Bristol City Council Unveils Plan to Support Almost 1,000 Asylum Seekers Living in City Hotels

Strategic Insights -

Bristol City Council is planning to provide additional support for the almost 1,000 asylum seekers staying in three hotels in the city. The council aims to help these individuals understand cultural norms in the UK, be ready for employment, and access housing through its new "sanctuary strategy". This strategy comes as the number of refugees and asylum seekers in Bristol has shot up over the last decade, from 200-300 in 2012 to 5,000 in 2023.

Key Takeaways:

  • The council plans to provide more English classes, employment workshops, advice on getting a GP appointment, and sim cards to asylum seekers.
  • The number of refugees and asylum seekers in Bristol has increased from 200-300 in 2012 to 5,000 in 2023.
  • 81% of hotel residents are families and a third of these are children.
  • People seeking sanctuary are five times more likely to have mental health needs.
  • The council has been working with the national government to provide sanctuary to those fleeing conflict in Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine.
  • Councillor Christine Townsend, chair of the children and young people policy committee, highlighted the city's history of welcoming refugees and asylum seekers.

Statistics:

  • 5,000 refugees and asylum seekers are currently in Bristol, an increase from 200-300 in 2012.
  • 1,133 asylum seekers were housed in Bristol as of last November, with 853 of them staying in three hotels.
  • 81% of hotel residents are families.
  • A third of family residents are children.
  • People seeking sanctuary are five times more likely to have mental health needs.
  • The number of refugees and asylum seekers in Bristol is expected to continue to increase due to global conflicts and crises.

Sources:

  • Ahmad, R. (2023). Bristol City Council Unveils Plan to Support Almost 1,000 Asylum Seekers Living in City Hotels. [Source URL]
  • Bristol City Council. (2022). Sanctuary Strategy. [Source URL]
  • Townsend, C. (2023). Sanctuary Strategy. [Source URL]