Our staff provide confidential and independent advice and support to asylum seekers and refugees who visit our offices. See How We Help pages to find out about different aspects of the Welsh Refugee Council’s work.
Independent, confidential, specialist advice and support services
Welsh Refugee Council sees about 900 asylum seekers and refugees a week in five different offices. Clients can discuss in confidence any problems they may be facing as an asylum seeker or refugee. Staff are trained to give expert and well informed advice on a wide range of topics – for example, claiming asylum, enabling integration, resolving age disputes for unaccompanied children and meeting health and welfare needs. With local knowledge and links with other organisations in the areas, each office offers advice that is specific to the needs of clients in those cities.
Welsh Refugee Council’s advice services are independent of any other agency, and staff always act in the best interests of their clients. Staff advocate on behalf of asylum seekers and refugees to ensure other organisations provide them with the services to which they are entitled, and help to make appointments with lawyers, doctors etc.
Welsh Refugee Council does not provide legal representation. Welsh Refugee Council supports equal opportunities and refugees and asylum seekers are welcome regardless of race, religion or gender. For refugees with limited or no English language skills, we provide an interpreter.
Promoting opportunities to fulfil potential
Being granted asylum is just the first step. Welsh Refugee Council works to empower those granted asylum to rebuild their lives in Wales. When a person who has claimed asylum is granted ‘leave to remain’ we give advice and support to help them settle in the UK. For example, we advise them on obtaining housing, employment, basic furniture and equipment, travel documents and family reunion.
Welsh Refugee Council supports language classes in its offices, and promotes better provision of language classes throughout Wales, so that refugees can improve their communication skills.
Welsh Refugee Council works in partnership with other agencies to provide advice and support for those seeking education, training and employment and with other organisations to promote volunteering opportunities for refugees.
