Our Fair Way Scotland accommodation provides community-based, temporary accommodation for those who have become homeless and have lost their entitlement to support.
Refugee Sanctuary Scotland is also part of the Fair Way Scotland partnership which is a proactive action inquiry partnership that is committed to ending destitution among people with uncertain or restricted eligibility due to their immigration status. Within this partnership, the Breathing Space model of community based temporary accommodation has been advocated as best practice, with Refugee Sanctuary Scotland providing community-based accommodation support within flats for one or two individuals.
Who are these services for?
These services are for people in the asylum system who are not eligible for Home Office or any other statutory support and are destitute, therefore those who have no recourse to public funds. The main reason for this is likely to be as individuals are Appeal Rights Exhausted (ARE). This service is also for people who are applying for leave to remain on other grounds such as Humanitarian grounds and are destitute and homeless.
These services are for people who can live independently and within the terms of our occupancy agreement. It is important that referrers make people aware of the terms of the occupancy agreement and discuss this with them before referring.
Due to the nature of referrals, it may be the case that a client is sharing with someone of a different ethnicity/culture/religion. We understand this can be challenging at times but because our resources are limited, we can’t ‘match’ people in the way some service users might prefer. Staff support is on hand to help clients deal with any misunderstandings that may occur.
Primarily, this service is for people who are destitute and need a safe place to stay while focusing on resolving their asylum case. It is expected that clients will be proactive in working with their lawyer and other legal advice services to prepare and submit their legal cases. We understand that many cases are complex, and that progress can be slow, but we are unable to provide accommodation for an indefinite period.
What these services are not:
• The services are not an emergency accommodation provision.
• The services are not supported housing or a social care provision.
• The services cannot support people with complex needs.
• Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate family groups.
Questions?
Should you be in any doubt or have any questions in relation to our accommodation services please do not hesitate to contact us at: info@refugeesanctuaryscotland.org.uk