About Refugee Action Kingston

Refugee Action Kingston has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers in and around Kingston-Upon-Thames for over 30 years. Against an increasingly challenging backdrop both in the UK and abroad, we have sought to be a positive source of support for our clients. One that focusses on matching the ambitions of our clients and their needs. 

In their own words: Hear from some of our clients

How we help refugees and asylum seekers in Kingston-Upon-Thames

Advice and advocacy 

We offer free advice for refugees and asylum seekers in the local area. We can help with: 

  • Immigration advice 

  • Welfare benefits 

  • Education 

  • Housing 

  • Utilities – gas, water, electricity, phone and internet 

  • Medical access – doctor, dentist, hospital, vaccinations and mental health 

  • School access – primary school, secondary school and college. 

Refugee Action Kingston are certified by the Advice Quality Standard (AQS) and Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) up to Level 3.  

Health and wellbeing 

We Offer:

  • Individual counselling in person and telecounselling (either Video or telephone)  

  • Psychoeducation workshops and Groups  

We can help our clients access GP services, as well as other vital healthcare services. We’ve helped our clients with the following: 

  • Blood pressure testing 

  • Mental health support 

  • Cancer screening 

  • BMI checks 

  • Tackling social isolation and loneliness 

  • Domestic abuse support 

As well as this, we’ve provided the following wellness activities: 

  • Women’s health event 

  • Outdoor gym activities 

  • Men’s football for mental health 

  • Walk and talk 

  • Art sessions 

  • Yoga, running and cycling. 

Learning English 

We deliver a range of free English classes every week as part of our Community Hub. We have a wonderful team of teachers and committed volunteers who are able to support learners of all levels, from total beginner to advanced. We run a weekly ‘Walk and Talk’ outdoor learning programme, where people meet us outside to walk in the fresh air and practise their English language skills. 

Children and young people 

We are proud to support all the children and young people who access our services. We have discovered ballet dancers, budding astronauts, concert pianists, aspiring footballers and ambitious future politicians amongst our students. We have supported thousands of children with: 

  • ESOL (english for speakers of other languages) 

  • Afterschool club 

  • Homework club 

  • Essential items, such as clothing, stationery and technology 

  • General wellbeing support 

Career Advice 

We have a long history of advising refugees and asylum seekers on their career options, including helping them: 

  • Look and apply for work, through guided job search sessions. 

  • Access vocational training, as well as further and higher education 

  • Signposting and referring to volunteering opportunities 

  • Get recognition for qualifications from abroad 

  • Learn about employment terms and the UK labour market 

Through our one-to-one career guidance sessions and group workshops, we are able to assist people into meaningful employment that is beneficial for both employee and employer. 

You can browse our services brochure here, in English, Arabic, Farsi, Ukrainian and Korean.

Our latest annual report is also available to read here.

“What’s the difference between an asylum-seeker and a refugee?

An asylum-seeker is someone who has arrived in a new country and applied for refugee status. While their case is being assessed, they are unable to access most benefits.

If officials decide that an asylum-seeker fits certain criteria, such as facing persecution in their native country, then they will be given refugee status. This offers certain protections and benefits.

So, all refugees were once asylum-seekers – but not all asylum-seekers end up being accepted as refugees.”