CARAS is a community outreach charity based in Tooting. They support people of refugee and asylum-seeking background who live in South-West London.

CARAS delivers a range of group activities that support people of all ages to develop their English skills, access services and opportunities, build supportive social networks and to feel welcomed. They also work with individuals to make sure that people get the specific support that matches their situation no matter how complex.

CARAS works from the perspective that people of refugee background are marginalised in the UK and can and do face a complex range of barriers that prevent access to rights, entitlements, opportunities and a good quality of life. These barriers must be addressed comprehensively through education, advocacy and campaigns work for social change, all of which will serve to empower the beneficiaries.

Eleanor Brown, Managing Director of CARAS says that the organisation feels at home in SW17: “We love being in Tooting - a diverse, friendly and exciting community that has shown time and again that refugees really are welcome here."

The key services that CARAS offers are:

ESOL – English is the thing people most often ask for help with. CARAS offers a range of friendly and accessible English classes for women and young people.

Group Sessions – Whether people attend their women’s groups, advice sessions or youth activities, they will be welcomed into a friendly, supportive environment.

Individual Support – Their tailor-made one-to-one relationships match trained volunteers to people who are experiencing periods of crisis or transition.

Advocacy – The CARAS Advocacy Project works with people to understand their options when it comes to a range of issues including: bills, debt, housing, welfare and legal / immigration problems.

Teaching & Training – CARAS offers a broad range of bespoke training sessions on issues affecting people of refugee background. Through these sessions, they aim to encourage good practice across a wide range of sectors.

To find out more about CARAS or to volunteer please visit their website, follow them on Facebook or Twitter, telephone 020 8767 5378 or visit them at 25 Blakenham Road, Tooting, London, SW17 8NE.