LAS provides support and accommodation specific to the needs of unaccompanied minors and asylum seekers whether settled in the UK or newly-arrived. The LAS management team have jointly worked with unaccompanied minors, asylum seekers and refugees in the not-for-profit sector for over 25 years. Our staff team have first-hand experience of what it feels like to be a new arrival to the UK. LAS staff are trained to meet the specific needs of unaccompanied minors, asylum seekers and refugees and are compassionate and understanding of their experiences and needs.

On arrival staff will:

• Welcome the young people to the home, make them feel they are safe and supported from the onset.
• Explain the placement and what we do. LAS will request an interpreter for this if required.
• Accompany the young people to the Home Office for their immigration claim
• Support them in finding legal representation
• Link them to not-for-profit advisory services such as Refugee Council, The Medical Foundation, Red Cross where appropriate.
• Connect them to their local cultural community or group/religious establishment
• Ensure they receive and register with appropriate health and medical care
• Support them in accessing education such as ESOL/training if possible
• Open a bank account
• Access an interpreter
• Empower them with the life skills needed for life in the UK, e.g. money and money management, shopping, cooking, cultural awareness, managing their health and hygiene.
• Collaborate with the young people in achieving positive outcomes underpinned by the Every Child Matters framework and that are tailored to their needs.