How we support asylum seekers
The team gives practical support to asylum seekers whilst assisting them throughout the asylum process.
The use of interpreters is essential, as at present there are over 20 different nationalities being supported.
The main role of the team is to assist the families in settlement by accessing essential services, and linking them into voluntary and statutory support agencies within South Tyneside.
We also need to ensure that properties are maintained in accordance with the contract with the Home Office.
Practical support continues throughout the asylum process, and beyond, if a positive decision has been reached on their asylum claim.
Where families have been given the right to remain in the UK they are assisted in the 'move-on' process where they are resettled with support from the team.
Assistance is given in securing accommodation and accessing benefits. The vacated furnished accommodation is subsequently occupied by a newly dispersed family and the whole process begins again.
Multi-agency support group
The group meets on a monthly basis.
The group consists of members drawn from various areas working with asylum seekers and refugees.
It gives practitioners an opportunity to discuss and share events, to raise any problems they are experiencing, and to share any areas of good practice with the group.
Members of the group are made up of, amongst others, representatives from:
- The asylum team
- South Tyneside PCT
- Education
- Border and Immigration Agency
- Northumbria Police
- STARCH (South Tyneside Asylum Seeker and Refugee Church Help)
- Kimberley Group Housing
- South Tyneside Anti-Social Behaviour Unit
- South Tyneside College