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  • Why we exist
  1. About us

Why we exist

We offer relaxed time, professional expertise, a listening ear.

We help you to speak and others to hear.

The Cotton Tree Trust was founded in October 2016 to provide support and assistance to refugees and asylum seekers in the United Kingdom. Charities and legal firms seeking to provide immigration advice and support to refugees and asylum seekers are seriously overstretched, with many more demands for assistance than they can possibly meet. Cuts to legal aid funding and the merits test have exacerbated this situation. Many vulnerable asylum seekers who have a strong and honest case are at risk of being detained or deported. Some have already entrusted their savings to unscrupulous or unqualified advisers in exchange for a very poor service. Despite their good intentions, most organisations don’t have the time required to explore their clients’ cases.

We offer relaxed time, professional expertise and a welcoming community. We try to guide our members beyond their traumatic histories and help them to rebuild their lives.


Find out more

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Published: 3rd September, 2019

Updated: 21st January, 2020

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Dame Geraldine Hall
6-9 Manor Gardens
London N7 6LA

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The Cotton Tree Trust is registered with the Charity Commission. Charity no. 1172069.

The Cotton Tree Trust is dedicated to the memory of Jack Cigman.