Counselling services are available specifically for separated and migrant young people, and your Social Worker or Personal Adviser will help you to access these services if you would like some extra support.
Financial support
As a care experienced young person you will receive financial support such as a living allowance. All financial support will depend on your asylum application and Home Office status. The Department for Education tell us how much this would be.
The 16+ Supporting Futures Team may also pay costs associated with your accommodation and potentially a leaving care grant of £2,000 and £500 rent deposit.
Legal process
We will help you to understand what is happening and what you need to do to apply for asylum. We will help you to find legal assistance with your asylum claim and any further immigration appeals. We will provide you with travel warrants to enable you to attend solicitor or court hearings in relation to your asylum claim.
National Insurance numbers for unaccompanied asylum seeking young people
You may have a National Insurance (NI) number printed on the back of your biometric residence permit (BRP).
If you do not have a National Insurance number on your BRP, you may be able to apply for one. Your Social Worker or Personal Advisers can help you do this. You can only apply for it once you are in the UK.
You must have the right to work or study in the UK to get a National Insurance number.
Education
You can access English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses at Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College and Barnfield College in Luton. Your Social Worker or Personal Adviser will support you to apply for the best course for you. If you live more than three miles from the college, you will be entitled to a bus pass through your college bursary.
Other support available in Bedford Borough
Refugee Council (British Red Cross) will look at your needs and may be able to give one-to-one support. Visit the website or phone: 0207 3461134.
Depending on what services are available in your area, this could include help with:
- understanding the asylum process
- preparing documents such as letters and applications
- health, education and social care support
- learning new skills
- building confidence
- knowing what support you can get and helping you to get it
Group work with young people in some places, giving you the opportunity to:
- meet new people
- grow your talents and interests
- learn and take part in activities, e.g. English, IT, Maths, Art and Drama Therapy and Music
- get help preparing for exams
- take day trips, for example for golf, football, cooking
- get help adjusting to life in the UK
- learn to live independently
- understand what you’re entitled to and have help getting it
BRASS (Bedford Refugee and Asylum Seeker Support) supports refugees and asylum seekers in Bedfordshire. It provides advice on lots of issues, English language tuition and social activities. Visit the website, phone 01234 211381 or email info@brass27b.org.