Other helpful organisations
This section has links to other organisations and resources that can help you. There’s lots of support available from help finding a job, to free clothes and counselling.
Leeds Asylum Seeker Support Network (LASSN)
LASSN supports asylum seekers and refugees and helps them feel part of the Leeds community.
They offer:
- befriending
- English at home tuition
- connecting opportunities
They also offer grace hosting for asylum seekers and refugees with nowhere to stay:
Positive Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (PAFRAS)
PAFRAS offers casework support to asylum seekers and refused asylum seekers who live in the Leeds area.
Support is available every Wednesday from 10am to 11.30am at St Aidans Community Hall in Harehills, Leeds.
At the drop-in they provide:
- advice and casework
- mental health support
- food parcels and toiletries.
Refugee Council Yorkshire and Humber
The Refugee Council is a national independent organisation with years of experience working with asylum seekers and refugees. They provide a wide range of free services, in different languages.
The Refugee Council One Stop Service in Yorkshire and Humberside can help with issues relating to subsistence and accommodation. They can also help to explain the government system.
Refugee Education Training Advice Service (RETAS)
RETAS Leeds offers information, advice and guidance on education, training and employment for refugees and asylum seekers.
Their specialities include:
- professional re-qualification (for doctors, teachers, nurses and engineers for example)
- university applications
- job search skills and support
- ESOL provision at all levels.
They have a drop-in and an appointment advice service. They also offer outreach services across the region.
Solace
Solace is a charity offering counselling and psychotherapy to asylum seekers and refugees.
They work in:
- Leeds
- Sheffield
- South Yorkshire
- Bradford,
- Kirklees
- Calderdale.
They also offer outreach support throughout Yorkshire and the Humber region for children and families.
They have two full-time and twenty part-time or sessional therapists, plus a small number of volunteer and placement therapists who carry out the work.
Solace’s specialist practitioners provide talking therapy through interpreters.
City of Sanctuary Leeds
City of Sanctuary is a national movement of groups, businesses, organisations and individuals who have pledged to welcome asylum seekers and refugees to our cities and communities.
Their Welcome to Leeds project helps asylum seekers feel less isolated when they arrive in Leeds by matching them with a volunteer who introduces them to the city.
Asylum Justice and Release Leeds (AJAR)
AJAR is a network of people in Leeds, often from faith communities, seeking to help people currently in detention who have a valid case for applying for bail.
Meeting Point
Meeting Point offers practical and emotional support for refugees and asylum seekers.
They have weekly drop-in sessions for:
- general support including hot meals, food parcels, a nearly-new shop, confidential advocacy, conversation and computer and internet use, kids activities)
- a women’s support group offering a range of activities and the chance to build confidence, self-esteem and new skills.
- free English sessions.
Check the Meeting Point website for the drop-in session schedule.
Free Movement Blog
The Free Movement blog provides updates, pointers and links for immigration lawyers, caseworkers and migrants researching their own position.
