Asylum Advice Service
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Since 28th September 2020, those arriving in Northern Ireland wishing to claim asylum in the UK must present themselves for initial screening to the Home Office, which is based at Drumkeen House, Upper Galwally BT8 6TB.
Bryson Care's Asylum Advice Service is sub-contracted by Migrant Help UK to provide asylum support in Northern Ireland. Migrant Help UK is a leading national charity offering support, guidance and accommodation to vulnerable migrants across the UK.
Bryson Care provides asylum seekers with information and support for claiming asylum in Northern Ireland. We support asylum seekers by initiating their Home Office asylum application (known as Section 95) and accessing additional support services, such as The Red Cross.
Section 98 support is provided by the Home Office to asylum seekers who are destitute and awaiting a decision on their application for Section 95 asylum support.
Section 95 support is provision of accommodation and financial assistance for asylum seekers through the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) system. We assist in making Section 95 support applications to the Home Office.
Our service also provides advice and support for asylum seekers whose application for asylum have been refused but may have entitlement to avail of Section 4 support, which consists of accommodation and non-financial (non-cash) support.
Applications for Section 96 support are also made through our service. Section 96 provision is an additional support option available for asylum seekers currently in receipt of Section 95 support who experience ‘exceptional’ need. Click Asylum Support for further information on Home Office support provisions.
We further provide advice and guidance in several other asylum-related areas:
- Briefing on the NASS process and time scales involved;
- Liaising with Home Office regarding support provision;
- Issuing of Aspen payment cards and dealing with enquiries;
- Registration of new dependents on existing support claims;
- Applying for maternity financial support;
- Provision of information on legal representation for asylum applications;
- Signposting for education, health, social and integration programmes;
- Assessment and referral of urgent needs, e.g. clothing, medical;
- Referral to appropriate statutory, non-statutory, volunteer and independent services;
- Advice and referral on other issues such as racial harassment, domestic violence, destitution, and those who have experienced trafficking;
- Supporting access to community groups.
We are a non-governmental agency and provide a free and confidential service. Our staff are not employed by the UKBA. Our advisors are OISC accredited.