Hartlepool has a growing and diverse community of young people who have sought asylum as children and who are now embarking on their pathway to independence outside the family culture and customs they have grown up with.
If you are under 18, you will be looked after by Hartlepool Borough Council, just like any other child or young person who needs support. We will look after you and help you to get the support and advice you need. It is important that your Care Plan or Pathway Plan is clear about what you need to do.
When you are under 18, you will have the same entitlements as every other child in our care.
The immigration process
We will help you:
- access an immigration solicitor
- attend appointments linked to your asylum claim
Talk to your Social Worker or Personal Adviser if you are unsure about your immigration status. We will explain things clearly and use an interpreter if you need one.
While you are waiting for a decision from the Home Office, we will plan for all possible outcomes. Your Social Worker or Personal Adviser will support you with this. Together, we will plan for:
- a future in the UK if you are granted some form of leave to remain
- ongoing support while you wait for a decision from the Home Office
- a back‑up plan if your claim is refused and you have exhausted all appeals
You will be given a copy of our Local Offer, which provides an overview of the support we will provide to you. This can be translated into your preferred language where possible (including Pashto, Arabic and Somali).
Your family and support network
We want you to have safe, supportive people around you while you live in the UK. With your consent, we will:
- refer you to the Red Cross Family Tracing Service to help locate your family members
- help you connect with family members already living in the UK
Education and employment
When you come into care, we will support you to access education in your local area. Many young people start with ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) or a variety of other courses.
If you are granted asylum, your Social Worker or Personal Adviser will help you explore employment and training opportunities. You may also be discussed at our Care2Work panel so you can be linked to additional support.
Your identity and culture
We will help you keep and celebrate your identity. This includes:
- providing important religious or cultural items, such as prayer mats or religious texts
- supporting you to attend local places of worship
- helping you celebrate important festivals
We also hold regular events where you can share your culture with others. If you are under 21, you can receive a holiday allowance to support your celebrations.
Your health and wellbeing
We will help you register for health services, including a doctor, dentist and optician.
At 18, you will receive a Health Passport with important information about your health history.
You can also use free sports facilities at Mill House, Brierton and the Headland Gym through our Local Offer.
Additional support is available from:
- North East Migration Partnership
- The Refugee Council
- AskJan, which offers 24‑hour emotional and wellbeing support
Your Social Worker or Personal Adviser can signpost you to other services if needed.
Accommodation in the UK
When you arrive in Hartlepool, you will be given suitable accommodation. This may be:
- with a foster family
- in residential care
- in supported accommodation
You will always have your own room.
If you are granted Leave to Remain, you can apply for a council tenancy at 18, with priority as a care leaver within the Hartlepool area. Your worker will explain this when you are ready to live independently.
Useful contacts
You can get more information or support from:
- Refugee Council – advice and support to help you settle into your new community
- Migrant Help – independent advice for people seeking asylum in the UK
- British Red Cross – support for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants
- NYAS – supports children and young people to help their voices be heard
Our team
We have three dedicated workers who support Unaccompanied Asylum‑Seeking Young People:
- Leanne Lupton – Social Worker
- Duncan Mellonie – Social Worker
- Haley Cooper – Personal Adviser
You can contact them through the Leaving Care Team on 01429 284284