Navigating life in a new country or within a system that often overlooks the needs of Black and minoritised women can be overwhelming.
Many women from Kurdish, Middle Eastern, North African and Afghan communities in London face multiple challenges, including isolation, language barriers, insecure immigration status and limited access to services.
Community Advice and Support service offers a safe and welcoming space, where women can get practical help, guidance, and advocacy. Whether it is support with housing, welfare benefits, immigration referrals, health or accessing education and employment, we are committed to support them. Our approach is person-centered and rooted in trust.
Our frontline professionals come from the communities we serve and they have the cultural competence to identify and address our service users’ needs. The service is provided in their mother tongue (Kurdish Sorani, Arabic, Farsi and in English.
Islington BAMER Advice Alliance (IBAA)
A partnership consisting of six organisations in Islington and providing one to one community advice and support in Kurdish Sorani, Arabic and in English as well as community engagement activities.
Aiming at breaking the cycle of exclusion, we seek to ensure equal access to general information and services for marginalised communities and awareness of their legal rights in the UK.
Our Partners:
- IMECE Women’s Centre
- Evelyn Oldfield Unit (EOU)
- Eritrean Community UK (ECUK)
- Islington Bangladesh Association (IBA)
- Islington Somali Community (ISC)
Case Study: Supporting a Single Mother in Islington
L.A., a 44-year-old, single mother of two young children and a resident of Islington, came to KMEWO seeking support amidst complex challenges. As a survivor of domestic abuse from a Middle Eastern background, she faced multiple barriers, including poor physical health, language barriers and financial hardship.
KMEWO provided holistic, coordinated support that included
- Assistance with immigration and E-visa renewal
- Coordination with a family solicitor regarding divorce and child custody
- Support with DHP applications, rent recovery, and housing matters
- Applications for council tax reduction, Cloudesley grant, and other financial support
- Interpretation and direct communication with statutory services
- Enrolment in ESOL classes to improve English skills
- Budgeting advice, fraud prevention, and setting up direct debits
- Emotional support and referral to KMEWO's wellbeing and social activities
Challenges
When L.A. approached KMEWO two years ago, she was overwhelmed with a wide range of issues:
- Immigration and legal status
- Divorce and child arrangements
- Rent and utility arrears
- Welfare benefits and council tax
- Language and digital barriers
- Emotional and mental wellbeing
Outcomes
- Immigration issues resolved successfully
- Utility debts settled and water bills reduced
- Improved English proficiency and engagement in community events
- Increased emotional wellbeing and confidence
- Greater financial stability and awareness
- Continued follow-up on legal and grant matters
Conclusion
L.A.’s journey illustrates how targeted, culturally sensitive support can empower vulnerable women to regain control over their lives. KMEWO continues to stand by her as she builds a safer, more stable future for herself and her children.