Support for Asylum Seekers

An asylum seeker is someone who comes to the UK, often fleeing persecution, torture or war, and applies for refugee status. Until refugee status is granted, such a person remains an asylum seeker and may be entitled to accommodation and support under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

This support is funded by the Home Office, and in Coventry is administered at a local level by G4S. The City Council's Migration Team works with various Council Departments and West Midlands Police to ensure accommodation sourced by G4S is appropriate, and health care is provided via the Meridian Centre at the City of Coventry Health Centre.

Below are details of a wide range of organisations which provide help and support for asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants.

Names and contact numbers

Organisation name

Address and contact number

Brief description of services

Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre

Norton House, Bird Street, Coventry, CV1 5FX

024 7622 7254

Advice and advocacy: asylum and immigration issues, problems with benefits, money, housing

Advocacy including applications for European nationals and family members of European nationals, Children's, Art Therapy, ESOL

Coventry Peace House

311 Stoney Stanton Road, Coventry CV6 5DS

024 7666 4616

Destitution support for people in the Asylum process.

Coventry Law Centre

Oakwood House, St Patricks Road Entrance, Coventry, CV1 2HL

024 7666 4616

Free legal advice and representation. Specialize in the following areas of law: Community Care, Discrimination, Employment, Family, Housing, Immigration and Asylum, Money and Debt, Public Law and Welfare Benefits.

Coventry Citizens Advice

Kirby House, Little Park Street, Coventry, CV1 2JZ

Advice line open Monday Friday 10am - 4pm: 0800 144 8848

Impartial advice and support on a wide range of issues.

Number of projects including debt advice, saving money on energy bills, support for finding employment and training, housing and healthcare.

Coventry Asylum and Refugee Action Group

C/O Peace House

311 Stoney Stanton Road, Coventry CV6 5DS

024 7666 4616

Community group run by asylum seekers, refugees, and volunteers. Weekly meetings to discuss a range of issues including accommodation, health care, legal aid, education, and shared experiences.

Foleshill Women's Training

70-72 Elmsdale Avenue, Coventry, West Midlands CV6 6ES

024 7663 7693

Education, training, healthcare and employment support for women in Coventry. Regular English, Maths and IT classes available, with on-site crèche facilities.

Joining Communities Together

7 Lamb Street, Coventry, CV1 4AE

07513 812 766

midlands@jct.charity

Opening hours
Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri 9:30am – 4pm
Thurs – Telephone service only

Support groups, skills classes, drop-in services for those in need, community cafe

The Roma Project

Based at Coventry Law Centre

Oakwood House, St Patricks Road Entrance, Coventry, CV1 2HL

07722 555 899

bernie.flatley@theromaproject.org

Support for members of the Roma community in Coventry.

No charge but donations accepted.

Carriers of Hope

Based at Hillfields Evangelical Baptist Church, Waterloo Street, Coventry, CV1 5JS, Tuesdays 9am - 10.30am

General enquires: Sue Sampson

024 7645 6356

Baby equipment: Katie Wilson, 07809 367 517

Furniture project: Catherine Norrish, 07939 437 159

Home visits, welcome baby bag visits, support with food, clothing and baby items. Furniture project also available.

City of Sanctuary

Craig Muir

024 7626 4264

Bringing together 78 organisations across Coventry who are committed to welcome and support those seeking sanctuary in our city.

Redcross

Refugees support: St Peters Centre, Charles Street, Hillfields, Coventry, CV1 5NP

Fridays 9am - 2pm

0121 766 5444

Emergency food, clothes and small amounts of money for those facing severe hardship.

St Francis Church

Links Road, Radford, Coventry

CV6 3DQ

07799 724908

Free English language classes for new starters, beginners and improvers. ESOL also provided for a small charge per session.

Work club available Monday - Friday offering help and support for finding employment