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

    β€œYour 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

    β€œOur 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

    β€œI 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

    β€œI 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

    β€œThey 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

    β€œGreat team with huge empathy. God bless you. You helped me indirectly and I am very grateful and humble.”

    JF Client

    β€œOutstanding 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

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    Justice First

    Justice First

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

    2 weeks ago

    The Stockton Asylum Service Fair is tomorrow! Please spread the word!Who is it for? People seeking asylum and refugees living in and around Stockton Borough.When and where is it? Drop in any time between 11am-3pm on Thursday, 10 April at the Jubilee Centre, Yarm Road.What is it? The main hall will have tables for each organisation. Depending on your needs, you will get access to information, advice and appointments. Volunteers will be there to help you find what you need.Why should I go? Many organisations, including Justice First, Open Door North East, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, Catalyst Stockton, Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees, Stockton-on-Tees Employment and Training Hub, Regional Refugee Forum North East, Cleveland Police, British Red Cross, and Harbour Support Services will be there to help you with housing, employment, healthcare, benefits, utilities, college and education, children's holiday clubs or legal advice. Looking forward to seeing you there! ... See MoreSee Less
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    4 weeks ago

    Eid Mubarak from all of us at Justice First! May this Eid bring peace, joy, and happiness to all celebrating! β˜ͺοΈπŸŒ™πŸ§‘#eidmubarak #JusticeFirst ... See MoreSee Less
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    1) 🚨 Exciting News from Justice First! 🚨

    Thanks to additional funding, we are expanding our services into Newcastle to provide specialist legal advice to people seeking asylum and refugees in Tyneside.

    #LegalSupport #JusticeFirst #AccessToJustice #BuildingBridgesNotWalls

    We are thrilled to share that one of our clients, whom we supported with further submissions, has been granted 5 years refugee status today.πŸŽ‰

    Moments like these remind us why we do what we do. We are so happy for our client, who can now start rebuilding their life. 🧑

    We will be closing for from 12pm today, and we’ll be back on January 2nd.

    We want to thank the JF community for your ongoing support this year. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year filled with joy, peace, and hope. πŸ’«πŸŽ„πŸ™ŒπŸ§‘

    See you in 2025!

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