Useful information

Downloadable information sheets and leaflets

Are you a woman seeking asylum in the UK?
The Refugee Women's Resource Project at Asylum Aid has produced a leaflet for newly arrived asylum-seeking women. It explains the Home Office policy for deciding women's asylum claims (Gender Guidance)

Useful information for pregnant women and families with children about benefits, additional payments and support
This leaflet provides information on the benefits and additional payments you may be entitled to if you are pregnant or have young children. It provides information for people with different types of immigration status. It may be useful for families and also for professionals working with families.

Asylum Seekers and Pregnancy
Read this useful article aimed at midwives and health workers.

ASAP Women's Project Update
An update on issues facing refused asylum seeking women accessing Section 4 support.

Time to Play!
This leaflet provides information on play sessions for young children; they are free and held on a weekly basis throughout the city.

What is Starfish Doula?
If you are pregnant and alone with not much support available from family or friends this project could help you. The team of friendly volunteers would meet with you (ideally) before the due date and you could call one of them when you think you are in labour. They would provide transport or a taxi to get to the hospital; stay with you during the whole labour to support and encourage you; provide transport when you are discharged; and one member of the team would visit daily if required for up to 2 weeks to help you with cooking/cleaning/washing/shopping/childcare (your choice). There is no charge for this service, all volunteers have received training and are CRB checked and it is a 'client-led service'. The project takes referrals from anyone including self-referral and is happy to receive '11th hour requests'! Contact Mary, 07988-742380, or Abi, 07734-250186, at Bethel Health and Healing Network for assessment

Free Counselling and Support Services for Female Asylum Seekers and Refugees
The Rape and Sexual Violence Project (RSVP) offers a free and confidential counselling service to female asylum-seekers and refugees who are survivors of war, rape, sexual violence and torture. This includes women with no recourse to public funds. Interpreters will be available in the sessions if required. Please contact Anjella Darcy, Project Manager, or Sharon Kaur, Counsellor, for an informal discussion or to make an appointment on 0121-236-5763 (office).

Rights & Information Sheet for Survivors of Rape Seeking Asylum in the UK
An information sheet written by Women Against Rape that includes useful information and case law.

Human Trafficking - information leaflet
This information is designed to help any person or organisation that comes into contact with a person or situation where they suspect trafficking might be involved. It also provides useful information and contact details for anyone who feels that they might have been a victim of trafficking.

Family Action East Birmingham Horn of Africa Project
The Horn of Africa Family Well-Being Project is a service that provides support to families from the Horn of Africa region (e.g. Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea), who are living in and newly arrived to Birmingham. Leaflet for referrers.

Campaign to Abolish No Recourse to Public Funds for Women Experiencing Domestic Violence

Read more here.

The Children's Society Destitution Project

What is the Destitution Project?
The Children's Society's Destitution Project supports babies, children, families and young people who are destitute as a result of the asylum process.

We define destitution as the lack of regular access to basics such as food, medicine and a place to live. This affects children in a number of ways; the lack of resources or opportunities to play and interact with other children can have a negative impact on children's development, and living in overcrowded and sometimes unsafe conditions leaves children vulnerable to exploitation.

Who is it for?
Asylum seekers or refugees who are under 18, or who have or are expecting children, and who have no statutory support or who are about to have support withdrawn.

Information sheet      Eligibility criteria      Referral form

The African Well Women’s Service

In 2002, Alison Byrne and Teresa Ball started a service at Princess of Wales Women's Unit at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital for women who have undergone FGM. The African Well Women's Service was commenced in response to the growing number of women presenting at the hospital with FGM. We also welcome women who are not pregnant and may have problems associated with circumcision. We are a very flexible service and women can self-refer or access help via their GP. Contact numbers are 0121 424 3514 or 0121 424 2000 bleep 3019. Hospital address is:

Princess of Wales Women’s Unit
Birmingham Heartlands Hospital
Bordesley Green East
Birmingham
B9 5SS