A small group of adults sitting around a table in a bright classroom, smiling and chatting together. A woman wearing a hijab sits in the centre, with others leaning in and laughing. A whiteboard with writing is visible in the background.

Support for your wellbeing

This page is for refugees, people seeking asylum, and migrants living in Leeds. It can also help friends, family members, volunteers, and workers who support them.

You can change the language using the Accessibility toolbar at the top of the page.

Not sure where to start?

If things feel hard or confusing, that is okay. You do not have to deal with everything on your own.

If you need practical help (housing, money, asylum support)

You can contact:

They can support you directly or help you find the right next step.

All are qualified to give immigration advice.

If you’re worried about your mental health

You can talk to your GP or look at the support listed further down this page.

If you don’t yet have a GP, find out how to register.

If you’re in danger now:

  • Call 999
  • Call NHS 111 if it is urgent but not an emergency

You can ask for an interpreter and say what language you speak.

The Refugee Journey video was created by Solace and is shared here with their permission.
View other videos on their website.

You are not alone

Moving to a new country or seeking safety can be very hard. People often say they feel:

  • worried or anxious
  • stressed about what might happen
  • low or numb
  • tired or unable to sleep
  • lonely or isolated
  • upset or afraid
  • under pressure because of housing, money, or immigration status

These feelings are normal after difficult experiences. They are not a sign of weakness.

Remember, help is available in Leeds, whatever your immigration status and you don’t need to be in crisis to ask for help.

Support in Leeds

Practical and community support

These organisations can help with housing, money, support appointments,
immigration questions and day-to-day life:

  • Leeds Refugee Forum: Supports refugees and people seeking asylum with advice, wellbeing support, English and digital skills, and family activities. They also help people connect with local services and community groups.
  • Meeting Point Leeds: Offers friendly drop-in support for refugees, people seeking asylum and migrants, including advice, food, English classes, community activities, and help finding other services.
  • PAFRAS: Supports people seeking asylum who may be at risk of destitution or homelessness. They offer casework, food support, wellbeing activities, and help with asylum-related issues and essential services.
  • RETAS: Helps refugees and people seeking asylum with education, training and employment, including ESOL (English) support and guidance to help settle into life in Leeds.
  • Migrant Action: Provides information, advice and advocacy for migrants, including people with insecure immigration status. They support with things like housing, money, rights, work, and understanding your options.
  • Give a Gift: Supports refugees and people seeking asylum with advocacy services, a cultural food hub, wellbeing support, and volunteering opportunities. They also help people feel connected to their community through activities and events.
  • Abigail Housing: Provides temporary accommodation for new refugees, helping them access benefits, healthcare, education, and community services while working towards long-term housing solutions.

Mental health and wellbeing support

These services can help if you feel stressed, low, worried, or unable to sleep:

  • Solace: Specialist mental health support including therapy and group support. You can also explore their free online wellbeing resources in different languages.
  • Bevan: Free health and wellbeing support, including help with GP access and group activities.
  • Angels of Freedom: Provides social and peer support for LGBTQ+ people seeking asylum, including exercise groups, social events and volunteering opportunities.

View the full range of services for refugees, migrants and people seeking asylum in our directory. Enter your postcode to find services in your area.

Useful information and guides

These resources can help you understand your rights, services and next steps:

  • Right to Remain Toolkit – step-by-step guide to the asylum system and your rights.
  • New to Leeds – practical information after an asylum decision (housing, benefits, bank accounts and next steps).
  • Kompasi – an online list of local advice, wellbeing and community services.

Looking after yourself

Small things can help your wellbeing. This might include going outside, keeping a routine, or talking to someone you trust. 

These things can help alongside other support.

If you are worried about someone else

If you are worried about a friend or family member, trust your feelings. You do not need to have all the answers.

Listening and helping them find support can make a difference.

How to support someone else

Still not sure where to go?

You can:

You do not have to work this out on your own.

Thank you to the local organisations and community members who helped make this page.