Action for Refugees in Lewisham - AFRIL

Action for Refugees in Lewisham - AFRIL Action for Refugees in Lewisham (AFRIL) supports refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants in

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08/07/2026

HE DID IT! ClIr Mark Kowalski () has set a new World Record for the Most Countries Visited by Bicycle in Seven Days for AFRIL! At 08:00 local time Saturday 27 June, Mark entered Greece, the 21st country - 22 including Kosovo - on his seven-day unsupported cycle from the Netherlands. He averaged 400km/day, riding as much as 23 hours in one go, and fuelling himself on the equivalent of 1.6kg of sugar each day! Show your support by making a donation to AFRIL! Check the link in our bio to sponsor Mark and support asylum seeking, refugee and migrant families in South East London. Thank you Mark!

Cllr Mark Kowalski is taking sponsored challenges to the next level! On Saturday Mark will set off from Vaals, attemptin...
18/06/2026

Cllr Mark Kowalski is taking sponsored challenges to the next level! On Saturday Mark will set off from Vaals, attempting to break the World Record for the most countries visited by bicycle in seven days, all whilst raising money for AFRIL! Check the link in our bio to sponsor Mark and follow his progress as he crosses Europe to support asylum seeking, refugee and migrant families in South East London. Thank you Mark!

Yesterday some of AFRIL’s staff and members came together with representatives across the sector to lobby MPs in Parliam...
12/03/2026

Yesterday some of AFRIL’s staff and members came together with representatives across the sector to lobby MPs in Parliament around our concerns about the settlement and asylum changes. Our members met with 6 MPs to demand scrutiny and a fair and humane immigration system. Thanks to for making the day such a success and to the MPs who listened and agreed to take action, showing us change is possible!

Snippets from a busy December at AFRIL! Despite increasingly hostile narrative and policies towards our community, this ...
11/12/2025

Snippets from a busy December at AFRIL! Despite increasingly hostile narrative and policies towards our community, this month we have been busy creating moments joy and solidarity in South East London. Our Rainbow Club students brushed up on their spelling and had fantastic trips to Maths World and our allotment where they learnt about climate resilience. Our Casework Manager, Sarah, delivered specialised training to Lewisham Foster Carers. Our Director, Chloe, spoke with UNHCR at University of Greenwich about the new asylum policy. And, we visited our friends to chat about our shared goals and future plans.

Using co-production and casework trends to influence policy and bring about systemic change is core to AFRIL's work. Che...
23/09/2025

Using co-production and casework trends to influence policy and bring about systemic change is core to AFRIL's work.

Check out our recent blog for where we share our experience as a small charity engaging in big policy and provide our five top tips for organisations considering doing the same!

AFRIL is deeply concerned by the Home Secretary's announcement to suspend the safe route for refugees to be reunited wit...
10/09/2025

AFRIL is deeply concerned by the Home Secretary's announcement to suspend the safe route for refugees to be reunited with their families. The protection of family life is well established in international law and the UK can be proud of the humanitarian role it has played in reuniting thousands of families separated by war and persecution. The suspension of family reunification, at a time when some in society are seeking to stoke dangerous divisions, feeds into a wider false narrative around migration.

For many of AFRIL's members, family reunion provides life saving hope and strength throughout the years of turmoil that our asylum system can bring. As an organisation, it is a privilege to witness the joy of families when they are first reunited, to meet the partners/spouses and children of people that we have supported through some of the darkest times of their lives, and to help families to rebuild their lives in the heart of our community. The Home Secretary's decision to suspend on of the last remaining safe routes for sanctuary seekers is cruel and will push more people to make dangerous journeys in the hope of safety.

We urge the UK government to immediately reinstate the Family Reunion route, and take this opportunity to promote the truthful and positive narrative of migration that does not divide communities but unite us.

"Before I used to feel isolated at home, I felt alone. Now going to the Allotment I feel better. At the allotment I meet...
06/08/2025

"Before I used to feel isolated at home, I felt alone. Now going to the Allotment I feel better. At the allotment I meet with other people, we chat, we work a little… I feel good this way.

We meet people from different communities, we share, it makes you feel good. I’ve learned a lot about gardening, a lot!

You see, I don't buy small things like tomatoes and vegetables. I get it from the allotment, it makes things easier for me, as the price of food has gone up so much."- Allotment of Refuge Gardener.

We did it!! Our Refugee Children: Safe and Well campaign raised £14,414 + £1,698.50 - we’re so grateful to everyone who ...
17/06/2025

We did it!! Our Refugee Children: Safe and Well campaign raised £14,414 + £1,698.50 - we’re so grateful to everyone who has donated and shared the campaign, thank you very much!!

Thank you to and for match funding donations up to £6,000, and thank you to the and our AFRIL Trustees who organised sponsored events that raised over £2,600. We would also like to give a special thank you to the Blackheath Quaker Meeting for their generous support that raised £750, and the Trinity School students who raised £50!
All donations will go towards supporting children from vulnerable migrant backgrounds living in poverty.

Experiences of migration and the hostile environment can knock the confidence out of refugee and asylum seeking children and make them feel isolated.

Our Rainbow Club school improves children’s confidence, educational attainment and sense of belonging through specialised classes, creative activities and our Youth Council. Fun trips broaden their experiences and enhance their passion for learning. Last year 86% of Rainbow Club children improved in self esteem and confidence, and 100% of parents said that Rainbow Club improved their child’s wellbeing.

A huge thank you to our Trustees who organised a sponsored walk and cycle on Sunday, and thank you to all our supporters...
16/06/2025

A huge thank you to our Trustees who organised a sponsored walk and cycle on Sunday, and thank you to all our supporters who joined us! The cyclists cycled 60 miles and the walkers walked 10 miles. Together they raised £575 in one day for our Refugee Children: Safe and Well Campaign!

Donation link in bio.

Thanks to everyone who came to our Refugee Week Community event at our Allotment of Refuge on Saturday! It was great to ...
16/06/2025

Thanks to everyone who came to our Refugee Week Community event at our Allotment of Refuge on Saturday!

It was great to share delicious food in good company while listening to live music and enjoy the beautiful scenery. See you all again next year!

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F3 Leemore Central Community Hub, Bonfield Road
London
SE135ES

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