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.

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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

    Justice First

    3 weeks ago

    Justice First
    Happy Friday – some more good news from us! 🎉We’re delighted to share that we have been awarded £50,000 in funding over three years from Postcode Neighbourhood Trust, thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery!This is another fantastic boost for our organisation and will help us continue our work supporting people experiencing injustice, while developing and strengthening the support we provide to our communities.We’re hugely grateful to Postcode Neighbourhood Trust and to everyone who plays the People’s Postcode Lottery for making this funding possible.It’s a great way to head into the weekend – thank you for supporting the work we do! 🧡#JusticeFirst #GoodNews #PostcodeNeighbourhoodTrust #PeoplesPostcodeLottery #CommunitySupport ... See MoreSee Less

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    Supporting people seeking sanctuary & refugees in the Northeast of England. We offer specialist legal advice regulated by OISC. 🧡#BuildingBridgesNotWalls

    Justice1st1
    justice1st1

    Justice First

    @justice1st1 ·
    6 Feb

    🧡 £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

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    justice1st1

    Justice First

    @justice1st1 ·
    2 Sep 2025

    ❗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.

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