Often escaping conflict, persecution, violence and instability, many refugees and asylum-seekers have had a disrupted education. Add to that a language barrier, different cultural attitudes to learning and the challenges of building a new life in another country, and many struggle at school, few go to college and some find it difficult to find work. Click on the links below to explore sources of support, information and advice that can help refugees and asylum-seekers access and succeed in their learning.
Brighton Exiled/Refugee Trauma Service
Offers trauma psychological treatment to refugees and asylum-seekers referred by NHS and other agencies. BERTS also provides a support worker befriending scheme to help with cultural issues, literacy and practical support as they wait for treatment.
Brighton & Hove City Council
Sources of local and national support for migrants including advice on accommodation, benefits and accessing legal support.
East Sussex Community Information Service
Local sources of support and advice for asylum-seekers and refugees covering topics ranging from legal casework and translation services to dealing with discrimination.
Mind
A list of useful organisations for asylum-seekers and refugees in Brighton & Hove – from refugee radio to housing support and legal advice.
Refugee Council
An information phone line connecting refugees and asylum-seekers with organisations that can help during the coronavirus pandemic.
Refugee Council Infoline
A free infoline connecting organisations that can help with wellbeing and other issues such as education, employment and homelessness.
Sanctuary in Chichester
Helping refugees and asylum-seekers in the Chichester area build a new life and integrate into the community. Support includes drop-in sessions, befriending, English tutoring, kids’ homework club, a Pathways to Work project and social activities.
Sanctuary On Sea
Provides a directory of useful sources of support for refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants – covering everything from advocacy to education, family tracing and immigration issues.
The Hummingbird Project
This Brighton-based charity offers one-to-one support for young refugees who have experienced trauma and/or have significant life issues, as well as practical support via homework clubs, women’s skills groups and social clubs.
Voices in Exile
Supporting refugees, asylum-seekers and vulnerable migrants in East and West Sussex and Surrey with no access to public funds, Voices in Exile offers support with legal issues, language learning and accessing services, as well as running a food and toiletries bank.
Do you know your EAL from your WFH? Click the button for plain English explanations of commonly used learning, work, careers and education terms.