JRS accompanies refugees and forced migrants, our brothers and sisters, serving them as companions and advocating their cause in an uncaring world.
The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is an international Catholic organisation, at work in over 50 countries around the world with a mission to accompany, serve and advocate for the rights of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons.
JRS UK has a special ministry to those who find themselves destitute as a consequence of government policies and those detained for the administration of immigration procedures.
Our work is carried out in the spirit of mutual respect, dignity and solidarity with the refugees and forced migrants, and in collaboration with other organisations. Our work expresses the commitment of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) to stand with refugees around the world.
Before the pandemic, our East London office was home to a day centre to welcome asylum seekers during the week as well as coordination of activities. Refugee friends can now attend the centre on appointment to collect food parcels, toiletries and other essentials. Activities like acupuncture continue to run, but some have moved online. We run a detention outreach service to detention centres near Heathrow Airport; and a specialist legal advice service for destitute asylum seekers. We also run an accommodation project, made up of our hosting Scheme, At Home, and our house for women in South London.
