About Justice First

Justice First was set up in 2006 in response to a lack of specialist legal advice and support for asylum seekers and refugees arriving in the Tees Valley.

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, 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 or family reunion application.

Get Involved!

We would love to hear from you if you’d like to register to become a volunteer with Justice First.

We have a range of volunteering opportunities from regular involvement to one-off events and activities.

    Our vision is of a society based on a tradition of welcoming, acceptance and dignity for those who seek safety in the UK

    Justice First Client Feedback

    “Your strong support, your constant words of peace, encouragement and calmness helped in more ways to keep my children and I going through this journey, more than you can ever imagine.”

    JF Client

    “Our success story is not complete without you and the Justice First team. We say thank you more than words can explain. We will never forget your kindness and will surely remember you in our prayers, thank you again.”

    JF Client

    “I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to you and your truly professional team for all the hard work towards presenting my case. You’ll always be my role model and a dear friend and a true gentleman. I am now a proud member of this great national and a greater community.”

    JF Client

    “I am grateful very much for such a voluntary organisation. Their kindness makes me believe in all good positive things. And I hope one day I could join them in helping more people without conditions.”

    JF Client

    “They are a very helpful organisation who help Asylum seekers who have no Solicitors. They’re straight to the point about whether they can help you or not. While you’re there, they offer you snacks, tea or coffee and if you are destitute, they can even help with clothes and food through another charity. Very wonderful bunch of people there.”

    JF Client

    “Great team with huge empathy. God bless you. You helped me indirectly and I am very grateful and humble.”

    JF Client

    “Outstanding service received today regarding my ILR application. The advisor has excellent communication skills. Very responsive and helpful.”

    JF Client

    Our Ongoing Mission!

    Unfortunately, the wars, oppression and violence in many Asian, African and Middle Eastern countries, that are driving people to leave and seek sanctuary elsewhere show no sign of abating. As Justice First builds its reputation as a reliable and trusted source of help and advice for asylum seekers, so the demand for our work grows.

    Justice First Socials

    Cover for Justice First
    1,056
    Justice First

    Justice First

    Our vision is of a society based on a tradition of welcome, acceptance and dignity for those who seek

    4 days ago

    Last week we had the pleasure of attending Newcastle College during their Enrichment Week, delivering sessions to two groups of students preparing for careers in childcare and education.Emma focused on the UK asylum system, the causes of forced displacement, and the experiences of asylum-seeking children. These are vital conversations for future educators, and we’re so encouraged by how thoughtfully the sessions were received (just take a look at the feedback 💬)! As we mark our 20th year, we’re committed to delivering even more sessions like these - reaching schools, colleges, and workplaces with informed, passionate conversations around asylum and migration. A huge thank you to the students who even attended in pyjamas as part of their fundraising efforts for us - we’re so grateful for your support!If you’d like to equip your staff or students with the knowledge and confidence to better understand and support people seeking asylum, we’d love to work with you. Booking a session is also a meaningful way to support our work as a charity. Get in touch! #AsylumAwareness #ForcedDisplacement#EducationMatters #CharityOutreach#SocialImpact ... See MoreSee Less
    View on Facebook

    1 week ago

    REMINDER! Tomorrow from 4pm! 🍷🧀Join Hamida White and Kath Sainsbury for a Cheese & Wine Night in support of Justice First’s 20th Year £20,000 Challenge 🧡Thank you both for supporting Justice First in our anniversary year - we’re so grateful!For details, contact:📧 hamidawhite@hotmail.com📧 KathS54@hotmail.comHave a wonderful evening - we can’t wait to see the photos! 📸🧀🍷 Cheese & Wine Fundraiser for Justice First 🍷🧀This Saturday 28th from 4pm, Hamida White and Kath Sainsbury are hosting a Cheese & Wine Night in support of Justice First’s 20th Year £20,000 Challenge. Thank you both for choosing to support Justice First in this anniversary year - we’re so grateful! 🧡If you’d like more information about the event, please contact the organisers directly:📧 hamidawhite@hotmail.com📧 KathS54@hotmail.comWe hope it’s a wonderful evening and can’t wait to see the photos! Interested in hosting your own fundraising event for Justice First? Let us know so we can help promote it on our socials! ... See MoreSee Less
    View on Facebook

    🧡 £20,000 for 20 Years 🧡
    In 2026 we turn 20! We’re raising £20k to keep providing life-changing legal advice for people seeking asylum and refugees in the Northeast.

    Donate, fundraise or share 👉 http://bit.ly/JusticeFirst20for20

    #20For20 #AccessToJustice #CharityFundraising #NorthEast

    ❗IMPORTANT UPDATE❗️
    Temporary Suspension of Refugee Family Reunion Applications

    We know this news has come as a shock. We are monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

    #BuildingBridgesNotWalls.

    Load More