Upcoming changes

We recently announced that we are able to sustain our Information, Advice and Guidance Support for refugees as the result of funding awarded by Nottingham City Council. Whilst the provision of free advice and guidance has been sustained, there are several changes to update you about. 

Advice and Guidance

• Housing (but not Homelink Applications) by appointment
• Welfare and Benefits by appointment
• Legal by appointment
• Universal Credit, Monday and Thursday mornings, booking forms available online.
• Essential Skills: Education, English Classes, Employment by appointment or join an English Class, Digital Skills Course or Welcome Course.  

Changes include;

• Food and Clothing will now be available only on Fridays and provided remotely
• Bank Accounts and Letters of Support for opening bank accounts will only be provided where related to benefit claims and employment
• Health and Wellbeing Advice will be referred to Belong

We will concentrate on the areas of work where we have particular skills and expertise, and can complement the wider provision of advice services and community support. Therefore these areas have been prioritised. 

It is preferred that participants are referred or self-referred using our online form on our website. We will endeavour to book an appointment at the earliest stage possible after receiving a referral. We have limited capacity to manage participants who turn up without an appointment. 

Make a referral

Referrals

Our referrals will only be monitored three times a week. Automated messages with general information will be sent to enquiries that meet certain criteria. We are seeking to increase our administrative and advice project capacity through strong partnerships and fundraising efforts. 

Get Help 

For guidance on accessing other support, see 'Get Help' on our website. 

Changes from 1 September 2025

The changes are expected to take effect from 1st September 2025. 

We want to thank everyone who has worked with us to offer a high-quality of service and support.

New opportunities

Other areas of our work will be increasing in capacity following the positive outcome of grant applications. We will be starting an evening project with a free ESOL class. We will also be supporting more people with education and accessing courses and apprenticeships. The additional capacity comes as a result of funding from Nottingham City Council, a partnership with Belong and funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Read more here.

Participants in our English classes will be able to benefit from additional one to one support to access more learning opportunities, qualifications and education opportunities. 

New partners

We are seeking wider partnerships to achieve these aims with education bodies and learning providers. Get in touch with us for more information.

A place to belong

We trust that together we will overcome the challenges participants face and that we can truly provide a place to belong.