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

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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

    1 day ago

    👋 Meet Our Interns: Max & Drew! We're delighted to welcome two brilliant interns from Teesside University who recently joined the team at Justice First!Drew is passionate about international politics and supporting people navigating the legal system. With experience from the Teesside University Law Clinic, he’s excited to build on his skills by advising asylum seekers and refugees.Max is a recent Crime and Investigation BSc (Hons) graduate with a strong desire to serve his community. Although new to this field, Max is eager to gain hands-on experience that will support his future career in the police. Outside of work, he enjoys playing piano, going to the gym, and spending time with loved ones.Over the next few months, Max and Drew will be supporting us with admin, triaging, and casework research - and we’re thrilled to have them on board! This internship is just one example of our ongoing and growing relationship with Teesside University. We’re proud to continue working with students through placements, internships, and research collaborations.Recently, a group of MA students from Teesside University completed a research report during their placement with us:The Legal Aid Crisis and Its Impact on Asylum Seekers and Refugee Claims in the UK. This report highlights the harsh realities of navigating the asylum process amidst cuts to legal aid and contributes valuable insights to the wider policy conversation.📄 You can read the full report on our website under the Research and Reports section, or follow this link: justicefirst.org.uk/immigration-detention-of-women/We’re incredibly proud of all the students who have worked with us and thankful to Teesside University for their continued collaboration. ... See MoreSee Less
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    2 weeks ago

    📍 Newcastle Service Delivery: 3 Months of ImpactSince starting service delivery on 11 February 2025, we've supported individuals across Newcastle, Gateshead, and nearby areas with specialist legal advice and support. Thanks to funding from The Mirianog Trust, we’ve been able to provide:✅ General legal advice for people seeking asylum ✅ Support for new asylum seekers without legal representation ✅ Appeals advice following Home Office refusals ✅ Fresh Claim merit assessments and next steps guidance This work is only possible with The Mirianog Trust’s generous support, which is helping people rebuild their lives. We're also incredibly grateful to the British Red Cross for providing office space that’s allowed this work to happen in a welcoming, accessible setting.We’re proud of what’s been achieved so far - and we’re just getting started. 🧡#AsylumSupport #NewcastleServices #CharityWork #CommunitySupport #MirianogTrust #ThankYou #BuildingBridgesNotWalls #RebuildingLives #ReunitingFamilies ... See MoreSee Less
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    📍 Newcastle Service Delivery: 3 Months of Impact

    Since starting service delivery on 11 February 2025, we've supported individuals across Newcastle, Gateshead, and nearby areas with specialist legal advice and support.

    Eid Mubarak from all of us at Justice First! May this Eid bring peace, joy, and happiness to all celebrating! ☪️🌙🧡

    #EidMubarak #JusticeFirst

    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

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