Social Services/Children Are you currently facing challenges with Social Services in the UK? Perhaps you are experiencing difficulties due to cultural differences stemming from your relocation to this country. Do you find it challenging to navigate the complexities of child services laws in the UK? If you encounter any of the issues mentioned above, the team at African Immigration Support (AIS) is here to assist you. We can provide you with guidance on how to effectively communicate your concerns to the relevant authorities and direct you to the appropriate channels for seeking support. We aim to help you articulate your thoughts with the correct tone, ask the right questions, and access the necessary assistance to address your challenges. Your voice matters, and we are here to ensure that it is heard and understood. Reach out to us for further assistance. We are committed to supporting individuals like yourself who are navigating the complexities of social services in a new environment. Contact Form

Volunteer Application Form First name Last name Email Phone Address Why do you wish to volunteer? Please list any relevant skills/ qualifications Submit

General Advice Adapting to life in a new country can be both exciting and challenging. Our Comprehensive Guidance service is designed to provide you with the information and resources you need to thrive, whether you're dealing with legal matters, cultural differences, or unfamiliar systems. We assist with a wide range of issues, including understanding your legal rights and responsibilities, accessing essential services such as healthcare, education, and housing, receiving financial and tax advice, and facilitating cultural and social integration. Our dedicated team of experts offers personalised support tailored to your unique circumstances. Whether you're seeking answers to a specific question or need ongoing guidance, we are here to ensure your transition is as smooth as possible. Reach out today to benefit from our in-depth knowledge and compassionate service because your successful integration in the UK is our priority. Contact Form

Useful Links The Refugee Council The Refugee Council has an 'Infoline' which aims to connect refugees and people seeking asylum with services which can help them (England only): 0808 196 7272 NACCOM NACCOM is a nationwide network of hosting schemes/ accommodation providers. Immigration Status Read the guide on how you can view and prove your immigration status, as well as update your details. Childcare Pay Help Help paying for childcare: Childcare you can get help paying for ('approved childcare') Find Local Council Find your local council British Red Cross Get help from The British Red Cross Housing Benefit Get help with applying for Housing Benefit Skilled Worker Info Find information about salaries for skiilled immigrant workers Job Search Sites Indeed.com Total Jobs Flexihire Dream Placement Stint Sage Connect Reed Yoopies UK Part Time Jobs Amazon Flex Child Protection Links Childline Childline: Advice for children and young people to help keep safe online and to know what to do when things go wrong. Telephone: 0800 11 11 Think U Know Thinkuknow: A website featuring films, learning activity and information to help young people keep themselves safe from sexual abuse and exploitation Safer Internet UK Safer Internet Centre: Online safety tips, advice and resources to help children and young people stay safe online. CEOP CEOP – Child Exploitation and Online Protection: A safe, secure place to report if you have been a victim of sexual online abuse or worried this is happening to someone you know. Many sites have the report to CEOP button Child Protection The Child Protection Scotland website is administered by Child Protection Committees Scotland (CPCScotland). Reporting & Helplines Indeed.com Child Exploitation and Online Protection centre - report concerns to CEOP using the "Click CEOP" button Virtual Global Teaskforce Virtual Global Taskforce - making the internet safer for children Think U Know Think U Know - resources and advice for parents, professionals, children and young people IWF Internet Watch Foundation - report illegal content online Action Fraud Action Fraud - report consumer and online fraud Childline Childline - NSPCC Childline Service Revenge Porn Helpline Revenge Porn Helpline (NB if under 18s are involved, report to CEOP or Kent Police) Stop Online Abuse Stop Online Abuse - report online sexism, homophobia, biphobia and transphobia Parent Port Parent Port - report inappropriate content (on and offline) POSH Professionals Online Safety Helpline for professionals who work with children and young people in the UK, specifically tackling online safety concerns: helpline@saferinternet.org.uk or 0844 381 4772 Report Harmful Content Report Harmful Content - Provides further support to users over the age of 13 who have already submitted a report to industry regarding harmful content and would like outcomes reviewed Charities & Support Services ABA Anti-Bullying Alliance NSPCC NSPCC Online Safety Marie Collins Foundation The Marie Collins Foundation - helping children abused online Lucy Faithfull Foundation The Lucy Faithfull Foundation - Advice, self-help & educational programmes about online abuse (including peer on peer abuse) Digital Trust Digital Trust - Advice regarding online stalking and harassment The Samaritans The Samaritans: Supporting Schools Papyrus Papyrus - Prevention of young suicide Young Minds Young Minds Links for Education Kent guidance Please follow the Online Safety blog to receive regular updates. Anonymous Apps - what school’s need to know Engaging parents and carers in children's use of apps Kent Online Safety briefings for DSLs Online Safety Letters General Safer Internet Day 360 safe self review tool - interactive tool from the SWGfL to help schools to review their online safety provision and to develop an action plan Ofcom - Ofcom frequently post research into online safety EU Kids Online - Research Online safety resources from other authorities/grids South West Grid For Learning Hertfordshire Grid for Learning London Grid for Learning Think U Know - Information from CEOP about online abuse and exploitation Internet Matters - Information from BT, Sky, Talk Talk and Virgin Parents pack - posters, banners and presentations to use with parents Digital resilience toolkits Leaflets What the experts say Childnet - Information for parents and carers Family agreements and conversation starters Supporting Young People Online Leaflets Keeping under fives safe online Leaflets Music, TV, Film and the Internet Leaflets Parents resource sheet Screen time boundaries Digital Wellbeing guidance Critical thinking Live Streaming UK Safer Internet Centre parents advice The Parent Zone - guidance for parents and professionals working with families Parent Info - Excellent resource to include on school/setting websites NSPCC Online Safety - NSPCC Online Safety advice O2 and NSPCC Talking to your child Barnardo's Follow me Barnardo's Be Safe guide for parents and children about sexual exploitation Parents Protect - Lucy Faithfull Foundation Get Safe Online Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) Vodafone Digital Parenting EE Digital Living resources - for schools and parents and carers NWG and UK Safer Internet Centre leaflet: Online: Onguard - A Guide to Becoming a Safer Parent Online KSCB and Trading Standards Leaflet for Parents and Carers (PDF, 221.6 KB) August 2015 Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health - Screen Time guidance Review Sites and Social Media Guides Net Aware - NSPCC reviews of 50+ popular apps and games Internet Matters - Safe set up guides (includes popular social media sites) Common Sense Media - American site which reviews websites, games etc with age suitability UK Safer Internet Centre Think U Know Webwise.ie Parental Controls UK Safer Internet Centre: Parents guide to new technology UK Safer Internet Centre: Parents guide to parental controls Internet Matters - Safe set up guides for devices and social media apps NSPCC Parental Controls Yahoo Safety Tips Google Safety Center - includes family safety How Computers Work NetLingo - common online acronyms and text speak e.g. LOL, POS Staying safe online: parental controls on broadband Digital Parenting Magazines - Vodafone/Parent Zone Vodafone Digital Parenting Issue 6 Digital Parenting Magazine Archives (Issue 1-5) Gaming and online video content Ask About Games - advice on computer gaming and parental controls Pegi - information about games rating Safer Internet Centre Gaming Resources NSPCC Online Games Parents Guide to Games Internet Matters - safe set up guides for gaming devices BBFC Links for Foster Carers and Adoptive parents Think U Know: Specific Risks Think U Know: Placement Plans

How To Get Help When you visit our website, you will find that we have meticulously organized the tabs to ensure that your specific needs are met. Whether you are seeking immigration advice, encountering challenges in adjusting to the country, or requiring specific services and information, our goal is to streamline your navigation experience for maximum efficiency. At AIS, our unwavering commitment is to furnish you with top-notch advice and support. Should you encounter any difficulty locating the information you need, please feel free to contact us using the phone number provided on the website. Our dedicated team is readily available to offer assistance and guide you to the appropriate resources. Additionally, you have the option to engage in a live chat with one of our volunteers or submit your inquiries via the "contact us" form. In order to access any of our free services, it is necessary to register with us first. You can easily complete this step by clicking Here and following the simple registration process.

Useful Forms Registration Form AIS Registration Form Volunteer Form Volunteer Registration Form Referral Form AIS Referral Form Application Forms A collection of all the application forms for people who can't apply online and want to come to the UK, extend their stay or settle.

Immigration Problems Immigration & The Home Office We understand that dealing with immigration and Home Office matters can be overwhelming. If you are facing challenges such as visa complications, refusal of applications, curtailment of your visa, or the possibility of removal or deportation from the UK, we want you to know that we are here to help. Our team of volunteers includes qualified solicitors and barristers who generously offer their time to provide initial legal advice and support. Whether you have concerns about your legal status or need assistance with any immigration-related issues, we are dedicated to offering you a listening ear and guidance free of charge. To access our services, we kindly ask you to register on our platform by Clicking Here . Once registered, you can reach out to us via our helpline, chat function, or by using the contact form. We are committed to providing the support and assistance you need during this challenging time. Contact Form

Counselling Speak with a trained volunteer on our counselling line Our counselling line is manned by a team of caring and trained volunteers who are ready to provide you with practical information, advice, and a listening ear on any personal issues you may have You can easily reach us via phone, email, or through the chatbot on our website. If you'd like to speak with someone on the phone, simply use the chatbot in the bottom right-hand corner of our website, or give us a call and leave a message. If you're ready to book an appointment, just type "I want to speak to someone" into the chatbot, and you'll be able to see available time slots and schedule a session for yourself. At the Counselling Line, we are here to offer you guidance, share our experiences, and connect you with useful support services. Whatever challenges you're facing, we're dedicated to helping you find a way forward and cope as best as you can. Please be aware that our services are only available to registered users. You can register by clicking here . Contact Form

Events & Photos Galleries

Compliments & Complaints If you have a compliment or a complaint, we want to hear from you. Compliments You can let us know when we're providing a good service, or that our staff are doing a good job. It helps us to know we are developing services in the right way, and we always pass your comments on to members of our team CLICK HERE TO GIVE A COMPLIMENT Complaints Make a complaint if there's a problem that we need to investigate. We want to hear from you when something goes wrong so we can put it right. For example, you may not be happy with how you have been treated, or you feel we have delivered a poor service. CLICK HERE TO MAKE A COMPLAINT

About A.I.S. Welcome to A.I.S! We are dedicated to uplifting and empowering individuals of African descent who have recently relocated to the UK. By providing unwavering support, invaluable advice, and comprehensive training, we aim to address the unique challenges of adapting to British society and cultivate a more inclusive and harmonious community. Through collaboration with relevant agencies, we are committed to turning this vision into a reality. Join us in creating a supportive and thriving environment for all members of our community. Our Mission Our mission is to deliver comprehensive support to African immigrants in the UK, aiming to address their distinctive challenges and empower them to become active and equal contributors to society. We also strive to collaborate with UK agencies by providing training, sharing information, and offering insights to help them better understand and effectively address the unique challenges faced by African immigrants in the UK. Our Vision Our vision is to empower every individual of African descent in the UK to thrive while fostering a society that celebrates diversity, dismantles barriers, and upholds equality. MEET OUR DIRECTORS Dimeji Adebayo Founder Dimeji Adebayo is the driving force behind African Immigrant Support (AIS). With over 20 years of experience dedicated to diaspora advocacy and immigration law, Dimeji is a practising UK solicitor who has been at the forefront of providing guidance and legal support to immigrants. His commitment to empowering marginalised communities inspired him to establish AIS, creating a safe and supportive environment for newly settled individuals in the UK. Throughout his career, Dimeji has worked tirelessly to bridge gaps between immigrant communities and local institutions, advocating for policies that ensure equal opportunities and access to resources. His deep understanding of the challenges faced by African immigrants, combined with his legal expertise, has shaped AIS's approach to offering comprehensive support services. Dimeji’s vision is to foster an inclusive society where every individual, regardless of background, can thrive. Olusola Adebayo Director Olusola Adebayo plays a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction of African Immigrant Support (AIS). With a strong commitment to community engagement and capacity building, she ensures that AIS’s programs effectively address the needs of African immigrants. Her ability to connect with diverse communities has been pivotal in creating initiatives that promote inclusivity and social cohesion. Olusola’s leadership emphasises empowering individuals and building resilient communities. She has developed strategies to enhance AIS's outreach, increasing access to critical resources and support. Her expertise in organizational development has strengthened AIS’s collaborations with other agencies, establishing it as a trusted partner for addressing the unique challenges faced by African immigrants in the UK. Olusola’s passion for sustainable change drives her advocacy for the rights and well-being of the African diaspora. She holds a degree in Business Administration from Idaho State University and a Master's degree from Cranfield University. Thelma Ekiyor Solanke Director & Philanthropy Adviser Thelma Ekiyor Solanke brings over 23 years of experience in development philanthropy and impact investing, focused on driving social impact and economic development across Africa. As a Director and Philanthropy Adviser at AIS, she plays a key role in securing resources to sustain and expand the organization’s services. Her expertise in mobilizing funding and forging strategic partnerships enhances AIS's capacity to support African immigrants. Thelma’s knowledge of the philanthropic landscape enables effective engagement with donors and foundations aligned with AIS's mission. Additionally, her background in impact investing fosters innovative approaches to financial sustainability, ensuring that AIS continues to grow and advocate for the rights and dignity of African immigrants. Aisha Mohammed Executive Director Aisha Mohammed oversees the daily operations and long-term strategic planning at African Immigrant Support (AIS). With extensive experience in non-profit leadership, she ensures that AIS fulfills its mission of uplifting African immigrants in the UK while guiding its growth. Under her leadership, AIS has implemented programs to address the unique challenges faced by African immigrants. Aisha’s expertise in program management and resource allocation enhances the organization’s efficiency and outreach. She collaborates closely with directors and staff to ensure effective service delivery and seeks new opportunities to increase AIS's impact. Aisha’s strategic vision focuses on strengthening partnerships with organizations and community leaders to amplify support for African immigrants. Her commitment to social justice and inclusion drives her efforts to empower individuals as active contributors to society.

Become A Volunteer Whether you're looking to enhance your CV, ease your transition back to work, or embrace retirement, volunteering is a fulfilling choice. We eagerly invite individuals with immigrant backgrounds to join us – your unique experiences are invaluable. Let's connect and discuss how you can contribute meaningfully. Your time and dedication will truly make a difference! To apply as a volunteer, please click on the button below to fill out the application form. Volunteers must be 18 or older. Apply Here Our Commitment To Volunteers What We Ask Of Volunteers Volunteers are expected to commit to a minimum of two hours per week for at least six months when possible. They are also required to attend regular training sessions to develop their role and progression, and to adhere to our policies and guidelines. It is imperative that volunteers are committed to our mission and values and have a genuine desire to improve the lives of those who seek our help. As representatives of AIS, volunteers must always maintain professionalism when interacting with the public and external services. Volunteers should: - Display empathy and understanding towards the needs of others - Be aware of and manage their own well-being - Communicate effectively with the team - Always be respectful of others in accordance with our policies - Possess basic IT skills and computer literacy All our volunteers must be 18 or older. We have the following volunteering roles available: Counselling Line Volunteer As a counselling line volunteer, you will provide one-to-one support to individuals through telephone calls, chats, and emails. Your role will involve utilizing your skills and personal experiences to offer reassurance, guidance, and support to the individuals seeking our services Trainers We regularly conduct training sessions on topics related to social adaptation, cultural integration, and related subjects. If you have expertise in these areas, we would be delighted to have you join us. Fundraising Assistant Join us in our efforts to raise funds for our cause. Events Assistant We frequently organise local and national events in person and online. Volunteers may be needed in these roles. In addition, we welcome individuals with specific skills that may be beneficial to our work. These skills include: - Website support - SEO copywriting - Social media management - Content writing - Editing - Videography - Data analysis (Google Analytics) - Marketing - Graphic design We are dedicated to ensuring that your experience as a volunteer with us is enriching and rewarding. Our commitment to you involves the following specific actions: Detailed Descriptions: We will provide clear and comprehensive descriptions for each volunteering role to help you understand your responsibilities and contributions. Fair Treatment: Volunteers will be treated equitably and in accordance with our UK Equal Opportunities policy to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all. Data Privacy and Security: Volunteers' personal information will be kept secure and handled in accordance with our UK Privacy policy, the Data Protection Act 2018, and GDPR, ensuring confidentiality and respect for your privacy. Transparency and Communication: We will keep volunteers informed of any relevant changes, including updates to policies and staff, to ensure that you are well-informed and involved in organisational developments. Training and Development: Volunteers will receive appropriate training and ongoing support to nurture and enhance their skills, irrespective of their roles. Collaborative Approach: We will work collaboratively with all our volunteers to improve the services we deliver, identify training needs, and provide opportunities for additional learning and growth. Legislative Compliance: Our volunteering practices will align with current and relevant legislation, ensuring a safe and legally compliant environment for our volunteers. Expense Reimbursement: Agreed out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our policy and guidance, recognizing the financial commitments of our volunteers. Recognition and Celebration: We will celebrate and acknowledge the successes and ongoing contributions of all our volunteers to the organization to show our appreciation for your dedication. Skills Development Support: We are committed to supporting your aspirations to upskill through relevant training and development opportunities, empowering you to grow both personally and professionally.