Refugee resettlement

The UK has several refugee resettlement schemes, designed to respond to the diverse and complex needs of those seeking safety . Refugees are resettled if their lives are at risk, they are particularly vulnerable or have specialist health needs, and where it is unlikely they will ever be able to return home. Resettlement schemes are an international collaboration between the United Nations (UNHCR), the UK Home Office, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), local authorities, and organisations like Migrant Help, who work closely with organisations and services locally to ensure a smooth and dignified transition for those arriving in the UK who have been displaced. 

Migrant Help’s Resettlement Advisers build strong working relationships with clients from the moment they arrive in the UK as they settle into their new communities to rebuild their lives in safety. Advisers provide compassionate, reassuring and tailored support through regular face-to-face outreach appointments either at the family home or in the community. This support helps clients navigate the complexities of UK systems, enroll in educational courses, access meaningful employment and understand how to access essential mental and physical health services. Our service is tailored to the specific needs of individuals and families and where they are on their integration journey. Advisers work holistically with families to understand what they need to foster greater independence; from intensive support initially, progressing to a coaching based model, supporting transition into employment and education.

Our resettlement service is informed by learning and feedback from both current and former clients to ensure that it is trauma-informed, culturally aware and responsive to potential barriers to engagement, particularly for vulnerable individuals. To support clients effectively, we work with specialist providers including adaptive mental health support, culturally sensitive housing support, debt relief and budgeting services amongst other local support services who we build strong relationships with. Inclusivity relating to learning English is an essential part of our support and is vital to the needs of out clients. We understand there are barriers for some clients, which we address through informal home tutoring and classes for those with childcare needs or low literacy, befriending services for those who are more isolated as well as access to formal ESOL qualifications and assistance with applications to further education.