundraise to welcome refugees.

STAR has been represented at Sussex University since 2014; their Equal Access campaign work has resulted in the University’s management offering two full scholarships to students with Discretionary Leave to Remain in the UK. The local STAR group meets regularly.

Sussex Interpreting Services
Address: Community Base, 113 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3XG
Web: www.sussexinterpreting.org.uk
Tel: 01273 702005
Emergencies at any time of day or night.: 07811 459315
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: sis.interpreting.services
Twitter: @sussexinterpret

Sussex Interpreting Services offers a range of support services which are free to all refugees, people seeking asylum and migrants. These include community interpreting, bilingual advocacy, a health promotion project, and translation.

There is a drop-in service at BMECP Centre, 10a Fleet Street, Brighton BN1 4ZE, any time between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of every month offering free help, support and information in 16 languages. No appointment necessary.

Sussex Interpreting Services have prepared a translation of useful information for Ukrainian refugees. Download here.

Sussex Refugee Solidarity
Facebook: groups/790732351036244/

Sussex Refugee Solidarity is a local community support and action group for refugees, set up by parents in Sussex. It is a forum which aims to set out what we can offer to refugees resettling in East Sussex and West Sussex.

Thousand 4 £1000
Address: Community Base, 113 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3XG
Web: www.thousand4thousand.org.uk
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: thousand41000
Twitter: @ThousandFor1000

Thousand 4 £1000 is a Brighton-based charity which pools hundreds of small regular donations to provide temporary accommodation for migrants without documented right to reside in the UK.

The charity works closely with the Sussex Refugees and Migrants Self-Support Group, which runs the weekly Jollof Cafe at the Cowley Club, London Road on Tuesday afternoons. The Jollof Cafe is the first point of contact for anyone seeking help.

Government and local authority services

Children’s services

Brighton and Hove City Council support and activities for young people
Web: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/children-and-education/support-and-activities-young-people

The Brighton and Hove City Council website contains a page of web links to a wide variety of support and activities for young people

Education

Bullying in schools information for parents and carers
Web: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/children-and-education/schools/bullying-schools-information-parents-and-carers

Brighton and Hove schools work hard to prevent and respond to bullying, but bullying does occur and children and young people often need the support of adults to resolve it.

The ‘Safe from bullying’ leaflet aims to support parents and carers to work with schools to resolve bullying issues. The leaflet was written by Brighton and Hove City Council’s Children’s Services working in partnership with the Parent’s Forum. We also involved other statutory, community and voluntary sector organisations.

A leaflet for parents and carers can be downloaded here. A leaflet for children and young people can be downloaded here.

Ethnic Minority Achievement Service (EMAS)
Address: Fairlight School, St Leonard’s Road, Brighton BN2 3AJ
Web: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/children-and-education/schools/emas-ethnic-minority-achievement-service
Tel: 01273 292521
Email: [email protected]

The Brighton and Hove City Council Ethnic Minority Achievement Service (EMAS) provides support to children in schools, and at home to school liaison officers to support families if English is not their first language. EMAS is a team of specialist teachers, teaching assistants, bilingual liaison workers and home school liaison workers. EMAS works with pre-school, primary and secondary aged children, within their own schools.

English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)

There are a number of ESOL providers in the city offering a range of courses: some for free or at a low-cost. Some providers also offer courses irrespective of immigration status or benefit entitlement. The Brighton and Hove ESOL network have prepared a comprehensive list of ESOL providers in the city which is available in the resources section of the Voices in Exile website. It can be downloaded here.

Brighton and Hove Library Service
Web: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/libraries-leisure-and-arts/libraries
Tel: 01273 290 800
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: BrightonandHoveCityLibraries
Twitter: @BHLibraries
Instagram: @bhlibraries

Brighton and Hove Libraries have books in community languages, including e-books, e-audio books and newspapers, resources to support learning English, free wifi and PCs, study areas and events and activities for all ages. Jubilee Library was awarded Library of Sanctuary in 2020 and they support many groups and organisations supporting refugees and people seeking asylum, offering a warm welcome to all.

Hate incidents and antisocial behaviour

Community Safety Casework Team
Web: www.safeinthecity.info
Tel: 01273 292735
Email: [email protected]

Racist and religiously motivated incidents, disability hate incidents, transphobic and homophobic hate incidents and anti-social behaviour can be reported directly to a specialist casework service within the Community Safety Casework Team based at Hove Town Hall (BHCC). Vulnerability and risk are assessed for each incident and the team will either directly support victims, or refer cases to appropriate agencies. The team can also provide advice and guidance regarding any hate incident or anti-social behaviour concern. Hate incidents or anti-social behaviour can also be reported directly to the police by calling 101 (or 999 in an emergency).

Sussex Police Liaison Officers
Non-emergency calls: 101
Emergency calls: 999

Contact to the liaison officers is made via 101 asking for a message to be passed on to them and they will reply as soon as they can to offer support, guidance and advice.

Gypsy/Traveller Liaison: PCSO Debbie Kimpton 39382
Disabled Community Liaison: PCSO Vanessa Farrell 39061 and PCSO George Verral 37344
Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Liaison: Alex Hyatt
All faiths institutions Liaison: PCSO Rob Bartholomew 39789 and PC Georgina Baker EA547
Jewish Community Liaison: PCSO Verity Mepham 40742
Hindu Community Liaison: PCSO Richard Wright 63623
LGBTQ+ Liaison: PC Richard Hall CH059
TNBI community Liaison: PC Ella Perfect EA241

Modern slavery and human trafficking

Safe in the City
Web: www.safeinthecity.info/getting-help/modern-slavery-and-trafficking

Modern slavery is a term used to describe human trafficking, forced labour, slavery and servitude. Human trafficking occurs when people are moved from one place to another with the use of force or deception for the purpose of exploitation, for example, in the sex industry, in organised crime or for forced labour. Victims of modern slavery are often migrants. This crime is hidden from view and there are many barriers to victims reporting what has happened to them.

If you suspect that someone is the victim of modern slavery, or if you are a victim, call the police on 101 (or 999 in an emergency). If the victim is a child, call the police or social services in the same way as you would report another child protection concern.

The Brighton and Hove City Council website contains a web page listing a wide variety of social care available in the city

For adults with no recourse to public funds
Tel: 01273 295555
Direct line: 01273 296126
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]

In some limited cases Brighton and Hove City Council may have a responsibility to accommodate and support families, or single adults with care needs, who have no recourse to public funds and would otherwise be at risk of destitution. Referrals for assessment can be made directly or on a person’s behalf.

For children and their families with no recourse to public funds
Tel: 01273 295400
Email: [email protected]

Training and skills

Brighton and Hove Library Connect
Web: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/libraryconnect
Tel: 01273 290800

The Library Connect service provides free one-to-one and drop-in sessions helping people develop digital and online skills. Help is available to develop skills in areas such as using the internet and email, keeping in touch with friends/relatives on line, job searches, sending attachments, accessing Council services online, navigating online forms, printing/scanning, downloading apps or e-books, transferring photographs from a digital camera to a computer/ memory stick, sending text messages and more. Sessions are tailored to individual needs. Free Library Connect sessions at your local library can be booked by phone or through the Library Connect website.

Visas, immigration and settlement

Brighton and Hove City Council forum for refugees and migrants
Web: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/support-our-communities/how-help-refugees-brighton-hove

Diversity Resource International
Tel: 07443 420785
Email: [email protected]

Diversity Resource International provide an advice service for people arriving from Hong Kong with British National (overseas) status. A leaflet with further information in English and Chinese can be downloaded from this link.

UK Visas and Immigration
Web: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration

UK Visas and Immigration is a national government department which decides who has the right to visit or stay in the UK. They run the UK’s asylum service which offers protection to those eligible under the 1951 Geneva Convention.

Voluntary returns service
Web: www.gov.uk/return-home-voluntarily
Tel: 0300 004 0202
Email: [email protected]

If someone is in the UK unlawfully the Home Office can help them to return to their home country if they wish to do so. They can assist with travel documentation and arranging financial help to support resettlement in their home country.

Local services and organisations

Advocacy

Sussex Interpreting Services
Address: Community Base, 113 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3XG
Web: www.sussexinterpreting.org.uk
Tel: 01273 234016
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: sis.interpreting.services
Twitter: @sussexinterpret

Sussex Interpreting Services provide bilingual advocates who work with vulnerable and isolated people. They take the time to appreciate people’s views, needs, expectations and concerns and ensure they are heard, respected and acted upon where necessary.

Education

Alnoure Academy
Address: Hove Park Valley Campus, Hangleton Way, Hove BN3 8AA
Web: www.alnoureacademy.org
Tel: 07935 293834
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Alnoure-Academy-Arabic-GCSE-pathway

Alnoure Academy is an independent non-profit community Arabic school organisation for GCSE and A-level pathways. Students are from a range of communities and a wide variety of backgrounds including: Iraqi, Palestinian, Bangladeshi, Polish, Syrian and English.

Employment

Growing Points
Online referral form for organisations: growingpoints.co.uk/referral/
Tel: 07889 752169
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: ambitionandaction

National charity Growing Points works to improve the social mobility of people from excluded communities, using the powerful and influential networks of volunteer Guardians to enable them to achieve their ambitions. Guardians are talented and well connected in all sorts of fields including education, health and social care; management consultancy and journalism. They are matched up with people with ambition from excluded communities such as refugees. Guardians work with them on their ambitions by using their networks to find opportunities for growth and success in their chosen field. They work in partnership with referring organisations including City of Sanctuary, the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Brighton Mind. Most work is by email and telephone with some face to face contact with customers. Referrals do not come directly from individuals but from organisations working with people who are likely to need Growing Points’ help.

The Launchpad Collective
Web: wearetlc.org.uk
Email: [email protected]

The Launchpad Collective offer free support to refugees and people seeking asylum looking for training and work in Brighton and surrounding areas.

Work-ready English classes
Opportunities to meet people from local industries
Getting ready for interviews
CV writing
Skills testing
IT classes
Confidence building and wellbeing classes

English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)

BHASVIC
Address: Brighton, Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College, 205 Dyke Road, Hove, BN3 6EG
Web: www.bhasvic.ac.uk
Tel: 01273 552200
Email: [email protected]

Brighton Metropolitan College (formerly City College)
Address: Brighton MET, Pelham Street, Brighton, BN1 4FA
Web: www.gbmc.ac.uk/brighton
Tel: 01273 667788
Course information: 01273 667759
Facebook: BrightonMET
Twitter: @GBMetColl

Brighton Table Tennis Club
Web: www.brightontabletennisclub.co.uk
Tim Holtam: 07985 141788
Email: [email protected]

Brighton Table Tennis Club offers ‘PingLish’, which gives migrants and refugees the opportunity to learn English for free with the support of an experienced ESOL teacher whilst playing Table Tennis (also known as Ping Pong).

EC English Language Centres
Address: Dolphin House, Manchester Street, Brighton, BN2 1TF
Web: www.ecenglish.com/school-locations/learn-english-in-brighton
Tel: 01273 694618
Facebook: ec.brighton
Twitter: @ECEnglish

English Language Centre (ELC)
Address: 33 Palmeira Mansions, Hove, BN3 2GB
Web: www.elc-brighton.co.uk
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: elcbrighton
Twitter: @elcbrighton

Intensive School of English (ISE)
Address: 34 Duke St, Brighton, BN1 1BS
Web: www.isebrighton.com
Tel: 01273 384800
Email: [email protected]

Kemp Town Talks
Address: St Mary’s Church, Kemp Town, 61 St James’s Street, Brighton BN2 1PR
Tel: 01273 698601
Email: [email protected]

Free conversational English classes. Friendly, informal learning for speakers of other languages.

Every Friday

Beginner – Elementary: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Intermediate – Advanced: 11 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

No booking necessary. Just drop in!

Migrant English Project (MEP)
Web: mepbrighton.com
Email: [email protected]

The Migrant English Project provides:

free and informal English lessons for people seeking asylum, refugees and migrants on Mondays.
a welcoming, friendly and safe space where people can meet others and receive support
support, basic advice, referrals and signposting when needed
free lunch & refreshments during the project

Migrant ESOL Support Hub (MESH)
Cicely Lloyd: 07367 360 134
Rosa Jones: 07907 409267
Cicely Lloyd [email protected]
Rosa Jones [email protected]

1:1 casework to support English, employability and integration

The MESH team provides an integrated ‘one stop’ advice service for migrants 16 years and over, offering a welcoming gateway to ESOL learning provision plus signposting and referral to other support services across Brighton and Hove. Members of the team work with people on a one-to-one basis and connect them with the right support as soon as possible, helping people achieve their aims in relation to education, employment and integration into the life of the city.

There are two MESH case workers – Cicely Lloyd is working at Trust for developing Communities, (who work in neighbourhoods, across the city and beyond to support and facilitate community-led changes) and Rosa Jones is based at Voices in Exile, (a local charity offering practical and legal support to refugees, people seeking asylum and vulnerable migrants). The project co-ordinator Alison Kelly is based at Friends Centre, an independent adult education organisation and charity which serves over 1,100 learners each year through their wide range of daytime and evening classes.

The personalised 1:1 support from case workers offers help with:

improving English
using leisure and public services
training and education
volunteering and internships
getting into work
financial skills
meeting people

To refer someone, self-refer or for further information please contact one of the case workers.

Portslade Adult Learning
Address: PACA, Chalky Road, Portslade, BN41 2WS
Web: www.portslade.org
Tel: 01273 422632
Email: [email protected]

University of Sussex
Address: University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9RH
Web: www.sussex.ac.uk/languages/english
Email: [email protected]

The University of Sussex offers scholarships to study English language for 15 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.) or 21 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. plus three afternoons 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.). Full attendance is required. Terms start September / January / April / June. Not suitable for beginners.

The University of Sussex also offers free English language courses in Falmer in the spring term. The classes are on Tuesdays from 1 p.m to 3 p.m starting on 13 February. The classes are open to anyone over the age of 18.

Varndean College
Address: Surrenden Road, Brighton, BN1 6WQ
Web: www.varndean.ac.uk
Tel: 01273 508011
Adult education: 01273 546602
Email: [email protected]

Workers Education Association – adult education
Web: wea.org.uk
Tel: 01273 945869
Email: [email protected]

WREC Ltd
Address: 7 Marlborough Place, Brighton BN1 1UB
Web: www.wrecltd.co.uk
Tel: 01273 281981
Email: [email protected]

Whitehead-Ross Education and Consulting (WREC Ltd) is a leading provider of innovative education, youth and social welfare programmes. We pride ourselves in offering flexible programmes that are relevant and beneficial. Our ESOL Skills for Life qualifications support speakers of other languages based within the UK to develop their English language skills for work, further learning or everyday life. The course will develop your skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Come and see our state of the art training facility in the centre of Brighton for more information.

Family tracing and family reunion travel assistance

British Red Cross
Address: Unit 7, St Joseph’s Close, St Joseph’s Business Park, Hove BN3 7HG
Web: www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/get-help-as-a-refugee
Hove office landline: 01273 227801
Refugee support: 0300 333 5393
Refugee support email: [email protected]
International Family Tracing: [email protected]

The British Red Cross has two main migration related services. Refugee Support and International Family Tracing. These are open to people seeking asylum, refugees and migrants.

International Family Tracing (IFT) Service helps to restore and maintain contact between families separated by armed conflict, migration or natural disaster by using the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network. The IFT team can also provide a service for sending Red Cross Messages, certificates of detention for those imprisoned overseas and also provides services inside Immigration Removal Centres.

Our Refugee Support service provides dedicated casework support to those in need. Destitution support, advocacy and information are all provided to those in need by our dedicated team of caseworkers.

Our Refugee support service also provides a dedicated Family Reunion Travel Assistance Scheme, which pays for and arranges travel to reunite refugee families. The scheme organises and pays for family members travel to the UK only. To be eligible, individuals must already be in possession of visas, and meet our criteria. Please see our website for more information.

Food

Individuals need to be referred to most food banks and cannot just turn up. If you are an individual in need, or a professional and want to refer someone to emergency food, read the Brighton and Hove Food Partnerships advice on what to do.

Brighton and Hove Food Partnership
Address: Brighthelm Centre, North Road, Brighton BN1 1YD
Web: www.bhfood.org.uk
Tel: 01273 431700
Email: [email protected]

The Brighton and Hove Food Partnership is a non-profit organisation providing a hub for information, inspiration and connection around food. It delivers a range of community projects such as:

Cookery courses for beginners and those looking to teach others
Helping people grow food with others in their community
Tips and advice on reducing food waste at home
Setting up community composting sites across the city
Healthy eating advice and workshops
Advice on food poverty and support for food banks
Weight management programmes for adults and families

Health and mental health

Boloh helpline
Web: helpline.barnardos.org.uk
Tel: 0800 151 2605

Boloh, a service provided by Barnados, is a helpline offering advice, emotinoal support and free therapy to aduls seeking asylum and Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic parents in the UK. Boloh advisers can also offer help in understanding symptoms of colds, coughs and respiratory infections to adults caring for children at home.

The free telephone helpline is available Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Brighton Exiled/Refugee Trauma Service (BERTS)
Web: brightonandhovecbt.com/BERTS.html
Tel: 07961 779010
Email: [email protected]

Brighton Exiled/Refugee Trauma Service (BERTS) is a dedicated trauma service hosted by Brighton and Hove CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), for refugees and people seeking asylum in Sussex. It offers free specialist trauma counselling and psychotherapy to local people to help them come to terms with their relocation in the UK, after what can be very difficult experiences for themselves and their families in their countries of origin. Referrals are accepted from the NHS Counselling Services or from your GP. Contact the Sanctuary Project if you are unsure of how to do this or need more help

Brighton Natural Health Centre
Address: 27 Regent Street, Brighton, BN1 1UL
Web: brightonnaturalhealthcentre.org.uk
Tel: 01273 600010
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: BrightonNaturalHealthCentre
Twitter: @BrightonNatural
Instagram: @brightonnaturalhealthcentre

The Brighton Natural Health Centre run free weekly drop-in yoga classes for female migrants, people seeking asylum and refugees on Fridays at 11.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. in central Brighton. The classes are run by experienced Iyengar Yoga teacher, Jen Henwood and observe social distancing and Covid 19 safety measures.

The health benefits of yoga can help to reduce depression, stress and anxiety, allowing those who are suffering to feel better in themselves, build confidence and self-esteem. These classes provide a safe and supportive space to exercise, make new friends and improve physical and mental well-being.

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove
Address: Community Base, 113 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3XG
Web: www.healthwatchbrightonandhove.co.uk
Information line: 01273 234040
General enquiries: 01273 234 041
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: healthwatchbrightonandhove

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove is a local watchdog and consumer champion for health and social care. It can support you to influence the design, delivery and improvement of local health and social care services. It can also enable you to make informed choices about your health and wellbeing by assisting you when you have concerns or complaints about these services.

The Independent Health Complaints Advocacy Service (IHCAS) is provided in Brighton and Hove by POhWER, a charity providing free advocacy, information and advice to people who experience disability, vulnerability, distress and social exclusion. They offer support to people making complaints about NHS care or treatment, and can be contacted by phone: 0300 456 2370 or by email [email protected]. More information can be found on the POhWER website at: https://www.pohwer.net/brighton-and-hove

Mind in Brighton and Hove
Address: 51 New England Street, Brighton BN1 4GQ
Web: www.mindcharity.co.uk
Tel: 01273 666950

Mind in Brighton and Hove is an independent charity, which offers free and confidential advice to anyone affected by mental health issues. The service can be accessed by telephone or by email. If you would prefer to talk in person, one-to-one meetings can also be booked at the Mind in Brighton and Hove office in New England Street. Mind in Brighton and Hove runs outreach advice sessions in Moulsecoombe and Whitehawk. Appointments are available for residents of East Brighton.

Mind also has an online Directory of mental health and wellbeing services to help individuals and professionals locate services and resources directly or indirectly promoting and supporting mental health and wellbeing, including for refugees and people seeking asylum. It includes NHS and other statutory, voluntary and non-profit making organisations who offer services. Focusing primarily on services and resources in Brighton and Hove, it also includes some national organisations, the directory can be found here.

NHS 111 service
Tel: 111

The NHS 111 service is for when you urgently need help or advice but it is not a life-threatening situation.

OK Rehab
Web: www.okrehab.org
Tel: 0800 326 5559

OK Rehab specialises in addiction treatment. This treatment is available via both inpatient and outpatient treatment providers. OK Rehab’s aim is to help individuals break free from the shackles of addiction and find a treatment that’s ideally suited to their needs. This treatment is applicable for drug addiction, alcoholism and process/behavioural addictions.

An over-the-phone assessment to determine if you require addiction treatment
Access to over 140+ clinics across the UK and abroad
Advice relating to outpatient, residential and home detox services
Access to detox clinics regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
Fast access to emergency detox treatment, is appropriate
Access to professional interventionists across the UK
Advice by staff members who are themselves in recovery
Information on both private and statutory funded addiction treatment providers

Samaritans
Web: www.samaritans.org
Free number open 24-hours a day: 116 123
Tel: 01273 772277

Saneline
Web: www.sane.org.uk
4.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. daily: 0300 304 7000

Specialist Health Visiting Team for BME and Traveller families
Address: Candy Barrett, Community Public Health Nurse Specialist: Refugees and Migrants, Healthy Futures Team, Tarner Children’s Centre, Morley Street, BN2 9QE
Tel: (Tuesday – Wednesday): 01273 666484 ext. 6576
Tel: 07785 521131
Email: [email protected]

Health Visitors are qualified nurses with training in public health. In this team they visit families with insecure immigration status, people seeking asylum and newly arrived refugees as well as Travellers. They assess children’s development and provide information on a range of health issues and local services for all family members.

Sussex Beacon
Address: 10 Bevendean Road, Brighton BN2 4DE
Web: www.sussexbeacon.org.uk
Tel: 01273 694222
Facebook: thesussexbeacon
Twitter: @sussexbeacon

The Sussex Beacon provides a range of specialist HIV treatment and support services.

Sussex Interpreting Services – Health Promotion Project
Address: Community Base, 113 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3XG
Web: www.sussexinterpreting.org.uk
Tel: 01273 234016
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: sis.interpreting.services
Twitter: @sussexinterpret

Sussex Interpreting Services’ volunteer Linguists, reach out to isolated people and excluded communities to explain what services are available and how to access them. They support people to make appointments, understand correspondence, fill in simple forms and appreciate health information. They also act as a reference group for local planners to improve understanding of service users’ needs.

Sussex Mental Health Line
Tel: 0300 5000101

Open 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. on week nights, and on a 24 hours basis during weekends and bank holidays

Wellbeing Service
Web: www.brightonandhovewellbeing.org
Tel: 0300 002 0060
Email: [email protected]

Psychotherapeutic counselling is provided by the Wellbeing Service, a part of the local NHS primary mental healthcare service. It is an adults-only service and works with anyone (including refugees and people seeking asylum) who doesn’t need hospitalisation or very intensive input with mental health issues at a primary level. The Service works with interpreters when necessary and can help refugees and people seeking asylum struggling with the mental health impact of what their status has imposed on them, including issues such as self- esteem and trust. The Wellbeing Service offers six sessions to patients who are referred to them. There are 2 routes into the Wellbeing Service, via a GP and via a form that can be downloaded from the website. The Service has a limited capacity and present waiting list of approximately 4-6 months.

If you feel you are not able to keep yourself safe, and do not need immediate medical assistance, you should contact the Mental Health Rapid Response Service which is able to offer immediate support: 0300 304 0078 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week including bank holidays).

Housing

Apptivists Brighton
Web: homelessinbrighton.org.uk
Email: [email protected]

Apptivists have created an online directory of local resources. It includes local information on housing, food, social activities, health, mental health and abuse, substance misuse, benefits and debt advice to youth, elderly, refugees and migrants, women, men and the LGBTQ community.

Brighton Housing Trust
Address: 144 London Rd, Brighton BN1 4PH
Web: www.bht.org.uk/services/legal-advice/brighton-advice-centre/brighton-specialist-housing-advice/
Tel: 01273 645400
Email: [email protected]

Brighton Housing Trust offers a range of specialist housing advice to those in need through its Brighton Advice Centre.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS)
Web: www.esfrs.org
Tel: 0800 1777069
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: eastsussexfireandrescue
Twitter: @EastSussexFRS

ESFRS provides free visits to your home to give advice and information about fire and home safety, and can fit free smoke alarms if needed.

Language services

An online list of all the current English provisions for speakers of other languages (ESOL) in Brighton and Hove is available at the Brighton and Hove City Council Libraries website.

Sussex Interpreting Services
Web: www.sussexinterpreting.org.uk/booking.asp
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: 01273 702005
Emergencies at any time of day or night.: 07811 459315
Email: [email protected]

Sussex Interpreting Services provides community interpreting. Their community interpreters work face to face to ensure access to services for people with language support needs.

Sussex Interpreting Services also provides translation services. Their community translators are experienced in translation of a wide range of written information and documentation, including: letters, reports, leaflets, newsletters, websites, medical records and passports, birth and marriage certificates.

Sussex Interpreting Services have prepared a translation of useful information for Ukrainian refugees. Download here.

Vandu Language Services
Address: 36 St Nicholas Lane, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 2JZ
Web: www.vlslanguages.com
Tel: 01273 473986
Email: [email protected]

Vandu Language Services provide cost effective, culturally intelligent interpreting and translation services in Sussex.

Legal advice – local charities

The Migration Law Clinic at the University of Sussex was established in 2019 to offer migration and asylum legal advice on a pro bono (cost-free) basis to any individual who requires advice in this legal field and cannot afford to pay a legal practitioner. The Clinic has OISC registration (at Level 3). In its first months, the Clinic focussed on asylum law and Article 8 issues, and provided advice on citizenship applications. The Clinic does not run during university holiday or assessment periods, which restricts its capacity, and unfortunately this means it is unable to accept any new clients before the start of the next academic year (September 2019). For further information please email [email protected]

The legal framework in England and Wales is heavily regulated and legal advice can only be provided under very strict conditions. The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 made it unlawful for anyone to provide unregulated immigration advice or immigration services. Immigration advice in the UK is regulated by the OISC (Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner). The type of advice that a qualified and registered adviser can give depends on their level of qualification. Click here for an explanation on the Gov.uk website.

For more complex immigration issues, an immigration solicitor or specialist caseworker is needed. You need to make sure that an immigration specialist is registered with OISC before you ask for their advice.

There are two ways of accessing immigration and asylum representation. Firstly, through private solicitors at regulated law firms. They will charge fees which can be discussed directly with your solicitor. The second is through the publicly funded legal aid scheme for asylum claims and some limited types of immigration cases. If you qualify to receive legal aid, the Legal Services Commission (LSC) is responsible for the payment of your fees. The amount the LSC is willing to pay may be limited; in some cases you may have to pay towards the cost. Qualifying for legal aid to meet the costs of immigration and asylum representation is dependent on your financial position and the nature of your claim. You can find out if you’re eligible in the following ways:

Citizens Advice website explains the financial conditions for getting civil legal aid.
Government website includes an online tool to check if you can get legal aid.
Civil Legal Advice helpline: call 0345 345 434.

In Brighton and Hove, the lack of immigration advice and representation has reached a critically low level. There are very few OISC accredited advisors, particularly at the higher level of OISC qualification. Where legal aid is still available for asylum applications, it can be difficult to secure representation. Currently, the only local legal aid representation and advice is supplied by Brighton Housing Trust, but it cannot take on all cases. At the time of writing, they were prioritising cases involving children and only a limited number of adult cases. However, this may change so please contact them if you have a claim that may be eligible for legal aid support. Please see its website here for further information.

Please note that services funded by legal aid provide a comparable quality to private services, so if you are entitled to legal aid representation you would be well-advised to try and secure it. Out of area, legal aid cases may be taken on by Barnes Harrild and Dyer, a solicitor firm based in Croydon (details below).

Anyone looking for information about organisations or people providing legal services in England and Wales that are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) can freely search the online Find a Solicitor service run by the Law Society; this can be found on the Law Society website.

Brighton Housing Trust’s Immigration Legal Service
Address: 144 London Rd, Brighton BN1 4PH
Web: www.bht.org.uk/services/legal-advice/brighton-advice-centre/immigration-legal-service/
Email: [email protected]

Brighton Housing Trusts Immigration Legal Service can offer legal advice and representation for those eligible to legal aid funding e.g. asylum cases, bail and some specific cases involving domestic violence or human trafficking. As the ILS team is small, they can only take on cases when they have capacity to do so (see entry above).

Citizens Advice Brighton and Hove
Web: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/local/brighton-hove/
Tel: 0300 3309033 (If you are calling on a landline from a mobile phone, you will be asked to enter a local landline number. If you enter 01273 123456 at this point, you will be put through if an advisor is available)

Citizens Advice Brighton and Hove provides free and confidential advice. They can give basic advice on immigration applications and help clients to complete standard forms. They run a drop in Monday-Thursday, 8.45 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. at Bartholomew House, Bartholomew Square, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1JA. They also run an email advice service. To access this go to: www.brightonhovecab.org.uk and complete the online web form. Information about when the Citizens Advice holds advice and telephone advice sessions can be found here.

Gatwick Detainees Welfare Group
Address: The Orchard, 1-2 Gleneagles CourtBrighton Road, Crawley RH10 6AD
Web: www.gdwg.org.uk
Tel: 01293 657070
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Gatwick-Detainees-Welfare-Group
Twitter: @GatDetainees

The charity provides emotional and practical support through its volunteer visitors, to people seeking asylum and immigration detainees held at Tinsley House and Brook House removal centres near Gatwick Airport.

Migration Law Clinic at the University of Sussex
Web: www.sussex.ac.uk/law/clinical-legal-education/
Email: [email protected]

Money Advice Plus
Address: Hove Town Hall, Tisbury Road, Hove BN3 3BQ
Web: www.moneyadviceplus.org.uk
Tel: 01273 664000
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Money-Advice-Plus-156960874327636
Twitter: @MoneyAdvicePlus

Money Advice Plus helps people who are experiencing difficulty managing their money or financial affairs. They can give debt and benefit advice. In addition we have an adviser authorised by the OISC to give level 1 immigration advice, and can also help apply for documents such as naturalisation and travel documents. They run a drop-in session at the BMECP Centre, 10a Fleet Street, Brighton BN1 4ZE every fortnight on a Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Voices in Exile (VIE)
Address: The Fitzherbert Centre, 36 Upper Bedford Street, Brighton, BN2 1JP
Web: www.voicesinexile.org
Tel: 01273 328598
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: brightonvoicesinexile

Voices in Exile is accredited to provide specialist immigration advice up to OISC Level 2. We can assist with complex applications but cannot represent in appeals to the First Tier Tribunal or Upper Tier Tribunal or with judicial review. Our services are for vulnerable and/or destitute migrants, people seeking asylum and refugees who are not eligible for legal aid and/or do not have the means to pay for private legal advice. As a general rule we cannot currently assist EEA nationals – but will consider particularly vulnerable/complex cases. We also provide generalist advice on welfare benefits, housing and homelessness, asylum support, children’s and adult community care. You can download our referral form from our website.

We currently deliver the following free advice services from our premises in Kemptown:

Immigration advice drop-in – Tuesdays 1.30 to 3.30 p.m.: for refugees, people seeking asylum and migrants unable to pay for immigration advice or to access legal aid services elsewhere. St. John the Baptist Church parish hall – entrance on Bristol Road, BN2 1AP
Phone advice – Thursdays 2 to 4 p.m. on 01273 082105
Email advice – we will respond to email advice enquiries sent to [email protected] as soon as we practically can.
Destitution service and food bank (generalist advice) – Fridays 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: by referral only (through our referral form, an email or phone call) for clients who are destitute or with no recourse to public funds.

Please note that we cannot see clients without an appointment or outside these drop-in times.

Legal advice – local commercial firms

We accept no responsibility for, nor do we endorse the services offered by these firms.

Afshaan Hena, Barrister
Address: 10 Kings Bench Walk, Temple, London EC4Y 7EB
Web: 10kbw.co.uk/barrister/afshaan-hena/
Tel: 020 7353 7742
Mobile: 07551 969570
Email: [email protected]

Barnes, Harrild and Dyer
Address: West Croydon Office: , 76 London Road, Croydon CR0 2TB, East Croydon Office, Fourth Floor, Park House, 22 Park Street, Croydon CR0 1YE
Tel: 020 8681 5128
Fax: 020 8686 9776
Kaweh Beheshtizadeh: 020 8253 0990
Email: [email protected]

Will accept inquiries relating to any area of immigration and asylum, and human rights issues. They can take on some cases which fall under the scope of legal aid, and also offer private services.

Healy’s LLP
Address: 8 and 9 Old Steine, Brighton BN1 1EJ
Tel: 01273 685 888
Fax: 01273 685 454
Ivon Sampson: 01273 669 131
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]

Will accept inquiries in all areas of immigration, asylum and EEA law. Can meet clients in Brighton office.

Irving and Co Solicitors
Address: Third Floor, Queensberry House, 106 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3XF
Tel: 01273 862 209
Fax: 01273 862 428
Email: [email protected]

Irving and Co Solicitors represent clients in all areas of Immigration law, European law, Asylum law and Nationality law. They represent clients at all stages of the appeal process in the Immigration and Asylum Chamber, Upper Tribunal, Court of Appeal and European court. They also specialise in Judicial Review applications to the High Court.

Irving and Co are no longer able to offer legal aid and costs are on a private basis.

James and Co
Address: Third Floor, Queensberry House, 106 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3XF
Paul Ward, Tel: 01273 862552
Fax: 01273 371225
Raj Rayan: 01273 862553
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]

Will accept inquiries in all areas of immigration, asylum, including deportation and EEA issues. Contact Paul Ward

LGBTQ

MindOut
Web: www.mindout.org.uk

MindOut is a mental health service run by and for lesbians, gay men, bisexual, trans, and queer people. Please do contact us with any enquiries about mental health, we can help you find the support you need. We provide advice & information, advocacy, a peer support group programme, wellbeing activities and events, a peer mentoring service, an out of hours online chat service and a food project. We are based in Brighton, and we also work around the country to deliver LGBTQ Affirmative Practice training for Mental Health professionals and seek to influence national policy & practice.

Switchboard LGBT
Web: www.switchboard.org.uk
Tel: 0300 3300630

Brighton and Hove LGBT Switchboard was founded in 1975 and has been providing services to the LGBTQ community in Brighton and beyond ever since. Originally operating as a helpline, Switchboard has expanded over the years to include an older LGBT project, a Trans Survivors Switchboard, an LGBTQ disability group and the LGBTQ Health and Inclusion Project.

Money

Money Advice Plus helps people who are experiencing difficulty managing their money or financial affairs. They can give debt and benefit advice, and help to apply for documents such as naturalisation and travel documents. As part of their money handling services they are able to distribute money to people who are not entitled to benefits but the council has a duty to support.

They run a drop-in session at the BMECP Centre, 10a Fleet Street, Brighton BN1 4ZE every fortnight on a Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Moneyworks Advice Line
Web: www.advicebrighton-hove.org.uk/services/moneyworks
Tel: 0800 988 7037

A partnership between a number of organisations supporting financial inclusion in the city including CAB, Money Advice Plus, St Luke’s Advice Centre, Brighton Unemployed Centre families Project, the Hangleton and Knoll Project and Possability People. It provides free, independent advice to residents of Brighton and Hove on a whole range of money issues, including dealing with debt, maximising income and paying for fuel.

Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wave Community Bank
Address: Hove Town Hall, Tisbury Road Offices, Tisbury Road, Hove BN3 3BQ
Web: wavecb.org.uk
Tel: 0300 303 3188
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: WaveCommunityBank
Twitter: @WaveCommBank
Instagram: @WaveCommunityBank

Wave Community Bank help people who are struggling to open a bank account because of a lack of ID or a permanent address. By joining Wave Community Bank people can access an Engage account, which is a basic pre-paid bank account with a VISA debit card so they can shop online and in shops. To open an account, an application form can be downloaded from https://wavecb.org.uk/join-us

Sport and wellbeing

Away From Home VYD CIC
Web: www.vydcic.org
Instagram: : www.instagram.com/vyd_cic/
Tel: 07989 159984
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @vyd_cic
Instagram: @vyd_cic

Away from Home is a community football group open to all refugees and people seeking asylum. Run by VYD, a local social impact CIC, the training sessions combine fun with structure and professionalism. We have a qualified experienced coach who oversees the weekly training.

Football clubs belong at the heart of many communities in the UK and are a place that can help create welcoming communities by focusing on what people have in common rather than on their differences. Our aim is to give players space to forget their current problems and focus on playing and having fun with like minded people. We hope that by coming regularly players will start to feel a sense of belonging.

Sessions are free of charge. Please contact us for further details.

Brighton Table Tennis Club (BTTC)
Address: The Fitzherbert’s Centre, 36 Upper Bedford Street, Kemptown, Brighton BN2 1JP
Web: www.brightontabletennisclub.co.uk
Tim Holtam, Founder Director, Brighton Table Tennis Club: 07985 141788
Email: [email protected]

The Brighton Table Tennis Club is a Charity working with people of all ages, especially young people, (including refugees), to improve health, celebrate diversity and to build a strong community. The Club has hundreds of players and over 100 Tables across the city. It helps people from many communities and all ages keep fit and well, brings them together offering mutual support and friendship. There are sessions for young people of all ages and backgrounds, those aged 50+, adults with learning disabilities, children in care, at more than 10 schools and colleges.

The BTTC ‘PingLish’ project offers migrants and refugees the opportunity to learn English whilst playing table tennis (also known as Ping Pong) supported by an experienced ESOL teacher and keen player.

Sessions are free and fun, particularly for people that have never played table tennis before. Players will be invited to join in with other activities at the UK’s first Club of Sanctuary, welcoming refugees and people seeking asylum. Weekly 1:1 and small group sessions that are 90 minutes long are available. The current timetable is Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Nam Yang Brighton Community Association
Web: www.namyangbrighton.co.uk
Tel: 07772 699147
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: NamYangBrightoMartialArts

Nam Yang Brighton Community Association is an inclusive, not-for-profit, community based Martial Arts club. They teach traditional Martial Arts and Combat Sports including Kickboxing, Kung Fu, Savate Boxe Francais, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Tai Chi, Chi Gong and Boxing. They run sessions for all ages, abilities and backgrounds including working with people with disabilities, refugees, people seeking asylum, low income households and local schools and community groups. Nam Yang Brighton aim to make a positive impact in the community using Martial Arts and Combat Sports to bring people together. Everyone is welcome.

Salaam FC – Football Club
Tel: 07405 78444156
Email: [email protected]

A Brighton based community run football club for boys and girls aged 10-16, with players from 10 different countries, many of whom are refugees. Set up by the Oromo community group the club was a response to the difficulty that young Oromo people had in joining clubs and making friends. It now provides a focus for the integration of young people (including refugees) from diverse communities in Brighton & Hove. It has 40 young people from 10 diverse communities that participate in the club and train at Hove Park and have a team in the local football league.

Support for community groups

Community Works
Address: Community Base, 113 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3XG
Web: www.bhcommunityworks.org.uk/members/advice-support
Tel: 01273 234023
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: bhcommunityworks
Twitter: @bh_cw

Migrant Welcome Project at Voices in Exile
Rosa Jones: 07907 409267
Email: [email protected]

The Migrant Welcome Project aims to enable the coming together of migrants in Brighton and Hove to form friendships and mutual support to explore what the City has to offer. They meet weekly in term-time to discuss what they would find useful and share what they have learned, and to take trips around the City. The sessions and trips are supported by Rosa Jones (group facilitator) and Alison Kelly (project co-ordinator) and are funded by the project to increase confidence in:

accessing practical services
travelling the City
exploring leisure interests
meeting new people
surviving on a budget
sharing experience and making plans
discovering opportunities to improve health and wellbeing

To refer someone, self-refer or for further information please contact us.

Resource Centre
Address: Prior House, 6 Tilbury Place, Brighton BN2 0GY
Web: www.resourcecentre.org.uk
Tel: 01273 606160
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: ResourceCentreBH

If your community wants to run its own activities, classes or gatherings, the Resource Centre can help with setting up and organising a community group. They can help you to raise funds, keep track of your money, plan events and produce publicity materials. They also have equipment to hire. Opening times are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays to Fridays.

Those fleeing conflict in Ukraine

For information about applying for the Ukraine Family Scheme visa, visit gov.uk.

For immigration advice for Ukrainians seeking assistance, visit Ukraine Advice Project UK.

For the latest information about services and support in Brighton & Hove, visit our supporting the Ukrainian humanitarian crisis webpages.

Sussex Interpreting Services
Web: www.sussexinterpreting.org.uk
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: 01273 702005
Emergencies at any time of day or night.: 07811 459315
Email: [email protected]

Sussex Interpreting Services have prepared a translation of useful information for Ukrainian refugees. Download here.

Training and skills

Breadwinners
Web: www.breadwinners.org.uk
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: wearebreadwinners
Twitter: @webreadwinners
Instagram: @wearebreadwinners

Breadwinners provide employment and training for refugees and young people seeking asylum. We transform lives through selling artisan bread at market stalls. We are offering two programmes in Brighton to support migrant employability:

Risers Programme – Provides support for young people seeking asylum aged 16-24 helping them gain UK work experience by working as Market Stall Assistants. The programme includes employability training sessions and 1:1 mentoring.
Breadwinners Programme – Supports refugees by providing them with their first job opportunity working as a Market Stall Manager in Brighton earning the UK Living Wage. We support participants with a full programme of employability training and 1:1 mentoring to help them grow and progress onto full time work.

Violence and abuse

Racial Harassment Forum – Brighton and Hove
Address: MECP Centre, 10A Fleet Street, Brighton BN1 4ZE
Tel: 07523 610999
Email: [email protected]

The Racial Harassment Forum is an independent community-led organisation that works to combat and reduce racist and religiously motivated incidents, crimes and harassment in the City of Brighton and Hove. The Project Officer/Administrator, Monika Richards, works on Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursdays 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Racist and Religiously Motivated Hate Crime
Web: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/council-and-democracy/equality/racist-and-religiously-motivated-incidents

If you feel that you have been a victim or a witness to any incident motivated by hostility to the victim’s race, colour, nationality, religious beliefs, ethnic or cultural background, please report it. Brighton and Hove City Council takes hate incidents seriously and have developed a number of ways to make it easier to report them.

If it is an emergency, call the police on 999.

If it is not an emergency and you want to report by telephone, call the police on 101 and the Council’s Partnership Community Safety Team on 01273 292735.

For other ways of reporting hate crime go to the Council’s web page Racist and religiously motivated incidents.

Rise
Web: www.riseuk.org.uk
Tel: 01273 622822
Facebook: riseuk
Twitter: @riseuk

Rise helps people affected by domestic violence and abuse. They offer practical solutions, shelter and support in Brighton and Hove, and other parts of Sussex. They run a drop-in every Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Hove Town Hall Customer Service Centre.

Rise currently has a specialist Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) caseworker who can provide direct support / consultancy to people supporting BME victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence and harmful practices (so-called honour based violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage). Also support can be provided to victims in East Sussex and Brighton and Hove.

Referrals can be made online via the Portal web site:

For Survivors or friends and family: theportal.org.uk/bme/
Or
For professionals: theportal.org.uk/form/?referrer=profes

Survivors’ Network
Web: www.survivorsnetwork.org.uk
Telephone Helpline: 01273 720110, Wednesdays, 7 p.m.to 9 p.m.
Helpline Text: 07717 999989
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: survivorsnet
Twitter: @SurvivorsnetBtn

Survivors’ Network aims to reduce sexual violence and its impact on survivors’ lives. We are the Rape Crisis Centre for Sussex, and we offer counselling, advocacy, peer support and groupwork as well as training for professionals. We know that it takes a lot of courage to seek help for the effects of sexual abuse. There is no right or wrong way to feel afterwards and there is no fixed time for recovery.

Due to covid-19 our groupwork and peer support are temporarily on hold, but we are still offering counselling and support with the criminal justice system for survivors of sexual violence. We are also running our Helpline twice a week: Mondays and Wednesdays from 12-2pm. There are three numbers you can call us on: 07928 818130 ; 07526 074 753 ; 01273 720 110. These mobiles will only be on during helpline hours. You can also email us for support at [email protected]. We will check and respond to these emails during helpline hours.

Welfare

Brighton Unemployed Centre Families Project
Address: 6 Tilbury Place, Brighton BN2 0GY
Web: www.bucfp.org
Tel: 01273 671213
Email: [email protected]

Brighton Unemployed Centre Families Project provides advice, welfare advice, practical support, food, educational and leisure activities, and an Ofsted registered free playroom, to those who are unemployed, on low wages, experiencing food or fuel poverty and to families suffering disadvantage.

CASE
Address: 4 Crestway Parade, Hollingdean, Brighton BN1 7BL
Web: www.case-central.co.uk
Tel: 01273 540717
Fax: 01273 5407 97
Email: [email protected]

The centre provides welfare rights advice and representation in Brighton and Hove. They offer low cost internet and free computer access, a baby loan equipment scheme, toy library, free bread, summer outings and Christmas events for families on a low income. They provide free calls to the benefit office, utility firms and solicitors. It is open Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Women

Brighton Women’s Centre (BWC)
Tel: 01273 698 036
Email: [email protected]

Brighton Women’s Centre works to empower women and children to improve their life chances and lead independent lives by reducing inequalities and promoting independence in a safe women-only space through integrated and holistic women specific services. All women are welcome, regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, parenthood, race, belief and sexuality.

Services include the ToyBox Pre-School project, a peer group drop in, counselling and personal development mentoring, support to women with multiple vulnerabilities in all stages of the criminal justice system through its Inspire project as well as preventative work around domestic violence, social isolation and health

BWC operates and runs services from two different premises, one in Kemptown and one near St Peter’s Church. The Drop in and counselling services are available at 72 High Street, Brighton BN2 1RP. The ToyBox Pre-School and Inspire Projects are available at 22 Richmond Place, Brighton BN2 9NA

Hangleton and Knoll Multi Cultural Women’s Group
Address: Hangleton & Knoll Project, St Richards Community Centre, Egmont Road, Hove BN3 7FP
Web: www.hkproject.org.uk
Tel: 01273 881446
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Hangleton-and-Knoll-Multi-Cultural-Womens-Group-1695642817328269

A group open to all women. Providing health focused activities including Yoga, Health Walks, women only swimming and monthly coffee mornings. For more information contact:

Takako on 07830266819, email: [email protected]
Miranda (Arabic speaker) on 07805033421, email: [email protected]
Mumtaz (Bengali speaker) on 07950549046, email: [email protected]

We also run English Classes with a Bengali speaking tutor. The courses usually run for 6-8 weeks on a Tuesday and cost £5 for members of the Multi Cultural Women’s Group and £10 for non members.

For more information please contact Claire Johnson at the Hangleton and Knoll Project on 01273 410858, email: [email protected]

International Women’s Network
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]

The International Women’s Network is a new initiative for women in the city. It brings together international women from all backgrounds and offers the opportunity for women to meet up and network, exchange and share ideas. The Network meets periodically to hold discussion forums on women’s issues. It hosts a range of friendly and inclusive activities including discussion forums and film shows with bring and share international dishes, or more formal education and training opportunities. Participation is voluntary, and activities are open to all women and are child friendly. To find out more, get involved or participate in the Network events contact Linda Beanlands.

Young people

Allsorts Youth Project
Web: www.allsortsyouth.org.uk
Tel: 01273 721211
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @allsortsyouth
Instagram: @allsortsyouth

Allsorts Youth Project listens to, supports and connects children and young people under 26 who are LGBT+ or exploring their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Allsorts runs a series of Youth Groups, provides a 1:1 service for young people as well as a Family Support Service, for parents of LGBT+ children and young people. To make a referral, visit the website.

Amaze
Address: Community Base, 113 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3XG
Web: amazebrighton.org.uk
Tel: 01273 234020
Helpline: 01273 772289
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: AmazeBrighton

Amaze is a charity that gives information, advice and support to parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Amaze also supports young people with SEND up to 25. Most of its services are for families in Brighton and Hove. It also has a Helpline for parents, carers, children and young people seeking advice.

Barnardo’s
Address: Barnado’s South East Regional Office, Unit 1, Satellite Business Village, Fleming Way, Crawley RH10 9NE
Web: www.barnardos.org.uk
Tel: 01293 610660
Fax: 01293 565678

National children’s charity, Bernado’s, works to transforms the lives of the most vulnerable children across the UK through its services, campaigning and research expertise. Barnado’s work with asylum seeking families including providing support through the asylum process, including by:

Running fostering services for children and young people who arrive on their own
Helping children get the health care and schooling they need in the UK
Supporting the parents to do the best they can for their children and offer them a place where they can meet each other
Offering practical support, with finding an interpreter, donations of clothes and food and advice on financial assistance

Barnardo’s Brighton and Hove Link Plus
Address: 55 Drove Road, Portslade, Brighton BN41 2PA
Web: www.barnardos.org.uk/brightonandhovelink
Tel: 01273 295179

Managed by the Barnado’s South East and Anglia regional branch, Brighton and Hove Link Plus works in partnership with the Council and other agencies to provide long term, short term and short break placements for disabled children in the Brighton and Hove area.

Black and Minority Ethnic Young People’s Project (BMEYPP)
Address: Ground Floor, The Ironworks, 30 Cheapside, Brighton BN1 4GD
Web: www.bmeypp.org.uk
Tel: 07918 621424
Email: [email protected]

The Black and Minority Ethnic Young People’s Project is a youth-led project for young people aged 11 to 25. They provide a safe space and opportunities for young people to access support, to learn new skills through informal educational, fun, social, sports and arts activities led by and for young people.

Brighton MET Pastoral Mentor for Young Refugees and People Seeking Asylum
Address: Brighton MET, Pelham Street, Brighton, BN1 4FA
Web: www.gbmc.ac.uk/brighton
Tel: 01273 667788 ext. 587
Email: [email protected]

Jodie Townsend is the main contact for social workers working with young refugees and people seeking asylum who are either enrolled at Brighton MET or thinking of becoming students there. She provides practical support, with information and signposting regarding courses, bursaries etc. as well as emotional well-being support (depending on the level of need), inclusion and social support and making external referrals where appropriate.

Childline
Web: www.childline.org.uk
Tel: 0800 111

If you suspect a young person might be feeling suicidal, you can call Childline for help and advice on 0800 111.

Front Door for Families
Web: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/frontdoorforfamilies
Tel: 01273 290400
Out-of-hours Emergency Duty Service: 01273 335905 or 01273 335906
Email: [email protected]

Front Door for Families provides a single point of contact for services offering support, guidance and access to specialist targeted services for parents, carers, members of the public, young people and professionals. Professionals with different areas of expertise work together to assess, decide and coordinate how best to support children, young people and their families where there are concerns, including safeguarding concerns. Front Door for Families provides information, advice and support for families, young people and professionals in Brighton & Hove on issues such as:

Parenting guidance and information
How to support your child’s development so that are healthy and active
Getting your child ready for school
Best ways to support children and young people with mental health or wellbeing issues
Keeping your child safe from harm and abuse

Referrals to the Front Door for Families are via an online referral form on the Front Door for Families web page. There are separate referral forms for parents, carers and members of the public and another for use by professionals.

If you want to have a conversation about a child that you are worried about call Front Door for Families. If you need to speak to someone urgently outside of office hours call the Emergency Duty Service. If you think a child or young person is in immediate danger please call 999

A list and contact details of bi-lingual families groups currently available at children centres for parents/carers & their under-5s is available here. The Brighton and Hove City Council’s searchable database of information onChildren’s Centres is available here.

Opening times: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. on Fridays

Global Social Club
Address: The Young People’s Centre, 69 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AE
Web: www.hummingbirdproject.org.uk
Web: youngpeoplescentre.org.uk
Tel: 07756 216722
Tel: 01273 887886
Tel: 01273 230130
Elaine [email protected]
YPC [email protected]
Ben Glazebrook [email protected]

A new drop-in group called the Global Social and Homework Club is being hosted by the YPC (Young Peoples Centre), the Hummingbird Project, Pathways to Independence and Sanctuary on Sea. Operating from the YPC the drop-in takes place every Monday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The drop-in offers the whole of the YPC for young people to spend time on a computer, listen to music, cook or socialise with friends. Sessions are open to all young people and gives young refugees an opportunity to meet and make friends with other British children in a social environment. Specialist UASC support within the sessions is also available.

Innovation Labs
Web: www.innovationlabs.org.uk

Innovation Labs, a Brighton and Hove initiative, has created the following seven Apps and Websites to help young people improve their mental health:

Doc Ready. Helps young people feel more confident and get better results when they see their GP about a mental health issue
Find Get Give. Young people can find mental health support in their area and give feedback on it
Madly in Love. Relationship and mental health advice for young people and their partners
Mood Bug. An App which helps share feelings with close friends and lets them know when you are thinking about them
Well Informed. Children and young people’s workforce providing instant, accurate support on youth mental health
In Hand. Providing young people with tools, advice and activities when their mental health is at risk
Head Meds. Provides young people with information about mental health medication.

Local authority children’s services
Web: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/children-and-education/support-and-activities-young-people

Brighton and Hove City Council webpage of support and activities for young peopleThe Brighton and Hove City Council website has a webpage containing links to a wide variety of support and activities for young people.

Pathways to Independence UK
Address: 69 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AE
Web: www.pathwaystoindependence.org.uk
Tel: 07702 516421
Email: [email protected]

Pathways to Independence provides an integrated package of services to asylum seeking young people aged 16 to 21, who are in the care of the local authority, from point of arrival in the UK to the transition to independence. Services include supported accommodation for 16-21 year olds, a package of support for newly arrived asylum seeking children aged 16-17, planning and return to work, accredited training for young people, floating and outreach support as well as training for foster carers and professionals. They also work with other young people leaving care.

Starling Project
Tel: 07834 686838
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: thestarlingprojectsussex

The Starling Project provides a range of creative arts and therapeutic services for refugees and people seeking asylum in the Brighton and Sussex areas. Art therapy can help with depression, anxiety, loss, anger, grief, working through traumatic experiences, increasing confidence, forming positive relationships and building support networks.

The project offers:

1:1 art therapy for young people and adults, including small & supportive arts projects for groups, training & Consultation for local services and creative collaborations;
Arts projects for groups, which are time limited (lasting for around 10 sessions). Groups are usually closed and offer the chance to take part in a range of art materials and creative processes, such as film-making, animation, comic-making, painting & drawing, graffiti & art-making in the environment, textiles etc.
Projects take place depending on funding / contributions from partners. There is no cost to participants. Art therapists and artists are HCPC & BAAT registered with many years of experience in the NHS, community and private sectors.

Under the Bridge Studios
Address: 7 Trafalgar Arches, Brighton BN1 4FQ
Web: www.underthebridgemusic.org
Tel: 07799 564620
Email: [email protected]

A warm welcome awaits parents and their children at Under the Bridge Studios. All classes are open at no charge and run all year round. Located close to the Green Door Store just under Brighton Station, this community music centre has fully equipped rooms with drum kits guitar and bass amps for band practice. Piano practise rooms and a large community room where mums and dads bring their babies for a weekly session of songs stories and musical activities as well as making friends and having tea together. Times of various sessions are as follows:

Babies: Monday to Friday 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. and also Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3 p.m.
Older, Active and Walking Toddlers: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 12 noon, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. and Saturdays at 11 am
After School Music Club 4-7 yrs: Mondays at 4 p.m.
Parents Choir (Tuesday night’s 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. (All levels of singers welcome)
Youth Club for teenagers less interested in music: run by the Woodcraft Folk this takes place on Wednesdays at 7.30 p.m.
Free Piano Lessons for children 6-16 years.

Where To Go For
Web: wheretogofor.co.uk/everything

Where To Go For is a support service database and online directory containing general information on services for young people aged 13 to 25 in Brighton and Hove. Created by The Right Here project and the YMCA, it enables young people to find the help they need in any area of their life and to browse through over 100 local services and find those that are close to them. Information and links include services for refugees and people seeking asylum as well as those relating to drugs and alcohol, food, health, housing, learning, training, volunteering and employment, LGBTU, money and benefits, sexual health and violence and abuse.

Young People’s Centre
Address: 69 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AE
Web: youngpeoplescentre.org.uk
Tel: 01273 887886
Email: [email protected]

The Young People’s Centre is a free space for young people, a safe haven to come and relax, and chat to people and volunteers. They hold drop-ins every, Monday 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. There is a specific session for refugees and people seeking asylum, called Brighthaven. It takes place fortnightly on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Youth Advisory Centre (YAC)
Address: 11 St Georges Place, Brighton BN1 4GB
Web: www.refugeecouncil.org.uk
Tel: 07387 090811
Email: [email protected]

The Refugee Council has a new local Children’s Adviser who works with unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC) (under 18’s only). The following services are available:

Advice about the asylum process either to UASC or the different professionals
involved (OISC level 1 compliant)
Help to find immigration or welfare solicitors
Acting as appropriate adults at UASC’s meetings
Advice and support to age disputed young people

A once weekly drop in day takes place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Youth Advice Centre.

Referrals can be made directly to the Children’s Adviser.

Community organisations and groups

Rwandan Youth Information Community Organisation (rYico)
Tel: 01273 234836
Email: [email protected]

Working within Brighton and Hove community to raise awareness of Rwanda past and present, and fundraising for activities in Rwanda

Salaam FC – Football Club
Tel: 07405 784156
Email: [email protected]

A Brighton based community run football club for boys and girls aged 10-16, with players from ten different countries, many of whom are refugees. The club was set up as a response to the difficulty that young Oromo people had in joining clubs and making friends. It now provides a focus on the integration of young people (including refugees) from diverse communities in Brighton and Hove. It has 40 young people from 10 diverse communities that participate in the club and train at Hove Park. They now have a team in the local football league.

Sierra Leone Sussex Association
Web: www.sierraleonesussexassociation.wordpress.com
Email: [email protected]

The mission of Sierra Leone Sussex Association (SLSA) is to unite all Sierra Leoneans by organising social, cultural, educational and recreational activities where ideas can be shared and exchanged to promote and increase understating of diversity and peaceful integration. SLSA is a non-political association, who strive to provide a social support network and encourage a greater collaboration in order to promote peace among Sierra Leonean communities.

Sudanese Community in Sussex
Address: Community Base, 113 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3XG
Tel: 07943 141076

Promotes the benefit of the inhabitants and primarily the Sudanese inhabitants in Sussex. Advances the education of the said inhabitants.

Sudanese Women and Children
Tel: 07920422685
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Sudanese-Women-and-Children-Group-in-Brighton-894885527287445

Looks after the welfare of the children and promotes women’s and children’s cultural, social, economic and educational needs. It has an open monthly meeting for women to meet and discuss their problems

Sussex Kurdish Community (SKC)
Address: 92b Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 3HZ
Web: www.kurdishcom.com
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: 241712002550886

The Sussex Kurdish Community (SKC) is a non-profit voluntary organisation that was established by a group of Kurdish residents in the Sussex region in 2010 in order to respond to the needs of Kurdish community in the area. The SKC organises activities and provides services to develop relations among the Kurdish community, to improve the social and cultural lives of Kurdish people and help them to deal with various issues.

Sussex Syrian Community Group
Web: www.sussexsyriancommunity.org.uk
Email: [email protected]

Community group run by and for Syrian people living in Sussex. The Sussex Syrian Community Group runs English classes for adults and Arabic classes for childrent. They provide advice, information and support to Syrian people in Sussex. The Sussex Syrian Community Group also provides a Befriending Service, a Drop in Service every Monday at St Marys’ Magdalene, Summer Activities Club and a Women’s Support Group. Main contact: Nadine Strasman.

We are grateful to Wiz Bishop, Ben Campbell and Humeira Yaqub for their help with updating this Directory.

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