Refugee resettlement programmes
Gateshead Council's Refugee and Migration Team, part of the Housing Support Service, includes Refugee Resettlement Support Workers.
They offer housing advice and integration support to refugees arriving through government-approved schemes, including the Refugee Resettlement Scheme and Homes for Ukraine.
Support for anyone who has fled their home country due to conflict and instability
These are the UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS), the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) and the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS)
In response to the war in Ukraine a visa scheme was created in May 2022. It allows vulnerable citizens without UK ties to apply to stay with hosts here.
This immigration route was launched in the UK on 31 January 2021, for people from Hong Kong who chose to take up British National (Oversees) status (BN(O)) and retain ties with the UK, before the Hong Kong handover to China in 1997.
Many children worldwide have been separated from their parents or primary caregivers and seek asylum in the UK.
Information including the difference between being an asylum seeker and being a refugee
If you have claimed asylum and are awaiting a decision, you can apply for financial support and housing from the Home Office, a department of the UK Government.
If you have been granted refugee status, discretionary leave or humanitarian protection you will have similar rights to UK citizens, unless you have been granted discretionary leave with no recourse to public funds.
If you have had a negative decision on your asylum claim, you will be asked to leave your asylum accommodation, and your financial support will end.
Information and links to further help for refugees and asylum seekers
Please consider contacting our local voluntary sector partners through our list of helpful organisations. You could donate, volunteer or befriend someone in the community.