Welcome!

We believe every person seeking asylum should be supported to navigate the asylum system.
Asylum Guides are trained volunteers who provide that support. 

Need support from a Guide?
Streamlined Asylum Processing
Use this briefing as a guidance on how to assist your clients when they receive the questionnaire.
You will find links to our Frequently Asked Questions documents as well as templates (email or letter) to help your client request an extension to the deadline for returning the questionnaire. 

What is the Asylum Guides programme?

Asylum Guides is a programme aimed at organisations working with people seeking asylum. Our toolkits and resources enable volunteer Guides to meet with and help clients to understand the asylum process.

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Why was the Asylum Guides national programme set up?

The programme emerged from Refugee Action's access to justice work, rooted in the principles of Early Action. It supports people early in their asylum journey to address the causes of crisis or prevent barriers to justice. Since 2016, we've delivered programmes across the UK. Here's a case study of our work with Birmingham's Brushstrokes.

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What does an Asylum Guide do?

Asylum Guides are trained volunteers, matched up with asylum seekers to provide legal information about the asylum process. Over the course of a few meetings, they explain the asylum system in a way that is accessible and easy to understand.

Find out what it's like to be an Asylum Guide with Ericky and Estelle as they share their stories.

"Before I was matched with the Asylum Guide, I had no information about the asylum process in the UK. But now I am very confident and have got so much information… "
Female, spanish-speaking client
Supported over 4 sessions by an Asylum Guide
"I hope many people can get the same help in the future. Many people misunderstand the process, so it would be very good for them to have the same support. Thank you again."
Male from Sudan
Supported by an asylum guide across 8 meetings and granted refugee status
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A growing partnership

Asylum Guides is a collaborative programme. We partner with organisations across the UK and provide guidance, toolkits and knowledge sharing. Our partners deliver front-line support tailored to local needs. Please send us an email if you'd like to find out more.

Growth and Impact

Asylum Guide volunteers supported over 465 people over 898 meeting between June 2020 and June 2021.

41

Number of nationalities supported

32

Average age of client supported

10

Cities where Asylum Guides is available

Increased understanding via Asylum Guides

Over the last 12 months’, our data showed the following:

When asked, 'how confident do you feel about your knowledge of the asylum process?', clients rated their confidence an average 2.8 out of 5 at their first Asylum Guide meeting. After 3 or more meetings, clients rated this an average of 4.2 out of 5.

2.8 out of 5
4.2 out of 5

Before

After


When asked, 'how prepared do you feel for the next stage in the asylum process?', clients rated their preparedness an average 3 out of 5. After 3 or more meetings clients rated this 4.5 out of 5.

3 out of 5
4.5 out of 5

Before

After

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