Introduction to Our Coventry
As a city of Peace and Reconciliation, Coventry welcomes refugees and asylum seekers and offers support so they can:
- Access the support that they are entitled to
- Live healthy independent lives
- Contribute their skills to Coventry
How do we do this?
Education: We will help you to understand the education system and ensure children are in the classroom as fast as possible.
Health: We will help you to understand the health care system and ensure that you are registered with a GP.
Housing & Benefits: We can assist you to find private rented accommodation and if eligible, we can help you to apply for benefits.
Employment: We offer support with finding employment, and information about training and volunteering.
English classes: We have several ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes so you can learn English in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Everyday life: We offer support with many other things like British law, culture, social activities and young people.
How can I access this help?
If you are a refugee or asylum seeker in Coventry, please visit our Welcome to Coventry website [https://welcometocoventry.co.uk/] which offers lots of useful information, including an interactive map, and translation into a wide range of languages
Other useful contacts [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/immigration-asylum/support-refugees-asylum-seekers-1/7]
Welcome to Coventry website and app
Our 'Welcome to Coventry' website and app [https://welcometocoventry.co.uk/] is available in several languages.
It provides useful information for new arrivals to Coventry. Areas include education, healthcare, employability and much more.
Its interactive map allows you to find services near you. Follow the instructions on the app to download.
Support for resettled refugees
The Syrian Vulnerable People's Resettlement Scheme was announced by the Home Secretary on 29 January 2014. It is designed to provide assistance to Syrians who have fled to neighbouring countries as a result of the current crisis and who are particularly vulnerable.
Coventry joined the scheme in July 2014, and since then we have become one of the leading cities in the UK for the resettlement of refugees.
In October 2016 Coventry joined the Vulnerable Children's Resettlement Scheme. This scheme focuses on the resettlement of vulnerable children and their immediate families from the Middle East and North Africa. This scheme is run in the same way as the Syrian VPR scheme.
In March 2021, the VPRS and VCRS have been replaced by the UKRS. The UK Resettlement Scheme has a geographical focus beyond the Middle East and North Africa region.
In August 2021 the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy, (ARAP) was introduced to relocate and assist Afghan nationals who worked for or were associated with the UK government and military during their presence in Afghanistan. This scheme aims to offer protection and support to those who are at risk due to their connection with the UK.
In January 2022 the government introduced the Afghan Citizens' Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) as part of the UK government's response to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of international forces. It specifically targets Afghan nationals who are at risk due to their association with the UK government, including interpreters, embassy staff, and others who supported British operations in Afghanistan. The scheme provides eligible individuals and their families with the opportunity to relocate to the UK, where they can access housing, healthcare, education, and other support services to help them rebuild their lives in safety.
The ARAP and ACRS reflect the UK's commitment to fulfilling its duty of care to those who served alongside British forces in Afghanistan.
As of May 2024, over 1300 refugees have been welcomed into the city under these schemes.
We will continue to work closely with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to target those in greatest need of assistance, including people requiring urgent medical treatment, survivors of violence and torture, and women and children at risk. UNHCR is uniquely placed to identify those living in formal refugee camps, informal settlements and host communities who would benefit most from resettlement to the UK.
Coventry City Council leads a partnership of organisations throughout the city, in order to deliver this programme. Our key partners are Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre, [https://www.covrefugee.org/] St Francis of Assisi Church (Radford) [https://www.stfranciscoventry.org/], FWT - a centre for women [http://www.fwt.org.uk/] and Positive Youth Foundation [https://positiveyouthfoundation.org/].
How do the schemes work?
The UK Home Office [https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office] is responsible for setting the criteria under which people are resettled into the UK and oversees the schemes. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) [https://www.unrefugees.org.uk/] submits potential cases for the Home Office to consider. Once a case has passed this initial stage, the International Organisation for Migration (IoM) [https://www.iom.int/] will conduct a full medical examination. Case files including this information are then sent to participating local authorities for consideration on the grounds of medical needs, availability of accommodation, and the potential impact on local services.
How many people will come to Coventry?
The City Council has committed to resettling 125 people per year. This stems from the Home Secretary announcing on 17 June 2019 the government's commitment to resettle up to 5,000 of the world's most vulnerable refugees in the UK within the first year of the scheme.
In recent times the pledge to resettle 125 individuals has been focused on supporting ARAP and ACRS clients. This effort is part of the UK Government's broader commitment to aiding Afghan nationals who collaborated with the UK government or are otherwise at risk under the Taliban regime. The scheme aims to provide safety and a fresh start for those fleeing Afghanistan, particularly those who have worked directly with British forces and now face significant threats.
How are the schemes funded?
Funding for Resettlement schemes is provided by the Home Office.
What is the impact on housing and other services in Coventry?
The Home Office provides funding to secure private rented accommodation, ensuring that the City Council's existing housing stock is not utilized. As a result, social housing waiting lists remain unaffected.
Coventry schools will receive a grant for each child attending under the resettlement schemes. This funding is designed to support the children's education and integration into the UK school system, while also mitigating any potential strain on school budgets.
Due to the difficult situations that the families have experienced whilst fleeing their home countries, trauma support and other mental health support is offered to clients via a bespoke team ensuring that the wider city's resources are not impacted.
Useful contacts [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/immigration-asylum/support-refugees-asylum-seekers-1/7]
Support for asylum seekers
Coventry City Council has a small team of Local Authority Asylum Support Liaison Officers (LAASLO's), funded by the Home Office, to support asylum seekers in Coventry.
Objective
As part of our Migration Team, LAASLOsâ¯aim toâ¯facilitate the smooth transitionâ¯for those granted refugee statusâ¯from government-supported accommodation intoâ¯mainstream services during their 28-day 'move on' period.
LAASLOs also support to connectâ¯asylum seekers to available services whilst they live in the city and preparing them in advance for both a positive and negative decision from the asylumâ¯processâ¯and alsoâ¯offersâ¯advice and signposting for those asylum seekers receiving a negative decision on their asylum claim.
Job purpose
We will work with the Home Office to manage a caseload of asylum seekers supported under s.95 of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1999 and have had their asylum claim determined to provide a holistic support service by:
- Providing advice, information and guidance to those granted asylum or other leave to remain in the UK on how to access mainstream service.
For those asylum seekers awaiting a decision we will:
- Advice clients on options they have depending on the outcome of their asylum claim.
- Flag the support available if a positive decision is made on their asylum claim.
The main duties of LAASLO's are:
To support the successful integration of adults and families granted asylum by minimising rates of homelessness, rough sleeping, poor health, economic hardship and social isolation and improving proficiency in the English language.
In order to enhance their integration, we will assess clients and provide advice and support during the 'move on' period on appropriate services covering:
- Housing
- Benefits
- Health
- Employment
- English language
We also aim:
- To work collaboratively with local statutory and Voluntary and Community Sector organisations by promoting their services and managing client referrals as appropriate.
- To record all referrals made and work with statutory and voluntary and community sector organisations to track progress and monitor outcomes.
- Toâ¯take into accountâ¯the benefit to the established resident community of activities and interventions taken.
- To tailor the national approach to supporting successful new refugees by designing and agreeing on innovative interventions appropriate to the local area.
Make a referral to LAASLOs [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/LAASLO]
Partners
We will be working with internal and external partners such as Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre, St Francis of Assisi Church, Coventry Law Centre, Foleshillâ¯Women's Trainingâ¯and others.
For more information contact buildingbridgesproject@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:buildingbridgesproject@coventry.gov.uk]
Useful contacts [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/immigration-asylum/support-refugees-asylum-seekers-1/7]
Support for Unaccompanied Asylum Seekers' Children (UASC)
A number of unaccompanied young people under the age of 18 years have sought asylum in Coventry. They originate from many countries including Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Uganda, Somalia, Cameroon, Angola, Kosovo, and China. As a Local Authority, we have a duty under The Children Act 1989, to offer support and guidance to this group of vulnerable young people.
How we can help
Our Through Care service deals with all referrals of UASC's to Social Care.
After an assessment, we arrange for the required assistance and support to be provided. We also assist with accessing other support agencies using the services of a translator if required.
We endeavour to assist any young person we are supporting who wishes to trace their families overseas; we do this in partnership with the Red Cross.
We also assist young people we are supporting in seeking emotional support caused by severe trauma and will put them in touch with the relevant help required.
Before young people are 18 years we contact the appropriate agencies to try and ensure a smooth transfer. Once young people have reached the age of 18 years support is available from the Local Authority via The Through Care team up until the age of 25 years.
Useful information
Through Care [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/throughcare]
Migrant Help [https://www.migranthelpuk.org/pages/category/asylum]
Asylum Helpline Advice Service
Free asylum helpline: 0808 8010 503
Asylum Support Application UK
Asylum Helpline Support Application Services
Tel: 0808 8000 631
The Refugee Council [https://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/]
Children Panel
Advice Line: 020 7346 1134
Hong Kong BNOs
Hong Kong British Nationals Overseas (BNOs) status holders can apply for a new immigration route, enabling them and their dependents to come to the UK to live, work and study on a pathway to citizenship. The West Midlands Welcome Hub (WMWH) has been set up to support new arrivals from Hong Kong on the British Nationals Overseas (BNOs) visa to access information to help their integration into the UK.
You can access a range of supporting information from the WMWH [http://welcomehub.wmsmp.org.uk/].
Coventry City Council's Migration Team offers an array of support to BNOs who are due to arrive in Coventry or have recently arrived. Our support includes advice and guidance on:
- housing and services;
- accessing education;
- healthcare;
- employment;
- starting a business;
- English language support;
- accessing public funds you're eligible for;
The team also has a dedicated BNO Coordinator who provides dedicated support helping to connect new arrivals with local community/faith groups and other organisations across the city, along with providing advice and guidance on how to access services such as banking, employment, ESOL and much more.
For more information and support for BNOs arriving in the United Kingdom, check out the government's website [https://www.gov.uk/british-national-overseas-bno-visa].
If you would like to contact the Migration Team and learn more about the support they give, email migrationteam@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:migrationteam@coventry.gov.uk ]
Useful Contacts
Coventry has a wide range of organisations which provide support for Refugees and Newly Arrived Communities. Below is a list of organisations and services which you may find useful. Coventry City Council also has a Customer Service Centre on Broadgate Square, where advice and help can be sought on a wide range of issues including Housing Benefits, Housing, Council Tax and Social Care. More information can be found on the Customer Service Centre page. [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/customerservicecentre]
| Organisation name |
Address and contact number |
Brief description of services |
|---|---|---|
Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre [http://www.covrefugee.org]
|
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 |
Central England Law Centre [http://www.covlaw.org.uk/]
|
Oakwood House, 024 7666 4616 |
Free legal advice and representation. Specialise 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 [https://www.coventrycitizensadvice.org.uk/] |
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. A 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 [http://www.caragcoventry.weebly.com]
|
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 [http://www.fwt.org.uk]
|
70-72 Elmsdale Avenue, Coventry, 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. |
|
Authentic Centre Coventry [http://www.jct.charity] |
7 Lamb Street, Coventry, CV1 4AE 07513 812766 help@awmuk.info [http://help@awmuk.info]Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri 9:30am – 4pm |
Support groups, skills classes, drop-in services for those in need, community cafe |
The Roma Project [http://www.theromaproject.org/]
|
Oakwood House, St Patrick's Street, Coventry, CV1 2JZ 07722 555 899 |
Support for members of the Roma community in Coventry. |
|
Carriers of Hope [http://www.carriersofhope.org.uk/] |
Hillfields Evangelical Church, Waterloo Street, Coventry, CV1 5JS, Tuesdays 9am - 10.30am General enquiries: 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 [http://www.cityofsanctuary.org/coventry] |
Craig Muir 024 7626 4264
|
Bringing together 78 organisations across Coventry who are committed to welcome and support those seeking sanctuary in our city. |
British [http://www.redcross.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/how-we-support-refugees]Red Cross [https://www.redcross.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/how-we-support-refugees]
|
St Peter's Centre, Charles Street, Coventry, CV1 5NP Fridays 9am - 2pm 0121 766 5444 |
Emergency food, clothes and small amounts of money for those facing severe hardship. |
St Francis Employability [https://www.stfranciscoventry.org/]
|
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 |
|
Positive Youth Foundation [https://www.positiveyouthfoundation.org/] |
The Techno Centre, Puma Way Coventry CV1 2TT 024 7615 8550 |
Supporting Young People aged 8 - 25 with programmes relating to education, employments and training, healthy lifestyles, arts and culture, and social activities. |
Ashley Community Housing [https://ach.org.uk/locations/coventry] |
4 Queen Victoria Road Coventry CV1 3JH 024 7531 2470 |
Social Housing organisation that provides supported accommodation and tailored integration to refuges and vulnerable migrants. |
