Join us in making change

Join us in making change

As a community group

In 2024, we will launch a newsletter in which we share updates on our current projects and asks of Government. If you’d like to receive up-to-date information on what councillors and officers are working on and pushing for, email resettlement@islington.gov.uk and we’ll add you to our mailing list.

As a business, college or university

Your organisation could offer:

• work placements, paid internships or shadowing opportunities so that residents from sanctuary seeking backgrounds can develop their existing skills or learn new ones
• voluntary positions for residents looking to develop their skills and experience - if you want to create more volunteering opportunities, speak to Voluntary Action Islington who can help with advertising your volunteer vacancies, managing volunteers and training or support sessions 
• scholarships or discretionary places to residents from refugee, migrant or asylum-seeking backgrounds so that they could continue or restart their education journey
• donate laptops, phones or other equipment that would benefit refugees, migrants or asylum-seekers. 

As a resident

• Join a campaign calling on governments around the world to do more to protect the rights of refugees, migrants and people seeking asylum such as:
  • We Belong
  • Lift the Ban
  • Freedom from Torture
  • Asylum Matters
  • Together With Refugees
  • Praxis - The No Recourse to Public Funds Action Group.
• Consider volunteering at a local organisation which supports refugees, migrants or residents seeking asylum. If you can, donate to a local organisation who support this community. 
• Visit a local library and learn more about the issues facing migrants.
• If you have the space, offer a room or a second home to house those in need. Get in touch with us at resettlement@islington.gov.uk if this is something you may be able to offer.
• Every year the council celebrates Refugee Week, and everyone is welcome to join us to celebrate and mark this important occasion.
• You can show your solidarity by joining the wide range of events celebrated by the council throughout the year such as Black History Month, International Women’s Day and LGBTQ+ Pride.
• You can also use some of the information below to challenge misconceptions you may hear about immigration and migrants and help people understand more about the difficulties this community faces.

Facts about asylum seekers and immigration

There are many misconceptions around migration and the treatment of those who come to the UK. We’ve listed some facts that will help you to dispel misinformation in our community – all of which come from official UK Government sources and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.

• Asylum seekers typically receive £47.39 per week to survive on. Also, they do not have the right to work, cannot attend university, and can't access social housing or claim any benefits.
• The reality of accommodation provided by the Home Office for people seeking asylum is basic hostel-style properties with up to eight people sharing one room. Quality of life and communal facilities are extremely low at these sites. People seeking asylum in local hotels in Islington only receive £9.58 per week.
• The Islamic Republic of Iran and Türkiye each host 3.4 million refugees, the largest populations worldwide, followed by:
  • Germany: 2.5 million
  • Colombia: 2.5 million
  • Pakistan: 2.1 million
• Conflicts, war and violence across the world have resulted in people being forcibly displaced from their home countries. Many people seeking safety or protection flee over their nearest border, where they’re likely to live in camps. Most people coming to the UK in recent years are from countries caught up in conflict like Syria, Ukraine and Afghanistan.