We work with a range of local partners to ensure that children and their families are on the path towards a bright future.
With a particular focus on children from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds, we are addressing crucial social, cultural and economic issues affecting vulnerable children and families.
Refugee Action: Supporting Reunited Families
For people seeking asylum in the UK, accessing services can be incredibly challenging due to a range of bureaucratic, financial and linguistic barriers. With a new environment and often a new language and little or no access to financial assistance other than asylum support – which is minimal and out of reach for many people, accessing help can be challenging. What’s more, with limited time to find accommodation upon being granted permanent status, life can be incredibly emotionally, financially and socially draining.
At Islamic Relief UK, we’re committed to supporting families and asylum-seeking communities here in the UK close to home. That’s why, in partnership with Refugee Action, we’re enabling children seeking asylum who have been reunited with their families in the UK to access critical support. The project offers key immigration advice and practical support, working to ensure that children seeking asylum have their essential needs met to live safely and to be able to rebuild their lives here in the UK. Dedicated advice and assistance covers homelessness support, interpreting services, immigration and integration support through the provision of opportunities to network and socialise.
For children separated from their families, this project offers a crucial lifeline. When Munira* from Iran sought help for example, she was aged just 16 years old and had been separated from her mother Asma* for over 18 months. Neither mother nor daughter could understand that Munira would have to continue to pursue her asylum claim in the UK once her claim was transferred. Thanks to the advice service provided by Refugee Action, the family received critical advice on their case. Munira and Asma were referred to a solicitor and accompanied to their first appointment to offer support and interpreting services.
As a result of the guidance Asma and Munira received, they realised the importance of keeping in touch with the solicitor and attending all appointments. What’s more, the project has supported Asma in applying for a bank account, universal credit and a driving licence, helping the family to build a good level of financial and social wellbeing.
*Names have been changed to protect the identity of Munira and her family
Find out more
Islamic Relief works with a range of partners to respond to support children and their families here in the UK. Find out more about our other UK progammes below: