Do you need help because you are a refugee?
If you are a refugee and want to remain in Gateshead, you may be interested in the Move On Service that the Council provides.
What is the Move On Service?
The Move On Service was established by Gateshead Council in January 2003. The service helps refugees to:
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Access the services they require
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Integrate into their new life in Gateshead
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Contribute to the community
The Move On Service is part of Gateshead Council’s Housing Services and is located in Community Based Services at Gateshead Council’s Civic Centre. There are 3 Refugee Support Workers on the team.
Referrals to the service
Referrals are currently received from:
To find out more information about these services click on the links above.
Alternatively people find out about the service through word of mouth and by people turning up at the duty service provided by the Asylum and Refugee Team at Community Based Services, first floor of Gateshead Civic Centre.
Who is eligible to use the Move On Service?
You must be allowed to remain in the UK and want to live in Gateshead in order to use the services provided by the Move On team.
The Move On Service is for asylum seekers who have been awarded refugee status and Leave to Enter/Leave to Remain/Humanitarian Protection or Discretionary Leave.
The Move On team can advise you if you are not sure of your status or whether or not you are eligible to use their services.
You must be in need of support to use the services provided by the Move On Team
To receive Move on Service support you must also be in need of support. The following are examples of what the Move on Service defines as a need:
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A person who has recently received a positive decision and will shortly have their NASS support terminated.
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A person requiring help to access statutory services.
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A person having difficulty securing and maintaining a tenancy in Gateshead.
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A person who requires help with home management.
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A person who is or may have difficulties maintaining their home due to health, social or cultural issues.
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A person under 18 years of age.
The above is not a complete list of people who may need support and if you and your family approach the service for assistance you will be assessed based on your specific individual needs.
Prioritising Support
In order to offer support to those in most need it is necessary to prioritise support to some of the people that approach the service.
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Priority is given to people who have only recently received their positive Home Office decision and are in need of urgent housing and support.
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Priority is also given to people who were accommodated in the Borough of Gateshead while awaiting their Home Office decision.
What assistance can the Move on Service offer?
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A dedicated worker to guide and assist you with the problems that you face and accompany you to the many appointments that you will need to attend.
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Assistance with accessing and understanding JobCentre Plus regarding benefits, employment and training.
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Assistance and advice in applying for a Council, Housing Association or Private tenancy.
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Assistance in completing application forms.
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Assistance in accessing an interpreter.
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Assistance in accessing welfare benefits, child benefit and Tax credits and any other statutory benefits that you may be entitled to.
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Assistance with the connection and registering with utility suppliers (Gas, Electric and Water).
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Assistance with furnishing your home, sourcing items and accessing Social Fund grants and loans.
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Accessing health services such as doctor, dentist and optician.
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Assistance in gaining information and access to education and training.
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Assistance in gaining access to volunteering and employment opportunities.
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Assistance to children and young people in accessing school and college places.
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Assistance in managing your tenancy and developing domestic life skills.
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Safety and security awareness raising.
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Support and advice if you experience racial harassment.
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Assistance with applications for travel documents.
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Information to assist applications for UK citizenship.
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Information to assist Family Reunion and ensure newly arrived family members access the services they need.
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Information on legislation and signposting to appropriate legal advice.
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General information and advice.
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A regular review of needs.
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Referrals to other agencies.
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Someone to talk to for Emotional support and a friendly face.
Where do I go?
If you have received a positive decision from the Home Office on your asylum application and require advice and assistance to remain in Gateshead you should take all your original Home Office documentation and contact:
The Refugee Move On Service
Asylum and Refugee Team
Community Based Services
Civic Centre
Regent Street
Gateshead
NE8 1HH
Tel: 0191 433 2633
Fax: 0191 433 3230
E-mail: Move On Service|
The office is open between 8.45 am and 5.00pm Monday to Thursday and 8.45am to 4.30pm Friday. The team has a duty service to try and prevent people from having to make appointments and to help deal with urgent enquiries. It is important to note that duty is sometimes very busy and you may have to wait to be seen. We offer advice to anyone who comes into the office.
What happens next?
A Refugee Support Worker will advise you and try to resolve any problems you may have and if necessary, give you an appointment and arrange an interpreter, if required, to discuss the service and the options available to you.
If you decide that you need the on-going support offered by the Move on Service:
An assessment will be made and you will be helped to identify your individual needs. Once you start receiving Move On Service support you are encouraged to work with the Refugee Support Worker who will help you to achieve your aims and aspirations. Support will be provided to you through visits at your home or at an alternative location if requested.
If you only have a specific one-off problem, just need advice or feel you do not need on-going direct support:
The Refugee Support Worker will assist you with your problem or direct you to the person or organization that is most suited to give you the best advice.
The Council also offers housing support services to women fleeing domestic violence and people who are in urgent need of housing advice and assistance. For more information on these services click on the links below.