Enabling asylum seekers who have very recently been granted refugee status to transition successfully from living as asylum seekers in Home Office accommodation, to living independently in alternative accommodation and integrating successfully into local communities throughout Leeds, Bradford & Wakefield.
The Challenge...
Currently, newly granted refugees are given a 28 day “grace period” before the Home Office withdraws all financial and accommodation support. During this period, they are expected to:
- Obtain a National Insurance number
- Access Welfare support
- Register with the GP and schools
- Secure new accommodation
- Open a new bank account
- Navigate other mainstream and community services
The sudden change in circumstances and the expectation to quickly adapt to a new reality is a challenge for newly arrived refugees, often with limited or no understanding of the English language and UK systems
Also, individuals who re-join their family members who already have already been granted refugee status (Family re-union cases) equally require similar support in order to prevent destitution and ensure meaningful integration.
- Obtain a National Insurance number
- Access Welfare support
- Register with the GP and schools
- Secure new accommodation
- Open a new bank account
- Navigate other mainstream and community services
The sudden change in circumstances and the expectation to quickly adapt to a new reality is a challenge for newly arrived refugees, often with limited or no understanding of the English language and UK systems
Also, individuals who re-join their family members who already have already been granted refugee status (Family re-union cases) equally require similar support in order to prevent destitution and ensure meaningful integration.
Approach
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Our client’s are at the centre of everything we do at RETAS and we deliver a holistic service. This involves co-production with clients to ensure that we meet clients priorities whilst empowering them to achieve social integration and economic independence.
Advisers develop and continually review client action plans in order to proactively respond to issues and improve service provision. 
Volunteers are vital in our service delivery. Volunteers with lived experience and members of the local community work together alongside advisers in supporting newly granted refugees transition and integrate. Volunteers facilitate housing and other aspects of transition support whilst offering ‘soft’ mentoring for newly granted refugees.
Working collaboratively and in partnership with other agencies across different sectors is central to our work. |
Client Feedback
‘When I came to the UK, I was lost. When I got my stay (refugee status), I didn’t know what to do. RETAS help me a lot and now I can do things for myself’ 
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Referrals
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How can you help?
We are continually training new and existing mentors to support advisers to ensure that service users avoid isolation, debt issues and destitution.
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28 Day Transition MentorA role that involves assisting refugees in the time period from gaining refugee status, in order to avoid isolation and destitution. This is a challenging time when individuals have 28 days to secure accommodation, register for benefits and find a job.
Both office based & external; Leeds, Bradford or Wakefield; varied times & days. Click here to find out more... |