Refugee and migrant organisations help people who are new to the UK, including asylum seekers, refugees and migrant communities settling in London.
Organisations linked to this cause may offer immigration advice, English classes, welfare and benefits help, mental health support, community groups, cultural activities or help finding housing and work.
Migrants Organise provides a platform for refugees and migrants to organise for power, dignity, and justice. The organisation combines advice and support for individuals affected by immigration policies with grassroots organising, advocacy, research, and campaigning. Its mission is to build a movement for migrant justice, working with migrants, refugees, and allies. Services include providing individual advice and support, alongside leadership development, training, and platforming people with lived experience. The organisation aims to dismantle structural racism, foster a welcoming society, and build alliances on local and national policy levels.
WaterAid works with local partners to bring clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene to communities around the world, and campaigns for these services to be accessible to everyone.
Southwark Day Centre for Asylum Seekers (SDCAS) promotes the wellbeing of asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants in the London Borough of Southwark. The organisation provides day centres that offer free, holistic services including hot lunches, advice, and support on health, housing, immigration, education, and employment. SDCAS also runs social and wellbeing activities. Its mission is to relieve poverty and promote wellbeing, striving to develop a better understanding of its clients’ needs. The centre welcomes those in need of support, advice, or facilities. SDCAS invites individuals to make regular donations to help with future planning.
Refugee and Migrant Justice (RAMFEL), previously known as Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex & London, supports people in crisis through specialist advice, representation, holistic support, and campaigning. The organisation provides free or low-fee legal support for issues including leave to remain, citizenship applications, e-visas, and general immigration advice. RAMFEL offers online advice for rough sleepers, asylum seekers, refugee family members, people with leave to remain, and undocumented migrants. It also provides holistic support, operates a community hub, and runs a food bank. RAMFEL campaigns for changes such as making Indefinite Leave to Remain affordable for all.
Médecins Sans Frontières UK is the UK office of the international medical humanitarian organisation, providing emergency medical care in conflict zones, epidemics and disasters, and speaking out about the crises it witnesses.
Women for Refugee Women supports refugee and asylum-seeking women in the UK, particularly those who have fled persecution including gender-based violence, torture, and trafficking. The organisation builds community through support groups offering creative and educational activities like English lessons, drama, yoga, and radical knitting. It helps women tell their stories to the media and parliamentarians to influence understanding and advocate for a fairer UK asylum system. Working with women in their network, they conduct research and campaign to end immigration detention in the UK. They offer a community space for women seeking safety and also encourage donations and fundraising to support their work.
South London Refugee Association (SLRA) supports refugees, asylum seekers, and other migrants in crisis in South West London. The organisation provides specialist advice and support to help migrants access justice, safety, and opportunities. Services include support for young people and adults and families. SLRA welcomes volunteers, financial donations, and donations of technology.
Refugee Action is a UK charity that supports refugees and people seeking asylum. The organisation aims to help individuals who have fled their homes to rebuild safe, happy, and productive lives in the UK. They provide basic support and work towards a vision where refugees and people seeking asylum are welcomed, achieve justice, live free of poverty, and successfully rebuild their lives. Refugee Action advocates for an end to the ban on work for people seeking asylum and challenges the asylum and immigration system. They have supported thousands of people in the asylum process and resettled refugees. The charity encourages donations and campaign participation, such as "Race for Refugees" and signing petitions.
The Refugee Council supports refugees and people seeking asylum. It offers advice, housing support, services for children and young people, and help with employment. Its work aims to help people recover from trauma, build confidence and settle into their communities. It works alongside community groups, partners and volunteers. The Refugee Council works nationally, including in London.
Hackney Migrant Centre provides support to refugees, asylum seekers, and other migrants. The organisation offers free, expert advice on immigration, housing, and welfare. Beyond advice, it provides a community space where individuals can access warm meals and connect with others. Hackney Migrant Centre supports migrants in Hackney and the wider London community, helping them to access their rights and navigate the immigration and social welfare system.
CARAS supports new-arrival asylum seekers in South West London. The charity provides Youth Services, Adult Services, Campaigns & Advocacy, and Teaching and Training. They explicitly request volunteers and donations to support their work, which includes funding sports kits, youth club meals, ESOL tuition, casework appointments, women's yoga sessions, and employability workshops.
Young Roots is a London-based charity supporting young refugees and asylum seekers aged 14-25 who are alone in the UK. The organisation aims to help young people build positive futures by offering practical and emotional support. Services include Youth work, Casework, and Advice and Support Hubs where young people can access legal advice, specialist support, and learn English and other skills. Young Roots also engages in campaigning with young people to influence policy and practice affecting their lives. While London-based, its youth hub in Croydon is specifically mentioned.
The Helen Bamber Foundation is a human rights charity that provides support to survivors of trafficking, torture, and extreme human cruelty. The organisation offers care across six key areas, including therapy, medical advice, legal protection, housing and welfare, counter trafficking, and help with integration into the community. It aims to support survivors in their recovery journey, enabling them to regain independence. The Foundation works directly with survivors, shares insights and training with partner organisations, and seeks policy and practice change. It supports survivors across the UK and beyond. Donations are accepted.
Notre Dame Refugee Centre provides practical support and a warm welcome to refugees and asylum seekers. Established in 1996, the organisation offers free expert immigration advice, English lessons, and general support. It aims to empower individuals with insecure or unresolved immigration status to secure their rights and integrate into life in the UK. The Centre also assists with housing for refugees and asylum seekers in London. The organisation seeks donations to fund its immigration advice services and English language and community support programmes.
Jesuit Refugee Service UK (JRS UK) is an international Catholic organisation that supports refugees and forcibly displaced individuals. It provides a special ministry to those made destitute by government policies and individuals held in immigration detention. JRS UK works to accompany, serve, and advocate for the rights of refugees, operating from its centre in London. The organisation offers direct support, facilitates peer support groups, and engages in advocacy for a humane asylum system. It also provides resources for parishes, schools, and communities to deepen their understanding of supporting people seeking sanctuary.
The British Red Cross provides humanitarian support to people in crisis across the UK and worldwide. The organisation helps communities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises. Its work includes daily operations and long-term strategy, guided by trustees and an executive team. They champion seven fundamental principles and have been operating for over 150 years. The British Red Cross seeks volunteers for roles such as helping at events, in charity shops, and emergency response.
Praxis Community Projects offers free immigration and welfare advice to migrants and refugees in London, supporting approximately 2,500 people annually. The organisation assists individuals, including survivors of abuse, with complex immigration issues, housing, healthcare, and legal support. Praxis provides legal advice from its East London base and through partnerships with hospitals, local authorities, and homeless organisations. They also collaborate with other charities for referrals. Praxis manages projects designed to meet the needs of diverse groups who have moved to the UK. A partnership with Refugee Action and St. Mungo’s, called Street Legal, specifically tackles rough sleeping by linking immigration advisers with homeless outreach services.
