Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Support from Aston

Listening Ear is a pastoral support drop-in service based on campus. It offers the following support for students, regardless of religious affiliation: confidential, non-judgemental listening; help in times of distress; signposting to specialist sources of help (including faith contacts if you wish).

There are a variety of mentoring schemes available at Aston which are designed to enable students, alumni and professionals alike to have the opportunity to support the Aston student community, develop skills, expand networks and share experiences. You will have the opportunity to engage in mentoring activities at every stage of your learning journey.

Useful resources

The following organisations and resources can offer further support and advice:

TARGETjobs: equality and diversity issues, and your graduate job hunt - You can find advice on a range of key equality and diversity issues in this article. They look at your rights during the recruitment process, disclosing information to your employers and more. 

Citizens Advice - They can offer you confidential advice online, over the phone and in person, for free. They have a range of resources related to immigration on their website.

Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers - This is a definitive list of UK-based organisations that promote inclusion across all protected characteristics, throughout each level of employment within their organisation.

Refugee Action - This charity helps refugees and people seeking asylum to get the basic support they need to live with dignity and to build safe, happy and productive lives in the UK.

Refugee Council - They support refugees and people seeking asylum with crisis advice and practical support. They can also help integrate you into your new community and offer mental health counselling. They are also the only organisation providing a national service in support of refugee children and young people who arrive in the UK alone.

The Refugee & Migrant Centre (Black Country and Birmingham) - This organisation assists refugees and those seeking asylum by removing barriers to their integration and enabling them to become equal citizens.

Totaljobs Guides - If you’ve got questions about work equality, take a look at these expert guides from Totaljobs which cover topics such as how to ask for a pay rise, gender transitioning in the workplace, what it’s like to be deaf in the workplace and more. 

VERCIDA - The UK’s largest diversity and inclusion-focused career hub for recruiters and jobseekers. As well as promoting jobs with inclusive employers, they provide resources for a range of applicants including, those with disabilities, those aged over 50, LGBTQ+ applicants, religious applicants and more.