Support for asylum seekers and refugees
Our Commitment
- Mayor’s statement on Ukraine situation
- Mayor’s statement on Afghan situation
- We welcome refugees and asylum seekers settling in Newham
- Newham Borough of Sanctuary Strategy 2024-2027 (PDF)
Welcome Newham Helpline
For anyone in Newham who is an asylum seeker or refugee, family, friends or host.
Can provide: free advice, support and answer questions on how to get help for health, money, food, jobs and housing.
Cannot help with: individual cases, case work or immigration status or advice.
Email: Welcome.Newham@newham.gov.uk
Call our helpline on 020 3373 3222
Many languages spoken
Main types of status
- Refugee status
Refugee status is awarded to someone the Home Office recognises as a refugee, as described in the Refugee Convention. A person given refugee status is normally granted leave to remain in the UK for 5 years, and at the end of that period can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
- Indefinite leave to remain
A form of immigration status given by the Home Office. Indefinite leave to remain is also called ‘permanent residence’ or ‘settled status’ as it gives permission to stay in the UK on a permanent basis.
- Discretionary leave
A form of immigration status granted to a person who the Home Office has decided does not qualify for refugee status or humanitarian protection, but where there are other strong reasons why the person needs to stay in the UK temporarily.
New 'Signpost' tool to support London's asylum seekers
A new digital tool named Signpost has launched to help support the health and wellbeing of asylum seekers and refugees in London.
Signpost is a free, wellbeing email service, providing individuals with a regular flow of helpful, important, and supportive information to those who have recently arrived in the UK.
The content was co-developed by partners including Thrive LDN, Doctors of the World, Refugee Action Kingston, and the London Borough of Newham. It is supported and funded by the Mayor of London.
Please visit the Signpost – your guide to life in the UK page for more information.
