Our Youth Service helps young asylum seekers and refugees aged 13-25 years old. Many of the young people that we support in this service are ‘unaccompanied’ children (without a parent or guardian). We provide information and advice on their rights and the services available.
If you are a young person in need of urgent help with your asylum claim, age assessment, health, housing or money, or need educational support, then we can help you. We also have a youth club and girls’ group, which you can read about here.
Who is this for?
Young asylum seekers and refugees from 13 to 25 years old.
We had a young person who was dispersed to Cardiff last year and moved back to Oxford after gaining refugee status. He moved into a hosting placement and found a place in college; with our help, he was also able to claim Universal Credit. Sadly, the placement came to an end but we managed to find space with another scheme. As Coronavirus became an increasing problem, the need to move him on became urgent as there were no more placements available and he was at risk of street homelessness. During the first week of lockdown, we managed to find private rented accommodation for him and we also referred him to Crisis for emergency funding for the first month’s rent and deposit. We visited the property with him and helped him to get two references, and he moved in – all within a week and just in time! He is settling well.
What can we offer?
- Regular confidential, one-to-one appointments
- Advice on understanding the Asylum System and how it works for unaccompanied children
- Advice on claiming asylum or asylum support
- Advice on housing and welfare benefits
- Advice on healthcare, education or leisure activities
- Referrals for mental health support
- Assistance for young parents to find support and care in the community
A short film about the clients and work of the Youth Service