Community organisations (in London)
Community organisations (in London)
This section provides information on community organisations in London. There are literally hundreds of community organisations that welcome asylum seekers and refugees, however, if we’ve missed yours out, please email us the details to info@testimonyproject.org and we’ll include it for you. This section covers the following categories;
Refugee and asylum seeker organisations- London-wide
Community and faith organisations- London-wide
Community organisations for women
Faith organisations for women
African women's organisations
Asian women's organisations
Middle East women's organisations
Latin American women's organisations
European women's organisations
Refugee and asylum seeker organisations — London-wide
Refugee Advice Centre
Advice for refugees and asylum seekers on immigration and asylum, housing, welfare, benefits, money and debt, nationality, travel documents, education and training, employment, health care, social care and legal matters. Appointments available Monday to Friday 2-4pm.
340 High Road, London E10 5PW
Tel: 02085 581 865 or 02085 586 928 Fax: 02085 187 673
Community and Faith Organisations — London-wide
Afghan Association of London
If you’re an asylum seeker of Afghan origin, then you can access English classes, counselling, advice and advocacy, work placement experience, educational seminars, women's group meetings, youth and sports activities and a summer holiday scheme.
Room 4, 27 Northold Road, South Harrow, Middlesex HA2 OLH 4
Tel: 02088 616 990 Fax: 02088 642 830
African Swahiliphone Refugee Project (ASREP) - UNUGU
You can get advice and information on benefits, education and training if you’re an African Swahili speaking refugee or asylum seeker. Translation and interpreting services are available.
lb Waterlow Road, Archway, London N19 5NJ
Tel: 020 7281 1859 Fax: 02072 819 164
Afro-Asian Advisory Service
You can get advice on immigration and nationality law, including asylum and refugee law. They offer representation at immigration appeals and tribunal hearings. Phone for an appointment. Languages spoken include French, Gujurati, Hindi, Polish, Punjabi, Swahili and Swedish.
53 Addington Square London SE5 7LB
Tel: 02077 010 141 Fax: 02077 011 950
All Afghan Association
You can get advice on benefits, education and training if you’re from a Farsi, Pashto or Dari speaking community. There is a women's support group and IT classes are provided. Mother tongue classes for children are also offered. Translation and interpreting support is available.
MS Studios, Cambridge Road, London W7 3PB
Tel: 02088 408 777 or 02088 407 590
Angolan Civic Communities Alliance (ACCA)
If you’re from the Portuguese-speaking community, you can get advice on education and training, benefits, housing and immigration. Services also for French speakers. The alliance also offers befriending and visiting for detainees, older members of the community and those who are isolated or have emotional problems.
27 Northolt Road, South Harrow HA2 OLH
Tel: 02084 233 003 or 02084 530 203 Fax: 02088 648 881
Angolan Community Association
Provides information and casework for the Angolan community as well as refugees and asylum seekers from other African communities. Visits for prisoners or detainees are also offered.
Selby Centre, Selby Road, White Hart Lane London N17 8JL
Tel: 02088 851 666 Fax: 02088 086 965
Tel: 02088 851 666 Fax: 02088 086 965
An Viet Foundation
If you’re a refugee or asylum seeker from the Vietnamese community, you can get advice on benefits, housing and immigration at this centre. There is also drop-in day care and lunch for older people on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9.30am-5.30pm. Interpreting and translation service is also available. The centre also runs exercise classes, day trips and health talks. Limited wheelchair access. Languages spoken include Cantonese and Vietnamese.
12-14 Englefield Road, London N1 4LS
Tel: 02072 757 780 Fax: 02072 758 510
Bosnian Resource Information Centre and Kosovar Support (BRICKS)
Advice and advocacy for refugees from former Yugoslavia on benefits, housing, education and health. Psychotherapy and physiotherapy services are also available. Translation and interpretation services are offered. The centre runs activities for older refugees. Vocational and careers guidance is on offer, particularly for artists, filmmakers, musicians and writers.
Languages: Albanian, Croatian, German, Italian, Macedonian, Russia, Serbian and Slovene.
Opening times: Monday to Friday 10am-5pm
C/O West Hampstead, Community Centre, 60-62 Mill Lane, London, NW6 INJ
Tel: 02074 333 834 Fax: 02074 333 834
Tel: 02074 333 834 Fax: 02074 333 834
British Arabs Resource Centre
You can get advice on benefits, housing and immigration if you’re from an Arab-speaking community. Translation and interpretation services are available if you need advocacy services. The centre also holds ESOL, Arabic language, sewing and fitness classes.
Languages: Arabic
Office 6, Beethoven Centre, 3 Avenue, London, W10 4JL
Tel: 02089 629 432 Fax: 02089 607 518
Tel: 02089 629 432 Fax: 02089 607 518
Email: Barclondon@yahoo.co.uk
Centre for Armenian Information and Advice
This centre provides advice and information to the Armenian community on housing, homelessness, benefits and employment.
105a Mill Hill Road, London W3 8JF
Tel: 02089 924 621 Fax: 02089 938 953
Tel: 02089 924 621 Fax: 02089 938 953
Email: info@caia.org.uk
Centre for Filipinos
Gives advice and information to the Filipino community on housing, benefits, welfare, and employment. There is an interpretation and translation service available.
59 Chalton Street, London NW1 1HY
Tel: 02073 885 845 Fax: 02073 812 600
Chinese information and Advice Centre
Gives advice and information for the Chinese community on immigration and asylum law, employment rights, family law and domestic violence. Legal advice is also available.
Lower Ground Floor, London Chinatown Market, 71-73 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0NE
Tel: 08453 131 868 Fax: 02077 341 039
Tel: 08453 131 868 Fax: 02077 341 039
Community Centre for Refugees
Provides advice on benefits and housing for refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. The centre provides translation and interpreting services as well as holding mother tongue classes on Saturdays. The centre has a library, sports facilities and also runs literacy, IT and English classes. There is also a supplementary school. Languages spoken include Vietnamese, Lao and Khmer.
VLC Centre, 151 Whiston Road, London E2 8BN
Tel: 02077 393 650 Fax: 02077 397 084
Community of Congolese Refugees in Great Britain (CORCO)
Gives advice and information for Congolese and French speaking African refugees and asylum seekers on immigration and asylum, welfare rights, housing, employment and training, health issues and HIV/AIDS. Translation services are available. The centre runs ESOL classes as well as a maths and computing education project.
Stephen Lawrence House, 90 Greengate Street, London, E13 OAS
Tel: 02085 484 073 Fax: 02085 520 574
Community of Malian Refugees
If you’re newly arrived and from Mali, this organization refers you to specialist agencies for help with accommodation, health and welfare benefits. It also provides advice and information on immigration as well as offering interpreting and translation to the Malian community and all other refugees.
92 Talbot House, Havist Estate, London N7 7LU
Tel: 020 7607 0036
Day-mer-Turkish Community Solidarity Centre
Advice and information on education, employment, housing, health and immigration for Turkish or Kurdish asylum seekers or refugees is available through this centre. There is also educational support for primary and secondary school children in Hackney. Languages spoken are Kurdish and Turkish. Opening times: Monday-Friday 10am-7pm
Former Library, Howard Road, London, N16 8PU
Tel: 02072 758 941 Fax: 02072 757 245
ELBWO
You can get advice on health, education, employment, immigration, nationality and mental health if you’re an African or African Caribbean woman. There is also a domestic violence unit as well as an after-school club, and a befriending project. Languages spoken are French and English. Opening times: Monday-Friday 8.30am-6pm
Forest Gate Methodist Church, Woodgrange Road, London, E7 0QH
Tel: 02085 347 545 Fax: 02085 349 018
Tel: 02085 347 545 Fax: 02085 349 018
East European Advice Centre
You can get advice on benefits, housing, health, immigration, family reunion, employment and education if you’re a refugee or asylum seeker from Eastern Europe. Translation and interpreting services for forms and letters is also available. Opening times: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10am-3pm.
Room 209, Palingswick House, 241 King Street, London W6 9LP
Tel: 02087 411 288 Fax: 02087 418 388
Tel: 02087 411 288 Fax: 02087 418 388
Eritrean Community in the UK
This centre offers advice and information for the Eritrean community, including refugees and asylum seekers. Subjects covered include benefits, immigration, housing, social services, training, family issues and education. There are also counselling and support groups for people affected by trauma as well as support groups for women and older people. The centre also provides help with CV, completing job applications and interview skills. Supplementary schools and mother tongue classes are available. The languages spoken are Amharic, Arabic, and Tigrigna.
266-268 Holloway Road, London N7 6NE
Tel: 02077 007 995 Fax: 02077 006 173
Ethiopian Community Centre in the UK (ECCUK)
This centre offers advice for Ethiopian refugees and asylum seekers on benefits, employment and training, immigration, health, housing and HIV/AIDS. They also organize visits and advice for detainees. The centre runs children’s mother tongue classes as well as a parenting programme. There is a Women's group and Youth groups. You can attend ESOL and IT courses and get help with CV preparation, job applications and job search. Languages: Amharic.
Selby Centre, Selby Road, London N17 8JN
Tel: 02088 019 224 Fax: 02088 010 244
Ghana Welfare Association
This association offers advice, information and support on benefits, employment, housing and immigration for asylum seekers and refugees from Ghana or from other African countries. They also run health seminars on HIV/AIDS, domestic violence and bereavement. Opening times are Monday- Friday 11 am- 5pm, Saturday 12.30pm- 5pm. Languages spoken are Akan, Ga, Fante, Hausa, and Ewe.
Greater London House, 547-551 High Road, London El 1 4PB
Tel: 02085 589 311 Fax: 02085 394 132
GHARWEG Advice, Training and Careers Centre
This one stop centre offers training and advice on housing, immigration and employment for African refugees and asylum seekers. There is also help with CV preparation, interview skills, IT and internet training targeted at BME groups is also given. Skills for life courses on offer include ESOL, literacy and numeracy. Languages spoken are Ga, Hausa, Swahili, Twi, and Yoruba. A contribution is made toward the child care of trainees.
5 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7XW
Tel: 02076 201 430 Fax: 02076 201 431
HAYA (Horn of Africa Youth Association)
Gives information, advice and support for young people 10-25 from the Somali community and other minority ethnic groups. Advice on benefits, immigration, education and training, employment, housing and finding accommodation. Also runs cultural seminars, ESOL classes and literacy classes. Opening times are Monday to Friday 2pm-7pm.
45 Coldharbour Lane, Hayes, UB3 3EE
Tel: 02085 899 569
Iranian Community Centre
This centre assists Iranian refugees with the process of resettlement in the UK. Advice and information is given on immigration, welfare education, employment, business and other issues. Women's and educational services are provided in Farsi, and cultural activities are organised through the centre.
266/268 Holloway Road, London N7 6NE
Tel:02077 000 477 Fax: 02077 003 248
Email: icclondon@btconnect.com
Iraqi Community Association
Gives advice and information on benefits, immigration, housing and employment to the Iraqi and Arab communities. There is also support and guidance for children and young people with special needs. Home visiting and outreach services are available for older Iraqi people offering welfare advice and practical help. Opening times are Monday - Friday 10am-5pm, and on Thursday there is only a phone service.
Palingswick House, 241 King Street, London W6 9LP
Tel: 02087 415 491 Fax: 02087 489 010
Email: iraqicommunity@btclick.com
Kanlungan Filipino Consortium
This organisation offers computer training, CV writing and a resource centre.
Caxton House, 129 St. John's Way, London N19 3RG
Tel: 02072 819 757
Kenya Community Support Network - UK
This network gives advice on asylum, benefits, housing and health for Kenyan refugees ans asylum seekers. There is also access to further education, training and employment and volunteering opportunities. Drop-in or contact for an appointment. Languages spoken are Kikuyu, Luo, and Swahili.
Durning Hall, R3 Earlham Grove London E7 9AB
Tel: 02085 557 600 or 07956 408 655 (out of office hours) Fax: 02085 557 600
Email: kcsnuk@hotmail.com
Tel: 02085 557 600 or 07956 408 655 (out of office hours) Fax: 02085 557 600
Email: kcsnuk@hotmail.com
Kurdish Advice Centre
Advice and information on housing, employment, education and health for Kurdish and Turkish speaking refugees and asylum seekers is provided. There are classes in music, dance, parenting skills as well as a social club with TV, games and recreational activities. You can drop in on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon for guidance on employment and training. The centre also runs ESOL classes and mother tongue IT courses. Languages spoken are Arabic, Dutch, French, Kurdish, Russian and Turkish.
St Mary's Community Centre, Birkbeck Road. London N8 7PF
Tel: 02083 478 657 Fax: 02083 478 669
Kurdish Association for Refugees
This association assists new arrivals of Kurdish origin with settlement. They also provide advice on welfare rights and benefits, housing and health. The association runs mother tongue and supplementary classes for Kurdish children. There is also a day centre for Kurdish elders (50+) one day a week and a youth centre in Ealing on Saturday and Sunday.
Palingswick House, 241 King Street, London W6 9LP
Tel: 02085 637 918 Fax: 02085 631 918
(There isn't a website, please call the Association for more information)
Latin American Disabled People’s Project
This is a self help group, which aims to improve the quality of life for Latin Americans and Iberians with disabilities by giving advice and advocacy on benefits, education, health care. The project also holds English and self advocacy classes. ESOL and IT classes are by referral. Languages spoken are Portuguese and Spanish
PO Box 43412, London SE17 3WZ
Tel: 0207 793 839 Fax: 02077 931 599
Latin American Social Fund 2000 Plus
Provides information and advice for the Latin American community. Interpreting and translation services are available. Opening times are Tuesday - Thursday 8am-5pm.
Suite Q, Second Floor, 135-143 Stockwell Road, London SW9 9TN
Tel: 02072 071 500 Fax: 02072 072 068
Tel: 02072 071 500 Fax: 02072 072 068
London Alevi Cultural Centre and Cem-Evi
This is a community centre for Turkish and Kurdish Alevi Muslims, including refugees and asylum seekers. Advice on benefits, health, housing rights, immigration and nationality, racial harassment is provided. There is also help with employment and training as well as ESOL classes. Opening times: Monday - Friday 9am - 9pm; Weekends 9am - 9pm. Languages spoken; Turkish, Kurdish. Access to interpreters and Language line
89 Ridley Road, London E8 2NH
Tel: 02072 416 285 Fax: 02072 413 147
Notre Dame Refugee Centre
Drop-in centre for asylum seekers and refugees where you can get advice and advocacy on immigration, asylum applications, housing, benefits and accessing social services. Free solicitor immigration advice, Thursday 2pm-4pm. Interpreting service mainly, but not exclusively, for French speakers. For people excluded from welfare/NASS assistance, a £3 one- day bus card is available. Opening times are Monday 11 am-4pm, Tuesday - Appointments only, Thursday 11 am-4pm, Friday - Appointments only.
5 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7BX
Tel: 02074 402 660 Fax: 02074 373 848
Pakistan Christian Welfare Organisation (UK)
Advice and information for the Asian Christian community on education, law, benefits, employment and training, immigration and nationality is provided. Occasional practical help and home visits for older members of the community.
20 St. Martin's Close, Erith DA18 4DZ
Tel: 02083 103 370 (after 4pm) Fax: 02083 103 370
Pan London Somali Employment and Training Project
Offers training and support for unemployed Somalis wanting to work in fields of childcare or youth. You can get work experience placements and help with CV preparation, interview skills and job search techniques. The project also offers courses on ESOL and IT as well as childcare/childminding training. There is an on-site registered creche. Childcare payments are available for some courses as is help with travel costs. Languages spoken are: Bengali, Portuguese, Somali, Sylheti, Turkish and Yoruba
1-9 Birkbeck Street, London E2 6JY
Tel: 02077 397 720 Fax: 02077 395 087
Roma Support Group
Opening times: Monday 1pm - 6pm; Tuesday 11am - 2pm; Wednesday 2pm - 6pm in Wood Lane, Community Centre; Thursday 11am - 6pm.
PO Box 23610, London E7 OXB
Tel: 02075 110 822
Russian Refugees Aid Society
This organisation offers advice on housing, homelessness and education for refugees from the former Soviet Union. You must have ID from the Home Office. Small grants may be available in some circumstances. Opening times are Tuesday and Wednesday 10am-1 pm.
Room G03, Britannia House, 11 Glenthorne Road, London W6 OLH
Tel: 02087 356 511
Sahara Communities Abroad
This organisation provides advice and information on careers, health, money, debt, benefits, employment, training, immigration and asylum. They provide help with childcare and transport costs. Kiswahili is spoken and there is access to interpreters and translators
108 Cranbrook Road, Ilford IG1 4LZ
Tel: 02085 549 444 Fax: 02085 543 336
Sangat Advice Centre
Advice, information, and casework for the local community are amongst the services provided through this centre for minority ethnic communities whose first language is not English. The centre also runs ESOL classes and beginners IT classes. Opening times are Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Languages spoken are Hindi, Gujarati, and Urdu.
(Website not working at the moment- please call for further information)
28a Sancroft Road, Harrow HA3 7NS
Tel: 02084 270 659 Fax: 02088 631 296
Society of Afghan residents in the UK
Provides advice to the Afghan community on housing, health, education, immigration and nationality. Opening times: Monday - Friday 9am-4pm. Call for an appointment.
West Acton Community Centre, Churchill Gardens, London W3 OJN
Tel: 02089 938 168
Somali Caring & Education Association
Provides advice and help on housing, benefits, education and welfare for Somali refugees and asylum seekers.
Room 8009, 241 King Street, London, W6 9LP
Tel: 020 8563 0320
Somali Refugee Action Group/Carers and Special Needs Project - London
This Somali group provides advice on a range of subjects, including benefits, health immigration, employment and training. There is a youth club and weekly women's group. They will accompany you to appointments and provide interpreting.
c/o Special Needs Project, 3rd Floor, Royal Sovereign House. 40 Beresford Street, London SE18 6BF
Tel: 02083 173 447 Fax: 02088 550 683
Somalian Integrated Relief Organisation
Information on education, training, employment and immigration for Somali refugees and asylum seekers. The organization runs mother tongue and language classes; a homework club for children; cultural events; festivals and social trips. Opening times are Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm. Call for an appointment.
Bishop Creighton House, 378 Lillie Road, London SW6 7PH
Tel: 02073 860 990 Fax: 02073 863 238
Theatro Thechnis Advisory Service
Centre for Cypriot community offering a range of cultural and social activities including a multi-lingual and multi-cultural theatre. Advice service covering housing, welfare rights, legal issues. Advocacy and interpreting services. Opening times are Monday - Friday 10am-5pm, except Thursday 10am-1 pm, and Saturday 10am-1 pm by appointment only.
26 Crowndale Road, London NW1 1TT
Tel: 02073 876 617 Fax: 02073 887 971
The London Tamil Sangam
Multi purpose community centre for the Tamil and other minority ethnic communities. There is an elders lunch club and an elders care project with health talks and workshop as well as an after school club. There is a Tamil school on Sunday with classes in ESOL, dance, IT, health awareness, childcare and dressmaking. Opening times are Monday - Friday 9.30am - 7.30pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am - 1pm and 2pm- 6pm.
369 High Street North, Manor Park, London, E12 6PG 1
Tel: 02084 717 672 Fax: 02084 701 030
Uganda Community Relief Association
Gives advice, information and support for Ugandan and other African communities on housing and immigration. The association promotes confidence and participation in the community through volunteering, training and work placements support for refugee and asylum seekers. Career advice and counselling on education, training and employment. Help with childcare costs (0 - 4 year olds) may be available. Opening times are Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm. Languages spoken are Luganda, Luo and other Ugandan languages, French, and Swahili.
Selby Centre, Selby Road London N17 8JN
Tel: 02088 086 221 Fax: 02088 803 988
Ugandan Refugee Welfare Associations
Provides advocacy and immigration casework for the East African refugee and asylum seekers, particularly those from Uganda. Advice on benefits, employment, Housing, further education and health issues on offer. Translation and interpreting services available. Drop-in or write to contact us. Home Visit for people unable to the attend the office.Languages spoken are Luganda, Luo, Swahili, Iteso, Runyoro, and Phobadhola. Opening times are Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5.30pm
19 East Down House, Amhurst Road London E8 2AT
Tel: 02072 758 782 Fax: 02072 758 782
Refugee and Asylum Seeker Organisations
Westminster Refugee Consortium
Unites asylum seekers, refugee and migrant communities in Westminster. Support them to develop communities and individual and provides effective services to all who seek refuge in Westminster. Contact staff for details of up to 40 local organisations. Opening times: Monday Friday 9:30am-4:30pm.
284 Harrow Road, London W2 5ES
Tel: 02072 863 111 Fax: 02072 898 247
Community and Faith Organisations
African Advocacy Foundation
Advocacy, education and support for African refugees and asylum seekers. Employment and training on offer including education and mentoring for young people, CV preparation, help with job applications, interview skills, jobsearch, vocational and careers guidance, work placements, IT, life skills, literacy, numeracy, assertiveness skills and volunteering.
How to contact: Drop-in, phone, contact for an appointment, e-mail or write. Opening times are Monday to Friday 9.30am — 5.30pm.
Ground Floor, Carver House, 38 Carver Road, London SE24 9LT
Tel: 02077 387 238 Fax: 02077 386 643
Tel: 02077 387 238 Fax: 02077 386 643
Al-Hasaniya Moroccan Women’s Centre
Gives advice and assistance on housing, benefits, homelessness, domestic violence, health and mental health. Opening times: Monday - Friday 9.30 am - 5 pm
Bays 4 and 5, Trellick Tower, Golborne Road, London, W10 5PA
Tel: 02089 692 292
Earl’s Court Community Project
Christian based service offering advice, counselling and support for people with a range of problems, including poverty, alcohol or drug abuse. Coffee bar Monday and Wednesday. Women's drop-in Thursday. Help with clothing and furniture. Assistance with finding accommodation. Opening times: Monday and Wednesday 11:30am-5pm, Tuesday and Thursday 10am-5pm, Friday 10am-5pm, 5:30pm-8:30pm.
Address: 24 Collingham Road, London SW5 OLX
Tel: 02073 704 424 Fax: 02073 704 424
Email: earlscourt©ywamlondon.com
India Welfare Society
Gives advice and information on benefits, immigration, employment, debt and health if you’re from the Indian sub-continent. Translation and interpreting service is available. Friday club for people aged 50+ is available. Opening times are Monday to Saturday 12 noon-11pm.
Kensal Community Centre, 177 Kensal Road, London W10 5BJ
Tel: 02089 602 637 (Kensal Community Centre) Fax: 02089 602 637
Tel: 02089 602 637 (Kensal Community Centre) Fax: 02089 602 637
Marylebone Bangladesh Society
Offers advice and information for the Asian (especially Bangladeshi) community on welfare and housing. Lunch club for older people, young women's network, youth club and plopgroup for under 5s. ESOL and mother tongue classes available. Languages: Bengali. Urdu, Hindi. How to contact: Drop-in or phone. Opening times: Monday — Friday 10am-5pm.
19 Samford Street, London NW8 8ER
Te1: 02077 247 427 Fax: 02076 169 740
Email: mbs@london.com
Somali Community Information Centre
Advice and information for the Somali community on housing, immigration, education, training, health and racial harassment. Help with translation, interpreting and access to voluntary and statutory services. Opening times: Monday - Friday 10am-5pm.
1 Chippenham Mews, London W9 2AN
Tel: 020 7286 9144 Fax: 020 7286 5215
West and North London Vietnamese Association
Advice and advocacy on health, housing, benefits, education and immigration for refugees or asylum seekers of Vietnamese origin in West and North London. Lunch club for older people and mother tongue classes are on offer as well as ESOL classes. Home visit for people unable to attend the office can be provided as well. Opening times are Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5pm and Saturdays 2- 4 pm for supplementary classes.
58b Bulwer Street, Shepherds Bush, London, W12 8AP
Tel: 02087 429 745 Fax: 02087 429 745
Western Kurdistan Association
Advice, information and support on welfare, immigration and housing issues for Kurdish refugees and asylum seekers. Basic English classes for newly arrived refugees are offered as well as taining in IT and interview skills. Opening times are Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm.
Palingswick House 241 King Street London W6 9LP 4
Tel: 02087 487 874 Fax: 02087 416 436
Youth Project International
Offers outreach and home support for families affected by HIV/AIDS for African families. Peer education training for young people on sexual health and HIV/AIDS. Free condoms. You can also get advice on housing, training and employment. Languages: Kikuyu, Luo, Luganda, Soga, Teso, and Swahili. Opening times are Monday- Friday 10 am - 5 pm.
217 Ashmore Road London W9 3DB
Tel: 07958 223 911 Fax: 02089 622 800
Community Organisations for Women
This section provides contact details for refugee community and local
organisations that work with women.
organisations that work with women.
Account 3 Women's Consultancy Service
Training, information, advice, and support for women looking for work or wishing to set up their own businesses, particularly women facing social or economic disadvantage. Benefits and pensions advice is offered as well as training in job searching, computing, and office skills. Business start up and microcredit for refugees available. Languages spoken are Bengali, and Somali. The area served is Tower Hamlets and surrounding areas, and the opening hours are Mon-Fri, 9.30am - 5.30pm.
Greenheath Business Centre,, Unit 307-9, Freecolts Lane, London E2 6JB
Tel: 02077 397 720
Email: tonim@account3.org.uk
East London Black Women's Organisation (ELBWO)
Provides education and training, childcare provision and youth development programmes. Referral if necessary. Opening hours are Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm (term- time) and 8am-6pm (school holidays).
Forest Gate Methodist Church Woodgrange Road, Forest Gate, London E7 0QH
Tel: 02085 347 545 Fax: 02085 349 018
Email: info@elbwo.org.uk
The Factory Community Centre and Youth Project
This is a multi-purpose community centre that hosts refugee support and women's groups. Childcare and citizenship classes are available and there is an under fives nursery, an elderly luncheon club, a mental health group and a toy library service. Opening hours are Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm and Sat 12pm-4pm.
The Walnut Tree, Bronte House, Mayville Estate, London N16 8LG
Tel: 02072 411 520 Fax: 02072 757 798
Email: adulted@thefactory.uk.net
Rainbow Refugee Network - Head Office (details not verified)
Information and advice for asylum seekers and refugees in the London Borough of Newham and other London boroughs. They also offer youth employment information and advice. There are IT and ESOL classes, particularly for women with children. Languages spoken are Arabic, French, Punjabi, Russian, Swahili, and Urdu.
Stephen Lawrence House 90 Greengate Street, Plaistow, London E13 OAS
Tel: 02085 344 994
Refuge Community Outreach Project
This project offers a range of support services for women from the Vietnamese, Portuguese, Asian, Somali and Turkish communities in Lewisham and Greenwich who are experiencing domestic violence. General legal advice and one-to-one long term support in mother tongue languages is provided on issues such as legal proceedings, housing, benefits, and health. Languages spoken are Vietnamese, Arabic, Turkish, Urdu, and Somali. Opening hours are Mon-Fri, 9:30am-5:30pm.
The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London SE8 4AG
Tel: 02086 942 707 Fax: 02086 926 592
Refugee Women's Association
This organisation offers advice for refugee women on gaining access to training, employment and education. English language classes and childcare support provided as well as travel and childcare expenses for classes and training are also provided. It is a great place for networking with refugee women.
West Hampstead Women's Centre
Health advice, information and support for women living in or around the borough of Camden who have been victims of sexual abuse, domestic violence and rape is provided by this centre. Counselling is available by appointment only. There are support groups for Asian and Somali women and survivors of rape and sexual abuse. Opening hours are Tues-Fri, 9:30am - 5pm.
The Old Kilburn Library 26 - 30 Cotleigh Road West Hampstead, NW6 2NP
Tel/ Fax: 02073 287 389
Email: info@whwc.org.uk
YWCA
The YWCA in Southall offers education opportunities; information and counselling; residential experiences; outdoor education, including the Duke of Edinburgh's award scheme; and volunteering. There is help for young women in and leaving the criminal justice system; physical and mental health information and education; support for young pregnant women and young mums; outreach services; and crèches so that young women can take part in activities.
The Phoenix Centre, Dormers Wells Lane, Southall UB1 3HX
Tel: 02085 745 116
Email: londonwest@ywca.org.uk
Faith Organisations for Women
Hackney Muslim Women's Council
ESOL and IT classes for Asian women are on offer as well as a playgroup for under-fives. Languages spoken are Gujarati, Punjabi and Urdu. Opening hours are Mon-Fri, 9am - 5pm.
101 Clapton Common London E5 9AB
Tel/Fax: 02088 090 993
Southwark Muslim Women's Association
This community centre for Muslim women in Southwark runs an elderly women's project, a crèche, computer classes, ESOL classes and community activities. Languages spoken are Amharic, Arabic, Farsi, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Tigrigna. Opening hours are Mon-Fri 10am - 6pm, Sat 10am - 3pm.
Bellenden Old School Bellenden Road, London SE15 4DG
Tel: 02077 328 053 Fax: 02077 329 506
Email: smwasmwa@aol.com
African women's organisations
African Caribbean Women's Development Centre
This centre runs an elderly luncheon club and Somali women's group as well as music and dance classes.
Tel: 02085 564 053 Fax: 02089 239 323
603 High Rd Leyton London E10 6RF
Email: acwomen@btconnect.com
African Women's Support Group (details not verified)
This group holds six-week training sessions (e.g. Pottery, Sewing, Netball classes) at various times during the year. All women of African origin welcome, and interpreters are available.
61a, Rowland Hill House, Nelson Square,Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 OLT
Tel: 02079 287 563
African Women's Welfare Association Ayoka
This association offer services for sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia blood disorder patients. They offer help seeking benefits, counselling and arrange hospital visits. The services are open to anyone. Opening hours are Monday-Friday 10am-5pm.
St Margarets House 15a Old Ford Rd, London E2 9PL
Tel: 02089 819 603
African Women's Welfare Group
Sexual health education and HIV/AIDS support and prevention for refugees and asylum seekers with an African background is provided. The group also runs ESOL classes and has a mental health drop-in service, counselling and group work on Wednesdays.
Tel: 02088 855 822
594 Tottenham High Road, London N17 9TA
All Women's Welfare Association
This association offers advice and counselling as well as empowerment and training sessions such as basic life skills, assertiveness training, advocacy skills, and business support skills. ICT courses are also offered. Opening hours are Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm.
41 North Square, London N9 OHY
Tel/Fax: 02088 843 922
Email: awwa@btconnect.com
Bromley Somali Community Association
Advice and support on benefits, racial harassment, housing, health and care for the Somali community, including refugees and asylum seekers, is provided through this association. Support for older people, befriending and visiting is available. There is a music project and youth advisory project. After school and supplementary classes are also on offer. ESOL (women only) and computer classes will be available in the future; call for more details.
Adult Education Centre Kentwood, Kingstle Road, SE20 7PR
Tel: 02087 785 539 Fax: 02087 769 828
Email: bsomalica@aol.com
Somali Refugee Action
This Somali group provides advice on a range of subjects, including benefits, health, immigration, employment and training. They will accompany you to appointments and provide interpreting. Their 'Carers and Special Needs Project' provides personal home care for frail elderly and disabled people particularly from the Somali, Arabic and Swahili speaking communities. Languages spoken are Somali, Arabic, and Swahili. Opening hours are Mon-Fri, 9am - 5pm.
Group/Carers and Special Needs Project, 3rd Floor Royal Sovereign House
40 Beresford St., Woolwich SE18 6BF
Tel: 02083 173 447 Fax: 02088 550 683
Somali Women's Refugee Centre
Advice and information for the Somali community on housing, immigration, nationality and asylum, education, employment and welfare rights are provided through this centre. ESOL and sewing classes are also available.
Priory Community Centre Acton Lane, London W3 8NY
Tel: 02087 521 787 Fax: 02088 960 783
Email: swrc@hotmail.com
Sudan Women's Association (Details not verified)
This is a social and community group for Sudanese women and their children. Monthly social days are held for elderly Sudanese women as well as basic English language and numeracy support and limited home visiting. Supplementary classes for school aged children, crèche facilities for children aged 0-7, ESOL and IT training are also on offer. Opening hours are Wed-Fri, 10am - 5pm and on Sat they run a drop-in centre from 1pm - 8pm.
Abbey Community Centre 222c Belsize Road, London NW6 4DJ
Tel: 02073 720 944 Fax: 02073 728 348
Email: swacentre@aol.com
Uganda Community Relief Association
Offers advice, information and support on housing and immigration for asylum seekers and refugees from the Ugandan and other African communities. Counselling on HIV, training service in English, business set-up advice are available. Most East African languages are spoken. Opening hours are Mon-Fri,10am - 5pm.
Selby Centre Selby Road, London N17 8JN
Tel: 02088 086 221 Fax: 02088 803 988
Email: ucra2000@hotmail.com
Zimbabwe Women’s Network UK
A non-political organisation that assists Zimbabwean women with integration into the UK through advice on various social, legal, political and economic issues.
Suite 1.1, Coomb House, 7 St. John's Road, Isleworth, Middlesex, TW7 6NH
Tel: 02088 472 244
Asian women's organisations
AWAZ - Southwark Asian Women's Association
This centre for South Asian women and children living in Southwark provides advice and information on welfare rights, benefits, housing. A range of group activities, classes and courses designed to develop confidence and independence are on offer. There is also a playscheme for 5-16 year olds, a youth project and a homework club. Languages spoken are Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu.
Old Troy Community Centre Southwark Asian Centre, Peckham Rye London SE15 4NU
Tel: 02072 529 290 Fax: 02073 589 908
Email: aawazassoc@hotmail.com
Bangladesh Women's Association in Haringey (details not verified)
This centre for Bangladeshi and other ethnic minority women offers advice on benefits, housing, training, education, childcare, racial harassment, immigration and domestic violence. Individual and couple counselling available as well as training for unemployed women and a work placement scheme. The centre also runs ESOL classes, adult education, Bengali and Arabic classes, a crèche and an under 5s playgroup. Languages spoken include Bengali, Hindi and Urdu.
Mitalee Centre Stanley Road, London N15 3HB
Tel: 02083 657 498 Fax: 02083 657 943
Jagonari Women's Educational Resource Centre
This is a women's resource centre that provides advice and support on education, training and employment. It runs two youth projects, one for 13-19 year olds who are unemployed or out of education and another for girls and young women aged 11-24. Contact the centre for a full list of courses on offer.
183-185 Whitechapel Road, London El 1DW
Tel: 02073 750 520
Tamil Welfare Association of Newham
This organisation provides advice to Tamil-speaking locals, including refugees and asylum seekers.
602, Romford Rd, London, E12 5AF
Tel: 02085 539 661
Middle East women's organisations
Halkevi: Kurdish & Turkish Community Centre
This centre offers advice to women suffering domestic violence and health problems. The centre runs Kurdish and Turkish mother tongue courses, English courses, dancing, drama and art courses. It also runs a luncheon club for the elderly. Drop-in between the hours of 9am and 5:30pm.
65 Townham Rd, London N1 5AH
Tel: 02072 496 980
Email: yismailoglu@btinternet.com
Iranian Community Centre
The centre offers advice on asylum and immigration issues, as well as health and benefits. The centre prepares and follows up on asylum cases and visa cases. Business advice and health referrals are also on offer. Opening hours are Mon/Wed 10am-1pm, 2pm-4pm. Tues, Thurs, Fri (phone advice only), 9.30am-1 pm, 2pm-5.30pm.
266 - 268 Holloway Road, London, N7 6NE
Tel: 02077 000 341, 02077 004 411 Fax: 02077 003 248
Latin American women's organisations
Latin American Women's Rights Service
This organisation offers advice for Latin American women, including refugees and asylum seekers. Subjects include health, housing, welfare benefits, domestic violence, money and debt, and business enterprise. Other services include volunteer visiting for older and housebound people; help with form filling,; interpretation for health appointments; and hospital visits. There is a drop-in service available on alternate Mondays from 10.30am-1pm and 2pm-3pm. Normal opening hours are Mon-Fri 10am - 1pm, 2pm - 5pm.
Tindlemanor, 52-54 Featherstone Street London EC1Y 8RT
Tel: 02073 360 888 Fax: 02073 360 555
Email: lawrs@lawrs.fsnet.co.uk
European women's organisations
Bosnian Resource Information Centre and Kosovar Support (BRICKS)
This organisation provides a drop-in advice service for refugees from the former Yugoslavia.
West Hampstead Community Centre, 60-62 Mill Lane, NW6 1NJ
Tel: 02074 333 834