Help and support for refugees

The following organisations provide people with an emergency supply of food. Please ensure you contact them before visiting and note the opening times as this will vary depending on the organisation. Please continue to check this webpage regularly as information may be added and existing information may be subject to change.

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

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

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

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

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 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

If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, contact our Housing Team as soon as possible by email housing.options@redbridge.gov.uk or telephone 020 8708 4002.

You can also visit the housing options and advice page.

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.

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:

• Mental health
• Carer responsibilities

No proof of address, immigration status or NHS number is required for the clinics - just confirmation of your age. You can book your vaccine now at one of the clinics below by calling 0800 038 59 29.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.