Advice & Advocacy

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We provide frontline services to people who have escaped from persecution, war, torture and unjust imprisonment. We work with newly arrived people who have yet to claim asylum, asylum seeking refugees and individuals who already have refugee status.

We can also assist people from EU countries who have recently arrived and are experiencing difficulties.

Our mission is to assist people to navigate UK systems and processes in order to access their fundamental rights. The service is funded by a core grant from Coventry City Council.

The Team managed 6,868 visits from 1,859 clients in 2009. In 2010 1309 clients visited between 1 July-10th September of whom 213 (16.2%) were destitute. 1845 clients visited us in the previous quarter 1 April-30 June of whom 245 (13.2%) were destitute.

The main countries of origin for clients currently accessing our services in 2010 are: Iraq, Iran, Zimbabwe, Eritrea, Afghanistan, Congo and Somalia - some of the most troubled parts of our world.

The advice and advocacy service is run as an appointment only system. Same day appointments are rarely available so clients may call in or telephone to make an appointment for the following day onwards.

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We provide help with:

  • Obtaining support for asylum seekers from the National Asylum Support Service (NASS).
  • Resolving problems with NASS and Social Services.
  • UKBA related support problems.
  • Problems with ARC cards (the photo cards issued to asylum seekers, with which they collect their support at the post office).
  • Getting health care support e.g. doctors and dentists.
  • Assistance to find and engage solicitors.
  • Making referrals for school places.
  • Liaison with other Government and NGO organisations.
  • Helping clients who are destitute via The Hope Fund - Coventry.

To book an appointment call 024 76 22 72 54 before 9:30am for an appointment the following day.