About us

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:

St Thomas Church Centre,  Marton St, Lancaster LA1 1XX on Wednesdays from 2.00 until 4.00 pm (see map)

The Cornerstone, Sulyard Street, Lancaster LA1 1PX on Thursdays from 3.00 until 4.30 pm (see map)

Bare Methodist Church, Seaborn Road,  Morecambe LA4 6BB
on Fridays from 2.00 until 4.00 pm (see map)

The Cornerstone, Sulyard Street, Lancaster LA1 1PX (Tara Centre’s Wellbeing Cafe) on Fridays from 7.00 until 9.00 pm 

At the drop-ins we can explain official correspondence from the Home Office and other agencies.

We can help you find an immigration lawyer to help with your case.

We can 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.

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.

Helpline 07399 277860

Our helpline is open Monday – Thursday, 10.00 – 12.00. Asylum seekers, refugees and volunteers are welcome to call us if you think we may be able to help.

Advocacy and additional support

We can 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.

If you think we can help then come to the drop-in, call the Helpline, or contact us via our website.