Local support for asylum seekers
As a City of Sanctuary, we welcome and support people seeking asylum.
To prevent homelessness and promote resettlement and integration, we work with:
- Serco
- the Home Office
- West Midlands Police
- NHS
- voluntary sector organisations
- other local partners
Online directories of services
Migrant Advice Portal
Visit the Migrant Advice Portal for advice about health, education, legal, and social issues.
This website is fully translatable into most languages.
The Waiting Room (TWR)
TWR is a health and wellbeing directory of resources.
Warm Welcome Spaces
Warm Welcome Spaces provide free, safe, and warm places where people can go if their house is too cold in winter.
You can also:
- charge your mobile device
- use the internet
- get advice and support
Health and wellbeing services
Be Active scheme
The Be Active scheme provides free fitness activities in our wellbeing centres for all Birmingham residents including:
- swimming
- group exercise classes
- gym sessions at certain times during the day
To get a membership card, asylum seekers need a letter on official letterhead paper confirming residential status and signed by the manager of your accommodation.
Contact your local wellbeing centre to find out more and book an appointment to become a Be Active member.
Find locations and contact details for wellbeing centres with the Be Active scheme
Education services
School attendance
All children under 16 years old must attend school.
For advice about school places contact the school admissions service:
Email: admissions@birmingham.gov.uk
Phone: 0121 303 1888
Learning English for adults – ESOL Hub
The ESOL hub provides information about English classes for adults.
It will help you find out what course you need and who can provide it.
Email: help@esolhub.co.uk
Support groups and charities
There are many organisations across Birmingham providing services to asylum-seekers and refugees.
Refugee and Migrant Centre
Visit the Refugee and Migrant Centre for information, advice and guidance on immigration, housing or homelessness, benefits, education, and health.
Drop-in:
- Days and times: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00am to 1:00pm.
- Place: Refugee and Migrant Centre, Second Floor, Chamberlain Building, 36 Frederick Street, Birmingham. B1 3HN.
Page last updated: 30 Janury 2026
