Specialist Refugee Scheme

A refugee is a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster. They begin their journey in the UK by claiming asylum and at that point are called asylum seekers.

Once a person has been granted refugee status (Humanitarian Protection) by the Home Office they become refugees and are legally entitled to reside in the UK, take up employment, access Department of Work and Pension benefits, social housing, educational establishments such as college and university, and free NHS care. Click here for further information.

Very often asylum seeking women fleeing war torn countries have horrific acts of sexual violence during these conflicts forced upon them before and during their journey to escape. Sexual violence in conflict destroys lives. More information on sexual violence in conflict can be found here.

This was the largest gathering ever brought together on the subject, with 1,700 delegates and 123 country delegations including 79 ministers.  The Summit agreed to practical steps to tackle impunity for the use of rape as a weapon of war, and to begin to change global attitudes to these crimes.

Once an individual is granted refugee status they are usually given 28 days to vacate their asylum supported accommodation and will then be expected to integrate into their surrounding community.  This can be difficult with limited knowledge of UK living.

If you are a refugee and need accommodation, help or advice as well as Palm Cove Society there are many agencies that can help you:

Refugee Council: 020 7346 6700

Yorkshire Migration Partnership: 0113 395 2434

The Home Office Visa & Immigration Information for adults 0808 8000 630

For children 0808 8080 500