VIENNA, Austria — From March 2025 to 2026, more than 313,000 refugees settled in the United Kingdom (U.K.). This accounts for approximately 0.44% of the population, or one per 230 people. Ninety-five percent of entries via illegal routes were on small boats, with Eritrean, Afghan, Sudanese, Iranian and Somali being the most common nationalities. The government reported that 98,000 individuals have received asylum support.
UK Refugee Advice Centers
U.K. refugee advice centers are charity-based services that provide free, drop-in assistance for refugees and those seeking asylum. This can range from a simple hot meal and shower to help finding housing or work. The Refugee Council, which provides services throughout the U.K., aims to support refugees in finding safety and security in the country and help with integration into communities and contributing to society.
The Derby Refugee Forum
The Borgen Project spoke to Selma Todorovac, the program coordinator at Derby Refugee Forum (DRF). The DRF is based in the city center and offers advice drop-ins, English and math lessons, workshops and creative sessions. It is primarily run by volunteers, who are “at the heart of everything we do,” Todorovac said. The center focuses on practical life skills, community engagement and well-being support for attendees. This includes mental health and hate crime awareness, advice on job applications, budgeting and art therapy. It also has a food bank for those experiencing destitution.
Derby is in the East Midlands and has one of the highest rates of asylum seekers in the U.K. Figures have doubled since 2014, averaging 50 per 10,000 people living in the area. This highlights the vital work the DRF does as one of the U.K. refugee advice centers helping people rebuild their lives in Britain.
Like many other U.K. refugee advice centers, Todorovac said that the “moving on process” is the most common issue for those visiting the DRF. The number of individuals granted asylum status in Derby has increased and they often need assistance integrating into life in the U.K. The team can support by helping open bank accounts, apply for universal credit, register for a doctor or inform local councils they require urgent housing.
Working With Other UK Refugee Charities
The DRF collaborates with other U.K. refugee advice centers and charities throughout the country. Todorovac explained how it often refers individuals to specialized services, such as the British Red Cross, when they need assistance that falls outside the DRF’s remit.
Partner organizations also often hold sessions at the center for clients to learn about the support available from other charities, ask questions and access additional services that may benefit them, Todorovac explained. This ensures people receive the most appropriate support at every stage of their journey.
Difficulties for UK Refugee Advice Centers
Todorovac spoke on some of the difficulties for the DRF. Finding secure and safe housing is at the top of that list. While refugees are seeking asylum, they are often placed in hotels or temporary accommodation. Once the government grants them asylum status, many are given just a month to find somewhere else to stay. “While it is positive that refugees are now being granted status more quickly, there is often not enough suitable housing available for them to move into,” Todorovac said. Many face homelessness or stay in what is meant to be a short-term solution longer-term.
The constantly changing U.K. asylum and immigration system is also a challenge for Todorovac and her team. They must ensure they keep up with new government policies and information to provide the best advice for those coming into the center. Additionally, finding the right language interpreters can be difficult. “At the moment, for example, we are seeing more people who speak Tigrinya and Amharic, but there is a shortage of interpreters for these languages.” However, Todorovac emphasized that the “staff and volunteers remain committed to supporting those who need our help.”
Positive Experiences at DRF
Todorovac highlighted some positive experiences at the DRF. “It is incredibly rewarding to see someone gain confidence, overcome a challenge, secure housing, access education or employment, or simply feel more connected to their community,” she said. The continued determination, kindness and willingness to support others, despite the difficult circumstances the clients have experienced, speak to their resilience and strength in rebuilding a life in the U.K.
Looking Ahead
Amid rising anti-immigration movements in the country, the work U.K. refugee advice centers such as the DRF are doing is important to help individuals and their families feel settled. Reform UK is gaining popularity in local and national government, and nationalist protests such as “Unite the Kingdom” and “Stop the Boats” are growing. However, Todorovac and her team continue to strive to provide a safe and welcoming environment for everyone who enters the center.
– Louise Nethercott
Louise is based in Vienna, Austria and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr