Samina’s claim for asylum in the UK for her and her toddler failed due to insufficient evidence supporting her application, which means she no longer has a claim with the Home Office.
A failed asylum claim resulted in the removal of access to public funds, which caused Samina to lose her weekly NASS payments for food, etc. (National Asylum Support Service). Social Services had provided Samina and her daughter with temporary housing and referred her to The Welcome Centre for food and toiletries.
After a lengthy conversation to understand Samina’s situation, Jully, our Advice Case Worker, realised Samina needed intense support and contacted Migrant Help, a charity supporting asylum seekers, refugees and victims of human trafficking and modern slavery on her behalf. Migrant Help will support Samina during the next stage of her journey here in the UK. Jully also contacted the Home Office in Liverpool, where she helped Samina book an appointment with the Fresh Claims team.
My claim was refused, as they needed more evidence about my situation. Jully has helped me get that together as well as supporting me to get my NASS payments reinstated.
Samina was not prepared for the winter weather in the UK and although Jully signposted her to Sanctuary for winter clothing for them both, and Auntie Pam’s for a pram, neither service was able to help. With that in mind, The Welcome Centre provided a winter clothing grant and purchased a pram.
Jully referred Samina back to Kirklees Social Services, as both Samina and her daughter were now destitute and they are now supporting them again under Section 17 of the Children’s Act. As it was nearly Christmas, The Welcome Centre stepped in to offer a little more support.
I can’t believe that I’ve had such support from The Welcome Centre and you helped make Christmas for us. I received gifts for my daughter and she got her very first bike. The smile on my daughter's face was magical.
Samina’s asylum application is back with the Home Office and she hopes for a positive outcome so that she can restart her life with her daughter here in the UK.