Action for Refugees in Lewisham

Who we are

AFRIL is a small, dynamic charity that supports asylum seekers, vulnerable migrants, and refugees in Lewisham and south east London to overcome their complex problems and integrate into the community. We empower service users to build purposeful lives in the UK. 

AFRIL has three core services:

• The AFRIL Foodbank programme comprising the Helping Hands foodbank together with a range of wellbeing activities such as art@home and the Allotment of Refuge;

• Rainbow Club Supplementary School, offering weekly additional education and arts and sports activities to children from refugee, migrant and asylum seeking backgrounds from early years to 11 years old;

• The Advice and Advocacy Service, which offers welfare benefits, housing and generalist advice, accredited by AQS. The Service also includes an immigration advice service in partnership with Southwark Law Centre

Our culture and values

Our work is grounded in the values of professionalism, empowerment and inclusivity. We strive to be community-led and community-based.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

AFRIL is an equal opportunities employer. We are a diverse staff team and particularly encourage applications from BAME candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and those with lived experience of asylum/irregular migration. We welcome applications from candidates of all ages and are committed to supporting qualified people to re-enter the workplace after periods of unemployment for example because of homemaking, redundancy, mental health or previous immigration restrictions. Our office is on the first floor of a community centre. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support our staff to flourish.