At the Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants, we welcome people in, listen to what they need and respond to that. Whether someone needs English lessons, advice on housing, healthcare, or support with any of the many challenges of being a migrant in London – we are here for them. Our approach is not political or institutional but individual, compassionate and human.
The people who come to us have been through extremely difficult times. Leaving your country because of war, persecution or torture takes real grit, determination and courage. But for many, arriving in London is just the beginning of a long journey towards settled status and a decent life.
Our Charitable Objectives as described in our Memorandum and Articles of Association are:
1. To advance education and relieve financial hardship amongst those seeking asylum and those granted refugee status by the provision of advice, training and support.
2. To advance the education of the public in general about the issues relating to refugees and those seeking asylum.
3. To advance the Christian religion by living out our love for neighbour and bringing the stranger of any or no faith into our community.
All work of the charitable company has been dedicated to the furtherance of these objectives.
English Language Lessons: We have been teaching English to refugees at our centre in Islington for since 1997 and we are passionate about giving people the chance to learn English, be part of a community, access education and begin to fulfil their potential.
Support Service: When people first come to us, they are often at a point of crisis. It may be a housing arrangement has suddenly fallen through, or a negative decision in an asylum case, or difficulty finding a doctor. Our Support Service team is here to listen and take steps with that person to resolve the issue.
Support Packages: We have a long history of making small emergency grants to clients in crisis.
Activities for Physical Wellbeing: We work closely with our partner, Mary’s Community Centre, in Islington to offer opportunities for people to improve their physical wellbeing.
Art: Our arts-based activities are a key part of our holistic programme. The arts activities provide people a safe space to think about and share past experiences and express their feelings.
