The resettlement team support newly granted refugees and people on resettlement pathways, such as the Ukraine, Afghan, BNO (British National Oversees) and Chagossian schemes accross the borough.
The support focuses on promoting integration and improving opportunities for individuals by working with individuals on a one-to-one basis and building strong community networks. The team work with voluntary and third sector organisations within the borough to provide assistance.
Support can cover but is not but is not limited to:
Resettlement team drop-in sessions
The resettlement team offer support for refugees and asylum seekers around Wigan Borough. Drop in or contact the resettlement team (external link) to make an appointment.
Drop in sessions are on:
- Tuesdays in Leigh 11am to 2pm- Kingsleigh Methodist Church, 73 King Street, Leigh, WN7 4LR (directly opposite Leigh bus station)
- Thursdays in Ashton 1:30pm to 2:45pm- St Thomas’ Church Ashton, Warrington RdAshton-in-Makerfield, WN4 9PL
- Fridays in Wigan 10am to 1pm- Clifton Street Community Centre, Clifton St, Wigan WN3 5HN.
Bank accounts
It is very important that you open a bank account as soon as possible after a successful asylum claim. This will enable you to have benefits and wages paid.
Each high street bank has their own regulations on ID requirements, and you usually have to provide 2 forms of ID including proof of address and Biometric Residency Permit/ E-visa.
Benefits
You will need an email address to apply for Universal Credit online. Universal Credit takes around 5 weeks to be processed and paid and will start from the date you make your claim.
After you have made your claim, you will then be contacted by the Job Centre to verify your ID and complete the first stage of your claim.
Accommodation
When you have been given a positive decision from the Home Office, you will need to plan and prepare for your future accommodation.
We can talk to you about your circumstances to help us understand your situation and any support and help you may need.
Options can include looking at private rented accommodation, housing associations, or supported accommodation.
Employment
In the UK, people seeking asylum are not usually allowed to work while they wait for a decision on their case.
If someone seeking asylum has been waiting for over 12 months, the Home Office might allow them to work, but only in jobs that are on the shortage occupations list.
It is recommended you seek independent advice before you take any action which may affect your support benefits. Migrant Help (external link) offers assistance to those who need it.
After your asylum claim is approved and you are allowed to stay in the UK, you can get a job. You will receive a National Insurance Number to give to your employer.
If your immigration decision says you can't access public funds or work, get advice from Migrant Help or legal representation.
If you receive Universal Credit, talk to your Job Coach at the Job Centre about job opportunities and training courses.
You can also search for jobs on Internet job sites such as Indeed, Total Jobs, Reed.
For more information regarding finding training, employment, or education opportunities please contact the resettlement team (external link).
Education
If you need support with applying to a different school or transferring schools, our team can advise you where to get help.
In Wigan, The Ethnic Minority and Traveller Achievement Service (EMTAS) works with schools, pupils and parents, alongside partner agencies, to ensure access to educational opportunities for all Ethnic Minority, Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and Showman children and young people in Wigan.
English to speakers of other languages (ESOL)
We recognise the importance of providing ESOL classes for new refugees and asylum seekers.
We are working hard with community groups to establish a well formed ESOL network.
We appreciate that you may have many skills which can be utilised and developed in UK. We recognise that the learning of English will play a huge part in your integration and enable to you go on to live a full and inclusive life here in Wigan.
For more information on ESOL provision across the Wigan borough please contact the resettlement team (external link).
Health
Asylum seekers and refugees, including those waiting for their claims to be decided, can use primary and secondary healthcare services.
NHS England has created an information leaflet for asylum seekers and refugees on how to register with a doctor (GP).
In Wigan, the Health Outreach and Inclusion Service (HOIS (external link) work with vulnerable communities to tackle health inequalities.
All asylum seekers and refugees should register with a GP in the area that they are living in.
If you move, remember to update your GP to one near your new address, even if it's a care-of address.
eVisa
The UK Government is replacing physical immigration documents with digital proof of immigration status called an eVisa. If you use a BRP, BRC or visa vignette in your passport to prove your rights in the UK, see online immigration status (external link) to find out what you need to do. If you require support to apply for an evisa, here are some organisations you can approach:
Migrant Help
Migrant Help has supported thousands of individuals through a national network of services and can offer face-to-face and remote support to those transitioning to the new digital immigration system.
Wai Yin
Anyone can access support through self-referrals. You can attend a drop-in session on Tuesday's and Wednesday's at 10:30am to 2:00pm. They are located in the Welcome Centre, 18-32 Brentfield Avenue, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, M8 0TW.
For more information emailinfo@waiyin.org.uk , or call 0161 833 0377.
Please be advised that you do not need a solicitor or an immigration advisor to apply for an evisa. It is a FREE service and you should not be charged for any support you receive to apply.
For any further information or advice please contact the resettlement team (external link).
Support in the community
There are places in the community that can provide support whether you are still awaiting your decision or have already received a decisionon your application.
Support for Wigan Arrivals Project (SWAP) (external link) provide practical support for asylum seekers. They run English classes, help prevent social isolation and help asylum seekers and refugees integrate into communities.
For more information on support available in Wigan Borough, please contact the resettlement team (external link).
Further support
Please contact the resettlement team (external link) if you have any other support needs or enquiries.