Who are we?
Kongolese Centre for Information & Advice
(KCIA) was set up in May 2000 but formalised in May 2001. It is a charitable organisation registered under the charity number 1090079. The organisation exists to promote the welfare of all refugees, asylum seekers and ethnic minority from French, Portuguese and Lingala speaking community groups living, working or studying within the London region.

KCIA provide information, advice, guidance and advocacy on the following issues:

• Immigration
• Housing
• Employment
• Education
• Health
• Other Social needs

The organisation also offers direct support to refugee community organisations whilst also raising public awareness about the needs of individuals seeking refuge and protection within the region.

We provide advice, representation and signposting for client in the following areas:

:: Housing       
:: NASS                       
:: Immigration             
:: Health                      
:: Employment            
:: Education    
:: Welfare Rights
            Any other Social Issues

The Organisation aims to work with, and support Refugees and Ethnic Minority community groups whose English is their second or third language and living, studying or working within Westminster City in particular and London areas in general through the provision of free generalist advice, information, advocacy, translation and guidance.
In order to achieve this, the main activities of the organisation are to:

• Inform and support Refugees and Asylum Seekers who are experiencing problems because of language, culture, their immigration status and other social exclusion
• Perform the role of general advocacy for this particular client group within Westminster City in particular and London Boroughs in general and to represent them at various Forums where Refugees concerns and issues are involved
• Provide services and facilities as needed, available and accessible to the targeted groups through learning support (Skills for Life courses and ESOL)
• Consultancy working with the Local Authority, Council for Voluntary Sector and other organisations in the Borough
• And to work in partnership with the Community Legal Service (CLS) Commissioner “Quality Mark” and the Office of the Immigration Service Commissioner “OISC” in the development and delivery of high quality information and advice services to London residents