Help and support for refugees
Welcome message
We want to live in a world where people who are in grave danger have the opportunity to rebuild their lives in safety. Britain has a proud history of welcoming refugees, Refugees, the likes of Albert Einstein to Sir Mo Farrah, arguably the UK’s most successful runner have made a massive cultural, social and economic contribution to life in the UK. Others simply work hard to keep our essential services running - bus drivers, health and social care workers to mention a few.
Across Redbridge, people are opening their hearts and lives to refugees and saying 'welcome' in a range of innovative ways. Some are supporting refugees to access education or restart their careers. Others are helping them overcome trauma. Here you can find information about local services to help you settle into Redbridge life.
Foodbank
Baby clothes bank
Redbridge Children's Centres can help families with all their baby's basic needs. Orchard Children’s Centre runs a baby clothes bank every Wednesday morning, 9am to 12 midday. No appointment needed.
Address: Orchard Children’s Centre, Liston Way, Woodford, Woodford Green IG8 7BL
Children’s Centres provide sessions for under 5’s children and their parents. Parents can have support with parenting, children’s development and socialising, as well as information about pre-school nursery and other provision. Find your nearest Redbridge Children’s Centre
Toddlers clothes bank
Redbridge Council has launched a new clothes bank at one of our children’s centres in Ilford, giving families access to free clothes and shoes for toddlers, aged 2 and older. The clothes bank is open on Fridays.
To book a collection time email thackeraydrivecc@redbridge.gov.uk or telephone 020 8708 5800.
Address: Peabody Children's Centre, 22 Jaffe Road, Newbury Park, Ilford, Essex, IG1 4BB
Children’s Centres provide sessions for under 5’s children and their parents. Parents can have support with parenting, children’s development and socialising, as well as information about pre-school nursery and other provision. Find your nearest Redbridge Children’s Centre
Redbridge Children's Centres
Children’s Centres provide sessions for under 5’s children and their parents. Parents can have support with parenting, children’s development and socialising, as well as information about pre-school nursery and other provision. Find your nearest Redbridge Children’s Centre
For more informtion email Childrens.Centres@redbridge.gov.uk or find@redbridge.gov.uk
Refugee & Migrant Forum of Essex and London (RAMFEL)
RAMFEL is a charity that supports vulnerable migrants to access vital support in moments of crisis. They provide advice, support and advocacy services to asylum seekers, vulnerable migrants and refugees.
Their offices are currently closed but they have a telephone advice line open for new clients on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10.00am to 1.00pm.
Telephone: 020 7052 5212
Immigration advice
Citizens Advice Redbridge offer advice and information around immigration.
You can visit Citizens Advice Redbridge at Redbridge Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 1EA
Opening times: Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.00pm
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army provides a wide range of help and support for families and individuals.
Address: 15 Clements Road, Ilford, IG1 1BH
Email: ilford@salvationarmy.org.uk
Telephone: 020 8478 2961
Housing advice
If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, contact our Housing Team as soon as possible.
When you contact us, we will provide you advice and work with you to develop a personalised housing plan, setting out and agreeing the steps that will be taken to prevent you from becoming homeless or to find you alternative accommodation.
If you are calling out of hours (between 6pm to 8am) please telephone 020 8554 5000.
Health
To register with a doctor in Redbridge please visit the NHS website. You can register for yourself and your family.
You can find other information on health services on the adult and children services page. This includes information on:
Coronavirus vaccination information
No proof of address, immigration status or NHS number is required for the clinics.
You just need confirmation of your age.
You can book your vaccine now at one of the clinics below by calling 0800 038 59 29.
Employment - Work Redbridge
The Work Redbridge service is open to any Redbridge resident aged 18 or older. When the time is right for you, our specialist advisors can support you to find work or training, as well as offer advice on interviews and CV writing.
You can contact Work Redbridge on the details below. They also do face to face appointments. Appointments are taking place at Hub Central, Floor 2, Central Library, Clements Road, IG1 1EA.
Email: workredbridge@redbridge.gov.uk
Telephone: 020 8708 2298
More information can be found on the help finding a job with Work Redbridge page.
Welfare benefits
The council is committed to assisting Redbridge residents to claim the benefits which they may be entitled to. You can contact the Welfare Benefits team for further information and advice.
Email: welfare.benefits@redbridge.gov.uk
Telephone: 020 8708 4180
Further information on benefits that can offer you support can be found on the benefits page.
School and education
You can put your child/children into either a primary or secondary school once the school year has started. An application must be made online through the schools page.
You can choose up to six schools. Check the nearest schools to you.
Once you have made your online application, we will consider your choices and email you within 10 working days to let you know which school we are able to offer.
For more information on school places in Redbridge please visit the schools page.
Special Educational Needs
If your child has Special Education Needs please contact the Special Education Needs Team for more information.
Email: senteam@redbridge.gov.uk
Learning English
There are classes available at Redbridge Institute, where English courses are all free.
To find out more please email enquiries@redbridge-iae.ac.uk or telephone 020 8550 2398.
Other help available
Reporting a crime
If your or someone else is facing immediate danger, please call 999.
If you want to report a minor crime or incident, please call 101.
Reporting anti-social behaviour
The Redbridge Community Protection Team can also help you with issues, such as anti-social behaviour and noise nuisance. The Community Protection Team are on duty:
- Monday to Thursday, 11am to 8pm
- Friday to Saturday, 4pm to 1am
- Sunday, 1pm to 10pm
You can report an incident online by completing this anti-social behaviour enforcement form or by calling 07976 398 426.
Contacting your local councillor
You can also contact your local councillor, who will be able to raise and advocate for issues on your behalf. Councillors hold surgeries in various locations throughout Redbridge. At these surgeries you can ask your local councillor about issues concerning your local area.
View a list of Redbridge councillors
Find out who your local councillor is
Bin collection
You can check the day your bins are collected by entering your street name or postcode.
You can report a missed bin collection (including recycling) by reporting it.
Places of worship
To find your closest place of worship and faith based support organisations, please view places of workshop in Redbridge published by the Redbridge Faith Forum.
