As it’s the new year, we thought it was about time to re-introduce ourselves, and answer some of our most frequently asked questions. So, let’s get started!
Who are we?
At Nottingham Refugee Forum, we believe everyone deserves a chance to feel safe and live with dignity. We provide a welcoming community space, specialised advice and support to families and individuals who seek asylum or live as refugees in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. We provide personalised support; helping people to navigate services until they are able to establish themselves locally and feel confident once more.
Who do we help?
We help asylum seekers and refugees living in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire until they move out of the area or gain citizenship. Due to our location, we are only able to support asylum seekers and refugees who live locally.
If you are considering applying for asylum the best place for advice is the Right to Remain website. It has all the information you will need about claiming asylum and what happens next. It is available in most refugee languages.
If you have received your citizenship and need support, there are lots of local services including the Citizens Advice Bureau to support you.
What help do we offer?
Advice: We offer informed, practical advice. We ensure it is solution-focused and covers the wide variety of topics which impact people’s lives.
- Our General Advice drop-in service is open 9am Monday – Thursday.
- Please arrive on time.
- Due to the large number of people accessing our services you may be asked to come back another day.
- On Tuesday and Thursday, we run a specialised housing support drop-in for new refugees who have received their status.
Support: We recognise the importance of allowing people to be seen and heard. That is why our support is stable and long-lasting.
- We run the local Refugee Resettlement Schemes supporting families safely rebuild their lives as part of our communities.
- A professional interpreter will be provided (in person or over the phone) for all drop-in sessions and appointments at Refugee Forum, to ensure clients can fully express themselves and fully understand the advice given.
Building opportunities in the community: We work to build a safe environment for the people we work with in the community. This is achieved by building on existing connections and creating opportunities for people to share knowledge, skills and experience.
- We have a range of social and educational activities throughout the year including our weekly Language Café on Monday and Thursday afternoons from 1-3pm in Café Narjis.
- We work to create a safe space where people can contribute.
- Our community Café Narjis is open for hot lunch Monday – Friday and as a warm space to wait for advice or meet friends.
- Our garden, Grassroots Community Garden is open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for everyone to enjoy as a safe, quiet and relaxing space.
Partnerships: We work with partner organisations, regional and national networks to ensure the best outcomes for the people we work with.
We also support regional communities to ensure links can last long term. If you are an organisation who would like to partner with us email us on info@nottsrefugeeforum.org.uk.
Who supports Ukrainians?
All relevant support can be found on this local council page.
Our highlights include:
- Nottingham Ukrainian Cultural Centre – Community centre focusing on cultural aspects including language, celebrations and care in the community.
- Red Cross – Advice on rights, housing and education for Ukrainian Refugees as well as casework.
- Refugee Roots – A community organisation offering English lessons, befriending and arts and cooking sessions.
Who supports people without refugee status?
- Nottingham Law Centre – Offer legal advice and support to migrants without refugee or asylum status.
- Citizen’s Advice Nottingham
Who can volunteer?
Anyone can volunteer and we have a variety of roles suitable for all levels of English and experience. We especially recommend that those awaiting their asylum decision volunteer during their time in Nottingham as a way of improving their English and building community.
What volunteering opportunities do we have?
From gardening, teaching to advising, there’s so many ways that our volunteers can support our clients.
Join our team and have a positive impact on your local community! We have lots of roles available that will suit a variety of skills.
Things to consider before applying:
- Most of our volunteering roles require a minimum commitment of 6 months
- Many of our roles are available to people that want to improve their English skills, but some roles may require a high level of English or existing IT skills
- Most of our roles require availability during office hours/college hours
For an up-to-date list of roles and more information about getting involved, please look at our volunteering page.