Justice First

Justice First was set up in 2006 in response to a lack of specialist legal advice and support for asylum seekers, refugees and other members of the community in the Tees Valley area. The core purpose of Justice First remains to respond to the needs of people in the Tees Valley who are seeking asylum in the UK but have had their initial application rejected. People in this position may have a very good case for asylum, but with nowhere else to turn, they often face destitution with no means of financial support. This also includes supporting those seeking sanctuary with applications for protection-based settlement (indefinite leave to remain), family reunion applications and extensions of existing leave. We are a specialist service in the North East that works closely with, and refers people to other supportive organisations as appropriate. We offer specialist legal advice, practical and emotional support, community activities, volunteer befrienders, and deliver refugee awareness training, presentations, and talks. Please come and see us if you need advice on your fresh asylum claim, refugee settlement application, family reunion application, or extension of discretionary leave. This includes advice and support with fee waiver applications, applying to have a no recourse to public funds restriction lifted, applications for child citizenship, and other immigration related enquiries.