Make a referral
If you are assisting someone from a refugee or asylum-seeking background who is at risk of destitution or homelessness, and whom you are actively supporting to rebuild their life, please apply for a caseworker account. Once approved, you will be able to refer your client for a placement with a Room for Refugees host.
“My caseworker Freya listened to me and was a huge support during the hard times.”
Karim with hosts Jack and Rachel
Apply for a caseworker account
Already have an account? Log in here.
A hosting placement with Room for Refugees provides stable, temporary accommodation, usually in a host's home, while you work towards securing their long-term housing options.
Ideally, this placement will provide the breathing space needed to secure access to public funds resolve your client's legal status. Additionally, we can work with local authorities in need of housing for Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children.
Our online system, REFER, enables caseworkers to find suitable hosts. Once a referral is accepted and a risk assessment is completed, we initiate a thorough search for potential hosts. This process requires time and resources, so please only refer clients if no other options are available.
The host search can take several days or longer, depending on the individual case. Typically, we offer one placement based on the requested area and type of household. If a host is available, we will share their contact details. After you and your client meet with the host, they will decide, usually within one day, whether to accept the client as a guest.
Once a host agrees, you are expected to accompany your client to their new home to discuss and sign a hosting agreement and code of conduct.
How to apply
To apply for an online caseworker account, please use the link at the bottom of this page. Once your account is approved, typically within a day or so, review all guidance provided and submit your first referral. We will then assess the referral and begin searching for suitable hosts.
Eligibility: To join REFER, you must be actively working with individuals from refugee or asylum-seeking communities who are at risk of destitution.
As a member, you will be able to apply for support for your client from our Emergency Relief Fund and the Room for Refugees network across Scotland and the rest of the UK.
To cover the costs of running the REFER system, we now charge a modest annual membership fee, depending on your level of usage and the number of caseworkers within your organisation or branch. In some cases, a discount may be applied—contact us to find out more.
Already have an account? Log in here.