RAIS is a local charity which provides advocacy, information and support services to refugees and asylum seekers living in Lancaster and Morecambe. All of our staff and volunteers have experience of helping asylum seekers and refugees in our city, and are committed to welcoming and supporting them.
Find us at The Cornerstone, Sulyard Street, Lancaster LA1 1PX (Map available here.)
What We Do
Drop-ins for information and support
RAIS runs drop-ins for refugees and asylum seekers at the following times and places (see map):
Wednesdays from 2.00 until 4.00 pm at St Thomas Church Centre, Marton St, Lancaster LA1 1XX
Thursdays from 3.00 until 4.30 pm at The Cornerstone, Sulyard Street, Lancaster LA1 1PX
Fridays from 2.00 until 4.00 pm at Bare Methodist Church, Seaborn Road, Morecambe LA4 6BB
At the drop-ins
We can:
Explain official correspondence from the Home Office and other agencies.
Help you find an immigration lawyer to help you with your case.
Provide information on matters including housing, benefits, employment, education, family reunion and applying for indefinite leave to remain. We will refer or signpost to other professional agencies for advice where appropriate.
Provide advocacy for refugees in dealing with various agencies and organisations. Our volunteers can accompany people to appointments, and help with form-filling, applications etc.
All enquiries and any information given to us are treated in the strictest confidence. We never pass on information to other people or agencies without the enquirer’s permission.
If you think we can help
Then call the Helpline, come to one of our drop-ins, or contact us via our website.
Helpline 07399 277860
Our helpline is open Monday – Thursday, 10.00 – 12.00. Asylum seekers, refugees and volunteers are welcome to call us.
