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.
Jump to information about:
- Local support groups
- Learning English
- IT equipment including laptops and mobile phones
- Help finding a job
- Education
- Staying safe in the community
- Charities
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.
Classes are offered at a range of levels – providers will ask you to complete an assessment to help find the right course for you.
English classes may be face-to-face or online, and in the daytime or evening. You might prefer a more formal or conversational setting to learn, or a combination of both.
Check the lists of providers and resources below to find the most suitable way for you to learn English around your life and other commitments, such as childcare or work.
In person
- Adult Education
- Adult Learn and Train
- Breaking Barriers
- C3 Church
- Cambridge English Language Society
- Cambridge Regional College – for ages 16 to 18
- Cambridge Regional College – for ages 19 and older, including Huntingdon campus
- Cambridge Refugee Resettlement Campaign
- Cambridge Russian-Speaking Society
- Cambridgeshire Skills [Cambridgeshire County Council]
- Workers Education Association
Online
Conversational
- Cambridge Women’s Resource Centre – for women only
- Conversation over Borders
- ESOL Café
- Hope Against Poverty
- Improve Your English [Cambridgeshire County Council]
Resources
- ESOL Courses
- ESOL for under-19s [North East Migration Partnership]
- Flash Academy app
IT equipment including laptops and mobile phones
Sustainable Tech 4 Good refurbishes tech devices obtained from companies and educational establishments and recycles them, ready for use by people in need.
Cambridge Refugee Resettlement Campaign has partnered with them to help people arriving from Ukraine who are facing situations in their lives which will be helped by having access to working technology.
Cambridge Online offers help with computer devices and internet data to support people in need get online at home.
Cambridgeshire Libraries offer free Wi-Fi and free use of their public computers. They also offer a digital equipment loan scheme.
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.
The Employability for Overseas Nationals project is operated by the Strategic Migration Partnership from Local Government East and the Help charity. It 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 Cambridge and is available until April 2026.
Cambridgeshire Skills can provide overseas nationals with training and finding employment. Contact cambsiag@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or 01353 613013 for more information or to book a careers appointment.
The Specialist Training and Employment Programme is a free programme by World Jewish Relief that provides employment support and English classes. The next course starts in July 2025, with another starting in October 2025.
The Launchpad Collective are a national charity offering free online tailored mentoring and a Work Ready English Course.
Education
Cambridgeshire County Council manages education. Read their information about the education system to learn how to find a place in a school or nursery.
The University of Cambridge can support people from forced migration backgrounds to study who may not meet their usual entry requirements or require financial assistance.
Refugee Education UK supports young refugees with advice about accessing education and wellbeing.
The Council for At-Risk Academics (Cara) supports academics who are forced to flee any country in the world. It works to provide them with temporary refuge in universities, including in Cambridge.
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 can be committed against a person or property. It is any crime which the victim or any other person perceives to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards any aspect of a person’s identity.
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.
Refugees at Home connects hosts to refugees and those seeking asylum looking for a place to stay.
