To see the questions that are asked on the new Asylum Claim Questionnaire, you can download the text here.
If you receive a questionnaire in the post, RAIS can help you to apply for extra time to reply, and/or access legal advice if necessary.
Author: Ali Hussein
Changing the Conversation
Changing the conversation
There are many public conversations at the moment about asylum seekers and refugees in the media and in government and within communities around the UK. If you get caught up in a conversation like this, then our Changing the Conversation page gives some answers to questions you might be asked, which we hope will help to make the conversation more positive.
You can also download a leaflet.
RAIS is recruiting new trustees
RAIS Lancaster is currently recruiting new trustees to its board.
We would particularly welcome expressions of interest from individuals with skills, experience and expertise in charity governance or accounting/bookkeeping.
We are also seeking to expand the diversity of our board to include representation from different cultures, faith groups and those with lived experience of the asylum process and living in the UK as a refugee.
If you are interested in joining our charity as a trustee, then please contact Dr Elizabeth Hare, Chair RAIS Lancaster on lizzy.hare@rais.org.uk.
RAIS is recruiting
Could you manage and develop services for asylum seekers and refugees in the Lancaster area, working with a team of experienced and dedicated volunteers?
We are seeking a Coordinator/Development Worker, 20 hours per week. Salary £25000 p.a. pro rata. Very flexible hours.
For more details see our jobs page.
Digital support for asylum seekers
RAIS has now received £1000 from the Urgent Response Fund to provide phone top-ups and mobile data for asylum seekers. Each individual, or each adult within a family, can apply for £20, either mobile data, or phone top-up, or split between the two.
How to apply:
Individuals and families can apply directly to RAIS by email giving their:
- full name
- NASS number or Port Reference number
- number of adults in family (for family applications)
- mobile phone number(s)
- provider(s) (e.g. 3, EE, O2 etc.)
- support required: phone top-up, data or both
OR
Individuals and families can be referred by RAIS, Global Link or EMW. The referral must include all the information specified above.
Applications will be considered on a first come first served basis and each individual or family can only apply once.
The money will be transferred to their phones online.
Please send applications to info@rais.org.uk with the subject ‘Digital’, or use the contact form on the website: http://www.rais.org.uk/contact-us.
August closure
The regular RAIS drop-in at the Cornerstone will not be running during August, and will resume on the 7th September. (Since opening depends on the continued lifting of restrictions, please see our Coronavirus page for the latest information.)
Our helpline will continue to operate throughout August: Monday – Thursday, 10.00 – 12.00, except for bank holidays.
COVID-19 information
Here is the official information on COVID-19 from the World Health Organisation:
English https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses
Chinese https://www.who.int/zh/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters
Farsi چه کمکی در دسترس است و از کجا می توانید کمک بگیرید ؟
(PDF, 1.0 MB)
From the Doctors of the World and British Red Cross:
Lancaster University Immigration Law Clinic: Spring 2020
Lancaster University Immigration Law Clinic
for FREE immigration advice
Hosted by RAIS Lancaster, January – March 2020
Do you need legal advice?
You can get advice on asylum issues, family reunion, EU settlement and any other immigration issue.
at Lancaster Baptist Church hall, Robert Street, LA1 1PT
on the following Tuesdays, 10.30 to 12.30
14th January
28th January
11th February
25th February
10th March
by appointment (or drop in and if we are not busy you will be seen straight away)
You can make an appointment:
- at the RAIS drop-in on Mondays and Thursdays 15.00 – 17.00 at the Cornerstone, Sulyard St, Lancaster LA1 1PX
- by email at info@rais.org.uk
- by phoning our helpline: 07731 552259 (Mon-Thu 10.00 – 12.00, or leave a message)
You will get:
- access to interpretation if necessary
- an opportunity to discuss your case with law students, supervised by an immigration barrister
- a detailed letter of advice
Lancaster University Immigration Law Clinic: autumn 2019
Lancaster University Immigration Law Clinic
for FREE immigration advice
Hosted by RAIS Lancaster, October to December 2019
Do you need legal advice?
You can get advice on asylum issues, family reunion, EU settlement and any other immigration issue.
at Lancaster Baptist Church hall, Martin Street, LA1 1PT
on the following Tuesdays, 10.30 to 12.30
29th October
12th November
26th November
10th December
by appointment (or drop in and if we are not busy you will be seen straight away)
You can make an appointment:
- at the RAIS drop-in on Mondays and Thursdays 15.00 – 17.00 at the Cornerstone, Sulyard St, Lancaster LA1 1PX
- by email at info@rais.org.uk
- by phoning our helpline: 07731 552259 (Mon-Thu 10.00 – 12.00, or leave a message)
You will get:
- access to interpretation if necessary
- an opportunity to discuss your case with law students, supervised by an immigration barrister
- a detailed letter of advice
RAIS Cèilidh 2019
Following the sell-out success of last year’s event, our RAIS cèilidh will take place at the Gregson on Saturday 16th February. Doors open 7.00 pm, dancing from 7.30 pm to the Caton Ceilidh Band and Fiddler on the Hoof.
Tickets £8 in advance (£10 on the door), children £5, free for refugees/asylum seekers. Available from the Gregson, or from www.trybooking.co.uk/ICP.