We work closely with local support groups, charities and organisations to help refugees overcome the different challenges they may face and establish themselves in the community.
Local support groups
The Cambridge Ethnic Community Forum (CECF) is providing advice and practical help to asylum seekers and refugees in Cambridge. CECF is an umbrella organisation for Cambridge and district that also provides racial equality services to individuals and groups.
The Cambridge Refugee Resettlement Campaign (CRRC) is recruiting volunteers and linking up community initiatives to assist refugees in the Cambridge area. CRRC also provides support and guidance to landlords renting their properties to refugees. For general enquiries contact CRRC at info@cambridgerefugees.org.
The Cambridge Convoy Refugee Action Group (CamCRAG) is helping refugees in Northern France and elsewhere. They are looking for donations of cash and specific foods, as well as volunteers.
The Cambridge Refugee Hub advances research, practice and policy at the University of Cambridge. It was established in 2021 to create awareness and solidarity with refugees, and to stand with refugees as a Cambridge community.
Learning English
Eligible residents can access free English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes. These classes may be face-to-face or online, and in the daytime or evening, so you can get help to learn English around other commitments such as childcare or work.
- Cambridge Regional College – for ages 16 to 18
- Cambridge Regional College – for ages 19 and older, including Huntingdon campus)
- Cambridgeshire Skills [Cambridgeshire County Council]
- Workers Education Association (WEA)
- Runway Training
- Cambridge English Language Society (C-ELS)
There are also various groups around Cambridge and online for people to learn and practice their English in a friendly and supportive setting.
- ESOL Café
- Improve Your English (Cambridgeshire County Council)
- Cambridge Women’s Resource Centre – for women only
- Cambridge Refugee Resettlement Campaign (CRRC)
- Cambridge Russian-Speaking Society (CamRuSS)
- Conversation over Borders
You can also find free online resources for learning English in your own time online, including resources for learning English for under-19s.
Help finding a job
We understand the different challenges refugees face when looking for work.
If you need help in looking for a job, we work closely with organisations specialised in helping refugees overcome barriers and find employment. Covering the Cambridgeshire area, they provide practical advice and guidance to support you during your job search.
For those who are not English speakers, interpreters are available to assist during the job search process. You may also be eligible for an English language course to help develop your English language skills.
Beam is a social enterprise that integrates refugees into society by providing employment support, matching each service-user referred with a specialist caseworker and connecting them with a supportive online community. The service covers Cambridge city and is available until September 2025.
Businesses interested in providing opportunities to refugees to fill local skill gaps can email hello@beam.org for further details.
The Refugee Employability Programme (REP) is funded by the UK Government and delivered by Get Set UK, providing support via a Case Manager to assess individual needs and develop a tailored plan to help refugees find work. The service is available across Cambridgeshire until September 2025.
The Employability for Overseas Nationals (EON) project is operated by The Strategic Migration Partnership from the East of England Local Government Association and H.E.L.P charity is a tiered regional network working with partners to develop and support local migrant worker and asylum seekers and refugee networks in providing job opportunities. The service covers Cambridgeshire and is available until April 2025.
STEP Ukraine is a virtual, 12-week English language and employment programme for Ukrainians in the UK. It is funded by the UK government and provides support via an employment advisor for CV writing, job search, job applications, and interview preparation. To check eligibility and apply, complete the referral form or call the freephone 0800 319 6089. The programme is available until Spring 2025.
Staying safe in the community
Modern Slavery - Cambridge City Council is committed to preventing modern slavery and supporting victims, as outlined in our Modern slavery statement.
Hate crime and racial harassment - Racial harassment is abuse suffered by individuals, families, or groups of people because of their colour, race, nationality, or ethnic or national origin.
Our Racial Harassment Service can offer advice and help to anyone living in or visiting Cambridge suffering racial harassment.
Domestic abuse - Domestic abuse is not just physical violence. It is any type of abuse from someone you have (or have had) a relationship with, including economic, emotional, sexual or mental abuse. Our Advice for people affected by domestic abuse webpage provides information, advice and support to people affected by domestic abuse.
- No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) Network - advice on Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession (formerly DDVC)
- Karma Nirvana – working to end Honor Based Violence (HBV)
Charities
Charities that support refugees abroad seek donations to support their work. These include:
The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants support with all areas of asylum and immigration law for clients across the UK. Their helpline, 0800 160 1004, is open from 10am to 1pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Refugee Education UK support young refugees with advice about accessing education and wellbeing.
Refugees at Home connects hosts to refugees and those seeking asylum looking for a place to stay.
