Refugee Services Directory

In October 2006 IRIS launched its online Refugee Services Directory. You can access this by clicking the link on the right. The directory was built in partnership with other council teams including the E-Government Team and the Customer Service Team.

The directory aims to be an accessible, relevant and central information point, primarily for refugees and asylum seekers in Islington, but also for those working with refugees. It includes information about rights and services for refugees and asylum seekers within the borough, London-wide and nationally. Ultimately it aims to improve and provide equality in service to all refugees in Islington.

Information in the directory is accessed via Frequently Asked Questions in twelve categories. The top ten questions in each category were chosen after in-depth consultation with 22 service users and 37 service providers. Services and organisations are also listed by theme. You can download the consultation paper in the other option section at the bottom of this page.

Video translations in the key Islington refugee languages (Arabic, French, Spanish, Somali and Turkish) welcome users and explain how to use the directory. There are also downloadable written translations of the top five questions in each section and symbols to make the directory easy to use.

Feedback on the directory has been very positive:

• ‘I like what I see of the directory so far. It is certainly visually appealing and it is good to see refugee services given such a high profile’ (Islington RCO)

• ‘well done for this great piece of work!’ (Islington Primary Care Trust)

• ‘I was extremely impressed and pleased that such a directory exists for the refugees in Islington!’ (Islington Online Centre)

If you would like your organisation to be included or there is other information that you think should appear in the directory please contact IRIS.