Projects

Children and families

In 2003 we were awarded funding by the Children’ s Fund to develop a specialist casework service for asylum seeker and refugee children. Although the service is no longer funded, we still are able to help with some issues as part of our general casework and advice service.

In particular we can provide information, advice and representation on issues related to getting a child or young person into school or college, helping them to achieve and integrate within the learning environment.

RAMFEL also hosts a monthly support group for asylum seeker, migrant and refugee children. Yak Yak meets on the first Wednesday of the month, and is open to children aged 5-13. For further information contact Rita Chadha on 020 8478 4513 or email us.

Young People

The Young Persons Project is a specialist and unique project, dedicated to supporting young asylum seeker, migrant and refugee children to establish a positive start to their life in the UK. The project works specifically with young people between the ages of 14-24. It operates a weekly drop-in during term-time for pupils from Valentines Schools, but is open to referrals from all schools.

Information and advice is provided on a wide range of issues including asylum and immigration, welfare entitlements, access to education and training, as well as teenage physical and emotional health.

The Young Persons project operates by appointment, for further information contact Aisha Sohni on 020 8478 4513 or email us.

Eastern European Communities

In 2008, RAMFEL was awarded funding by the Lloyds TSB Foundation to develop services for Eastern European communities in Barking & Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge. The project provides a one to one casework service including advice on employment rights, access to work, welfare entitlements and access to health and social care facilities, for migrant and newly arrived individuals and families from Eastern Europe. The Forum is also currently hosting a specialist support group for Roma families in the south Ilford area.

For further information on services for eastern European communities please email us or phone 020 8478 4513.

Health advice

Funded by London Councils, RAMFEL has a health advocacy service, designed especially to assist asylum seekers, migrants and refugees to access the health and social care services that they are entitled to. ‘Health Works’ is currently working with NHS Redbridge to develop a series of publications explaining which services asylum seekers, migrants and refugees are entitled to, and how to register with services and access facilities. The project will also soon be providing a specialist support group for first time mothers for whom English is not a first language.

For further information contact Rita Chadha on 020 8478 4513 or email us.

Women’s projects

RAMFEL recognises that in some communities women and young girls can be doubly disadvantaged by customs and traditions that are specific to their country of origin. Whilst we accept that the vast majority of traditions do actually add to the rich tapestry of experience of life in the UK, we are also aware of issues of violence against women and young girls that can restrict their contribution to playing a positive role in their local community.

In 2008, RAMFEL along with the Asian Women's Resource Centre and the Ashiana Network was awarded funding to provide legal advice, support and in some cases accommodation to women affected by domestic violence. The project is one of the three funded by London Councils (Eaves Project and Southall Black Sisters) working especially with survivors of domestic violence.

For further information contact Rita Chadha on 0208 478 4513 or email us.

Help to stay in your home

Settling into a new country, setting up home and establishing links within your local area all take time. RAMFEL’s housing support service funded by Family Mosaic is for migrant and refugees within the London borough of Redbridge. The project helps people to set up, maintain and develop the best start possible to life in their new home. Our floating support officer provides one-to-one casework advice and practical assistance. Access to this service is currently limited to individuals from the London borough of Redbridge only.

For further information contact Cheryl Kerr on 020 8478 4513 or email us.

Asylum Seeker drop in

We also run a weekly drop in for those affected by destitution, where asylum seekers can get a hot meal, advice and support on a range of issues. For further information on the drop in contact Sabrina on 020 8478 4513.

English Classes/Citizenship

We understand that an ability to speak English is an essential part of living in the UK. In partnership with the Diocese of Brentwood we currently provide a range of English classes for individuals who are currently unable to access tuition.

English classes are currently available (term time only)

  • Mondays 10am-12pm at the Cardinal Heenan Centre in Redbridge
  • Tuesday 1-3pm St Aidens School, Seven Kings
  • Wednesday 1-3pm St Aidens School, Seven Kings
  • Friday 1-3pm – Grays
  • Fridays 1-3pm Loxford Youth Centre (for the Roma Community only)

We can also arrange for support classes for those undertaking the Life in the UK test. We also arrange occasional visits and trips to cultural venues.