Useful library information for refugees and asylum seekers

• All libraries provide access to computers and Wi-Fi
• All you need is your library card and PIN (provided when you join)
• Printing, photocopying and scanning is free up to a maximum of £1.50 per day
• Volunteers called digital champions can help you use a computer

• Read books to help improve grammar, listening, speaking and reading skills
• Dual-language children’s books are available
• Learn English online with Mango Languages
• Read short stories, poetry and non-fiction
• Discover books for children and adults inspired by refugees and asylum seekers

Read books in Polish, Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi and Urdu. There is also a small selection of Kurdish, Pashto, Farsi, and Turkish.

Read newspapers in another language or in English with PressReader, an online service accessible via the library computers. Languages include Arabic, Persian, Polish and Punjabi.

Story time, rhyme time and activities for children

Both sessions are free – pre-booking is required at your local library:

• Story time - a fun and interactive storytelling activity designed for under 5s
• Rhyme time - a fun and interactive singing activity with songs and rhymes for pre-school children

Read Ahead – reading challenge

Develop your reading skills with the Read Ahead challenge. Read six books, record your thoughts in your personal reading diary and claim your special certificate.   

Volunteering at the library

Find out about volunteering opportunities at your local library.  

Smartcities Get Active Card

Sanctuary seekers in receipt of official ID e.g. Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or Application Registration Card (ARC) can apply for a ‘Get Active Card’ (apply using the Smartcities application form). The card will entitle the holder to access activities e.g. swimming, gym and table tennis at a reduced rate.

CLEAR Project

Provide support, help, advice and the opportunity to learn English.

Website: CLEAR Project
Address: James Street Centre, 2 James Street, Southampton SO14 1PJ
Tel: 023 8022 1111
Email: reception@clearproject.org.uk
Please call to book an appointment

Southampton Action

We work to support refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable groups in Southampton and further afield by collecting donations for distribution to those in the local area, Calais and further afield and providing practical assistance to refugees.

Email: information@southamptonaction.org
For the latest efforts to help sanctuary seekers, please visit their Facebook page @southamptonaction.

Multi-cultural Centre, St Andrews Church, The Avenue

A weekly drop-in session on Friday’s 10am – 3pm. There are games and activities with the opportunity to make friends, have lunch and talk to support organisations in the city.

Tel: 023 8067 8787

Southampton and Winchester Visitors Group

A group of volunteers who befriend and support adult asylum seekers and refugees in the Southampton area.

Website: Southampton and Winchester Visitors Group
Address: Southampton and Winchester Visitors Group, PO box 1615, Southampton, SO17 3WF
Tel: 0750 317 6350
Email:  info@swvg-refugees.org.uk

Refugee Council

Work directly with thousands of refugees each year, providing support from the moment they arrive in the UK. They also provide crisis advice and practical support, help them to integrate into their new communities and offer mental health counselling to help them come to terms with the trauma so many of them have experienced.

Website: Refugee Council
Address: The Refugee Council, PO Box 68614, London, E15 9DQ
Tel: 020 73466700
Email: info@refugeecouncil.org.uk

Migrant Help UK

For people who have claimed asylum and need financial help and support. Provide information in other languages and a translation service. 

Website: Migrant Help UK
Tel: 0808 8000 630
Email: ah@migranthelpuk.org