Migrants, asylum seekers and refugees

Local and national support for migrants, asylum seekers and refugees and how you can help.

Local support for migrants, asylum seekers and refugees

Brighton & Hove Refugee and Migrant Forum is a partnership of statutory and voluntary organisations who support refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants.

For further details about the Refugee and Migrant Forum, or general enquiries about refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable people from abroad who may need services, send an email to refugeehelp@brighton-hove.gov.uk. You should also email the same address if you have a self-contained property that you would like to offer to a refugee household.

For all enquiries related to the Homes for Ukraine Scheme and support for Ukrainian refugees, please send an email to ukrainian.support@brighton-hove.gov.uk or phone 01273 293117 (option 2). Visit our support for the Ukrainian humanitarian crisis webpages for more information and the latest updates.

Young people seeking asylum

Our young people's accommodation and support team can provide specialist help to unaccompanied asylum seeking children and young people under 18 who arrive in Brighton & Hove.

Following an assessment we may be able to help with

  • accommodation
  • money for living
  • advice and support
  • access to legal advice

We will provide an interpreter for appointments if necessary.

Those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine

You'll find information here on how to help refugees in Brighton & Hove.

Brighton & Hove, City of Sanctuary

Brighton & Hove is one of a large network of UK Cities of Sanctuary. City of Sanctuary is a movement committed to building a culture of hospitality and welcome, especially for refugees seeking sanctuary from war and persecution.

The local City of Sanctuary group is called Sanctuary on Sea. Further information can be found on the City of Sanctuary website. Keep in touch with the latest developments, events and campaigns on the Sanctuary on Sea Facebook page and by following @BrightonSanct on Twitter.

Sanctuary on Sea have also worked with the council to produce a directory of local services for refugees and migrants. This contains details of local organisations that can help refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants in the area and also local organisations working to help refugees overseas.  

The Health and Adult Social Care directory lists services and organisations in Brighton & Hove offering support to migrants, asylum seekers and refugee.

Refugee Week

Refugee Week takes place in June each year. The week is a UK wide programme of cultural and educational events to highlight the contribution that refugees make to life in the UK and encourage better understanding between communities. For information on what's happening nationally, visit the Refugee Week website.

National organisations

Refugee Council

National refugee agency offering a range of information, advice and direct services in London and elsewhere in the UK.

Asylum Help

Asylum seekers are not entitled to mainstream welfare benefits. Asylum Help Services (part of a charity called Migrant Help) helps people to access Home Office support and accommodation for asylum seekers.

  • Asylum Advice UK provides advice and assistance at every stage of the asylum application process. Call 0808 8000 630 or own language number to be found on their website. 
  • Asylum Support Application UK can assist with applying for accommodation and/or financial support. Call 0808 8000 631 or own language number on their website.
  • Migrant Help website

Freedom from Torture

Formerly the Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture, this organisation offers direct clinical services to survivors of torture who arrive in the UK as well as striving to protect and promote their rights.

Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner

The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner gives information on finding a suitably qualified immigration advisor in your area.