Name: Sahar, a refugee from Iran

Organisation:  Iranian Association works with London Councils funded second tier organisation Advice UK

Background: The organisation improves access to advice for BMER and migrant communities in the fields of welfare rights, housing, immigration and asylum, health, education and employment

Funding: Currently funded through to 30 October 2012

Borough: Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea




I arrived in the UK with my two daughters and applied for asylum. Because of my political background and activities, I was granted Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.

We are all disabled and wheelchair bound and access is an important issue for us. A friend of mine gave me the Iranian Association’s telephone number. The association’s welfare adviser visited us at home on many occasions and helped me to find accommodation that was suitable for us. 

Furthermore, the immigration advice officer at the Iranian Association helped us to apply for naturalisation as British citizens; our applications were approved and later we got our British passports with his support.

I feel that the Iranian Association is a place I can always go to and rely on for dealing any problems I may have; I know the advisors will always listen to me and help me with kindness and great understanding.