Gateshead Council’s Housing Services have an Asylum Team which is one of a number of Local Authority teams in the North East offering support to people seeking sanctuary and safety. Gateshead along with the other Local Authorities, are members of NECARS (North East Consortium for Asylum and Refugee Support).
The Asylum Support Service team support asylum seekers from their dispersal to the North East, until they receive a positive or negative decision from the Home Office.
What is the definition of an asylum seeker?
The Immigration and Asylum Act (1999) defines an asylum seeker as; ‘a person over the age of 18 years who has made a claim for asylum, to the Secretary of State, and is awaiting a decision’.
Asylum Support Team
What assistance can the Asylum Support Team offer?
The primary responsibility of the team is to support asylum seekers who are housed in council accommodation in Gateshead. Each new arrival is given a named worker to support them throughout their stay in Gateshead. The team have an open door policy, and can offer advice to other asylum seekers living in the area or refer on to other agencies if appropriate.
What other services are offered?
-
Assistance to register with doctor, dentist, optician and children’s health clinic.
-
Assistance to register at college.
-
Regular contact with a team member to assist with any difficulties.
-
Interpreting Services.
-
Contact with social groups, community centres and faith groups.
-
A listening ear
-
Advice on reporting housing repairs.
-
Reporting system for racist incidents.
-
Contact list for legal advice.
-
Assistance to arrange crèche/nursery for children.
-
Once you have received a positive decision from The Home Office and want to remain in Gateshead we can refer you to the Refugee Move On Service
How to contact us
The Asylum Support Team is part of Gateshead Council’s Housing Services and is located:
Community Based Services
Civic Centre
Regent Street
Gateshead.
Tel: 0191 433 2735
Fax: 0191 433 3230
Email: Asylum Team|