No One Left Behind: Birmingham Highlights Vital Support for Migrant Survivors This Refugee Week

Working in partnership with the Refugee and Migrant Centre, Central England Law Centre, and the NRPF Network, the campaign draws attention to the significant barriers many survivors face — including No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), language barriers, and lack of access to safe housing. 

Thanks to funding through the Council’s Domestic Abuse Community Grants, the Refugee and Migrant Centre, working in partnership with specialist domestic abuse services, is supporting survivors. This includes offering expert immigration advice and advocacy in over 40 languages, helping survivors claim asylum, regularise their immigration status, or access financial support. 

Survivors with NRPF, including those whose asylum claims have been refused, can also receive legal advice and representation through the Central England Law Centre. Their work with local domestic abuse providers ensures access to support such as the Destitute Domestic Violence Concession (DDVC) — a vital legal route to safety. 

Councillor Jamie Tennant, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, said:

“Refugee Week is a time for reflection and action. No one should be trapped in an abusive situation because of their immigration status. Here in Birmingham, we’re proud to stand alongside our partners to ensure that survivors get the help they need — with dignity, compassion, and justice. We are committed to making sure no one is left behind.” 

The Council aims to raise awareness by sharing real survivor stories, busts harmful myths about migrant access to services, and provides practical information on where to get help. Each day focuses on a different theme, from legal support and housing rights to survivor voices and community solidarity. 

Where to Get Help 

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, support is available: 

• Birmingham Domestic Abuse Hub:  

Call 0808 800 0028 Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm. 

Visit www.bswaid.org (Webchat open Monday to Friday from 10am – 4pm) 

The hub also has a women only drop-in service at Bank House, 36 Bristol Street, Birmingham B5 7AA. Opening times are: Monday and Tuesday 10:00am to 4:00pm, Wednesday 1:00pm to 4:00pm, Thursday and Friday 10:00am to 4:00pm 

• Refugee and Migrant Centre: 

Visit www.rmcentre.org.uk 

Call 0800 0663 444 

Or drop-in on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings between 9am-1pm at: 

The Refugee and Migrant Centre, 
Second Floor, Chamberlain Building, 
36 Frederick Street, 
Birmingham, 
B1 3HN 

• Central England Law Centre: 

Telephone advice available Monday to Thursday 9am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm, and Friday 9am – 1pm and 2pm - 4.30pm on 0121 227 6540 

Or visit www.centralenglandlc.org.uk