The Destitute Asylum Seeker Service: A partnership approach to finding routes out of destitution
The Destitute Asylum Seeker Service (DASS) is led by the Refugee Survival Trust in partnership with the Scottish Refugee Council, British Red Cross, University of Strathclyde Law Clinic, Glasgow Night Shelter, and Castlemilk Community Church.
Together we support people in the asylum system who are experiencing destitution and who are struggling to meet their most basic needs because the Home Office has withdrawn their financial support and accommodation. Becoming destitute puts people seeking asylum in an extremely vulnerable situation because they are not permitted to work, claim benefits or access mainstream homeless services. People in this position are at risk of being exploited and abused because they are forced to make ‘survival decisions’ which can result in labour exploitation (working illegally for very little money), domestic servitude or even prostitution.
DASS provides casework support, legal advice, emergency shelter and temporary accommodation to assist asylum seekers facing destitution to work towards resolving their situation.
What support is available?
Using a model of holistic support, we offer a range of services to address individuals’ needs and enable people to access their entitlements and make informed choices about their next steps. Services available to DASS clients include:
- Holistic needs assessment
- Information and advice about rights and entitlements
- Casework and advocacy support
- Help with collecting destitution evidence for Section 4 applications (emergency Home Office support)
- Emergency shelter*
- Temporary accommodation*
- Legal advice**
- Help with preparing a fresh asylum claim**
* Subject to availability due to limited places.
** If the client does not have legal representation, or with the agreement of the client’s solicitor
Who can apply for support from The Destitute Asylum Seeker Service?
- Any person seeking advice and guidance on their next steps after their asylum appeal has been turned down.
- Any person in the asylum system who is homeless and has no means to support themselves.
How do I apply for support from the Destitute Asylum Seeker Service?
- Go along to one of the drop in sessions at the Scottish Refugee Council
- Call us on 0141-353-5603
- Email DASS_Administrator@rst.org.uk
- Download our DASS referral form (in pdf or MS Word format). Please email completed forms to DASS@scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk.
How can I find out more?
- Read our DASS Information Leaflet
- Contact us: DASS_Administrator@rst.org.uk
