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.
WHAT WE DO:
Drop-in for information and support. RAIS runs a twice-weekly drop-in for refugees and asylum seekers at The Cornerstone, Sulyard Street, Lancaster LA1 1PX on Mondays and Thursdays from 3.00 until 5.00 p.m.
We also have a drop-in in Morecambe at Bare Methodist Church, Seaborn Road, Morecambe LA4 6BB on Fridays from 2.30 until 4.30 p.m.
At the drop-ins, we can explain official correspondence from the Home Office and other agencies.
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.
Our immigration solicitor, Susan Liew is available for legal advice. To make an appointment please call 07731 552259 at the times stated below, or use our contact page. (If you cannot travel to the Cornerstone, we can arrange a telephone appointment.)
Helpline 07731 552259. 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.