One of the key features of strong communities is the ability to welcome newcomers – but what is it like for refugees settling in communities in UK for the first time?

Together with the Good Faiths Partnership, we’re pleased to launch some new research exploring this topic. “Treat Us Like Humans: A Report on the Lived Experience of the Asylum System” highlights what it’s like to navigate asylum accommodation and support services in the UK, and why it’s more important than ever to listen to the voices of those directly impacted by the asylum system when pushing for reform.

The report, published as part of the Welcoming Mayors Project, sheds light on the experiences of people who have sought asylum in several key regions of the UK; the North West, North East and London. Conducted in collaboration with NACCOM and the charity’s volunteer Community Researchers, Kas, Ann Ahmed, Shamim and Nico, who all have lived experience of destitution and immigration control, and supported by the RAMP Project, this work is a crucial step toward building a more humane, dignified, and effective asylum housing system, and looks specifically at the role that Metro Mayors and Combined Authorities can play in creating welcoming communities, and how lived experience should inform this work.

What the report reveals

Funded by the Lloyds Bank Foundation, the Welcoming Mayors Project focuses on the role of Mayors and Combined Authorities in the delivery of asylum housing and support services. Central to this research were three focus groups held between July and October 2024 in Manchester, Newcastle, and London.

With the support of local organisations The Boaz Trust, Action Foundation, and Notre Dame Refugee Centre, these discussions provided a space for 30 people to share their firsthand experiences.

Participants—ranging in age and nationality —spoke candidly about their challenges and successes in navigating local services, and finding a sense of belonging in their new communities. Topics included:

  • Housing: Experiences in asylum accommodation, including challenges with quality, safety, and stability.
  • Community: The barriers and opportunities to building connections in new areas.
  • Public Services: Accessibility and responsiveness of essential services like healthcare, education, and legal aid.
  • Personal aspirations: Hopes and challenges for the future, including accessing work, education, and participation in local communities.

Key Findings

At the heart of this report is a simple yet powerful plea: “Treat us like humans.” The focus groups revealed systemic issues with the current model of asylum support and housing that undermine the dignity and wellbeing of people seeking asylum, including:

  • Inadequate housing conditions that fail to meet basic standards of safety and comfort.
  • Isolation and exclusion that hinder the ability to build meaningful connections.
  • Barriers to accessing services that leave many feeling isolated from the very systems meant to support them.

However, the report also highlights the resilience and aspirations of participants, who, despite these challenges, are eager to contribute and thrive within their communities.

What’s next?

The Welcoming Mayors Project lends support to a growing call for the Home Office to use the 2026 break clause in asylum accommodation contracts to pilot a decentralised model of asylum housing. This represents a unique opportunity to address the serious issues identified in the report and to reimagine the asylum system as one rooted in humanity, dignity, and collaboration.

As we move forward, the voices of those with lived experience must remain at the centre of this work. Together, we can create a system that not only supports people seeking asylum but also empowers them to thrive.