Asylum seeker legal advice project wins award

The Asylum Support Appeals Project (ASAP) helps asylum seekers who are appealing a refusal or discontinuation of asylum support by the Home Office.

It employs four legal advisors and works with more than 40 solicitors and barristers who volunteer their time for free to represent asylum seekers at the Asylum Support Tribunal in Tower Hamlets.

The project received a £30,000 cash prize as well as the award, which is held in memory of former director of housing at Haringey Council Andy Ludlow, at a ceremony last night.

Steve Bullock, executive member for housing at London Councils, said: “Homelessness is one of the most important issues facing London today.

“ASAP offers invaluable legal advice to support destitute asylum seekers as they take their appeal to tribunal. It provides a vital service to very vulnerable people, bringing some stability to their lives.”

The Catering Trainee Scheme, which helps homeless people, or people with substance misuse or mental health issues and is run by charity Providence Row, was awarded the runner-up prize. Centrepoint’s Mini-Workwise programme, which helps people into work, came third.

The awards are sponsored by the London Housing Foundation, homelessness charity Shelter, the mayor of London and London Councils.