UK projects
ORFACT works in partnership with Brent Refugee Welfare Association to provide a wide range of education and support services to young people aged 11-25, with a priority given to young people under the age of 19. Our approach to meeting young people's needs and tackling the key issues they face, is by providing essential back-up, information and support for and in partnership with young people
Welfare benefit advice service
Helping refugee and asylum seeking children who are at risk of being denied their basic rights and needs
Refugees and asylum
ORFACT has worked to uphold the rights of refugee children and their families in England for over 22 years. Our work today aims to bring about long-term change for some of the most vulnerable children, such as those growing up in poverty, those missing out on quality education and those who have come to England to seek refuge and asylum. Over the past few years there has been increased hostility towards refugees and asylum-seekers. Children arriving unaccompanied from abroad are a particularly vulnerable group. There are currently an estimated 6,000 refugee and asylum-seeking children who have arrived in England alone or who have been separated from their families. Our own research and experience confirms that many are denied their basic rights and needs.
Unaccompanied children seeking asylum are particularly vulnerable and come to the UK for protection, many of them trying to escape conflict and abuse, others the victims of trafficking and exploitation. At present, only 3 per cent of them are given permanent status, leaving most of them to face an uncertain future. They don't know when they may suddenly be forced to return to the country they have fled. ORFACT believes that these are children first and foremost and should be given the same protection and rights that are given to other children in the UK, yet increasingly, new asylum legislation curtails these rights. Together with other refugee and children's organisations, we lobby for the rights and welfare of refugee children.
We have set up a number of projects offering direct support to young refugees and asylum-seekers to provide practical help on housing and schools and advice on the immigration system, dealing sensitively with young asylum-seekers.
Our experience has shown how important it is for young refugees and asylum-seekers to be supported at this point to ensure they do not miss out on the services and help they need and are entitled to.
We provide up-to-date information and advice on the complexities of the social security and tax credits systems. We raise awareness of Welfare Benefit entitlements to those in need and we provide help and support to those who wish to make a claim. ORFACT have set up an independent Welfare Benefits Advice Service to help refugees and asylum-seekers understand the range of benefits available. Claiming benefits without specialist assistance is often a complex and daunting experience and a majority of people do not claim what they are entitled to as they do not want to complete the claim forms associated with it. Many eligible claimants are initially turned down, discouraging them from pursuing their benefits. Whether it's trying to find out what benefits they may be eligible for, filling in a claim pack or appealing against a decision, they need to get advice. The forms themselves are often large and confusing which is where this service will be beneficial. Our staff will not only advise on possible benefit entitlements, but will also do benefits checks to make sure vulnerable people are getting all the benefits to which they are entitled and then help them complete the claim forms, providing translation and making sure they are completed correctly. This service is completely free and confidential.