Cripplegate Ltd is the registered trustee of Cripplegate Foundation
Registered Charity 207499 Cripplegate Foundation Limited
Registered in England and Wales, Company Number 6129936 © 2021 Cripplegate Foundation
Sign up for our newsletter below to be kept up to date with our work.
Cripplegate Foundation will only use your email for direct communications and will never pass on your data.
CLSS is a lifeline for East African and Arabic-speaking refugees with limited English skills. Founded by local residents in 2005, they provide essential advice, information, advocacy, workshops and outreach.
Whether social, economic or financial challenges, the heart of CLSS is to help individuals overcome language barriers, social isolation, and the obstacles that stand between them and living a better life. Through their holistic support services, CLSS helps to improve the quality of life for refugees, asylum seekers and others who are disadvantaged in Islington and neighbouring London boroughs.
“We’re changing lives, not just offering a hand.” ~ Wezenet, Coordinator and Advice Worker at CLSS
“We’re changing lives, not just offering a hand.” says Wezenet, Coordinator and Advice Worker at CLSS. For example, “There was a daughter who lost her father whom she was so attached to. So, she became very depressed and didn’t receive the necessary support.
After graduating she locked herself at home for almost three months – and would go to the fridge to get what she wants and then go back into her room. She was not speaking to her mum and her mum was very worried, but because of the stigma of mental health, her mum didn’t want to seek help.
Eventually her mum opened up to me and we had a long chat. I went to meet the family to see the mother and tried to develop a relationship with the girl. Through that I assisted her to access mental health services – and say it’s not a shame to be stressed because she lost her father whom she loved and was attached to.
Then I helped her to get out of her home, started to get her counselling and psychiatry sessions. Her health completely started to recover – and we found her voluntary work, and now she is working now. So from that dark life she has now gained back her confidence and recognised that she needs to help herself. We’re all going to go one day, but you cannot die while you are alive.”
“So from that dark life she has now gained back her confidence and recognised that she needs to help herself. We’re all going to go one day, but you cannot die while you are alive.” ~ Wezenet, Coordinator and Advice Worker at CLSS
Running a small charity providing specialised support like CLSS comes with its own set of challenges from language barriers, health issues, lack of digital skills, and the cost of living crisis. Many clients have experienced trauma of war and displacement making them some of the most marginalised individuals in our borough. “People are struggling financially. The money we received from Islington Crises Appeal grant enabled us to give small emergency financial support to individuals, this small grant meant a lot for those struggling financially,” says Wezenet.
Ms L from Algeria, who has been in the UK for the last twelve years has faced countless hardships, including mental and physical health challenges, and being ineligible for public funds. Yet, she finds solace and support at CLSS. “When I come here, I feel relaxed with everyone. There’s hope she (Wezenet) gives me, and when I see Wezenet with the smile. The way she helps me when I return home. I feel happy.”
“There’s hope she (Wezenet) gives me, and when I see Wezenet with the smile. The way she helps me when I return home. I feel happy.”~ Lina, CLSS client
Similarly, Ms R from Eritrea escaped domestic violence and found essential support, stability and hope through CLSS. “The project has helped me a lot. The aspiration of the project is to help me grow and progress.” “We are trying to find her a job,” Wezenet adds, highlighting the ongoing support CLSS provides to help clients achieve independence and improve their lives.
Mohammed, a support worker at CLSS, sees the rising need every day: “There’s not many services [like CLSS] available here in North London. For example, there was a young man who had an interview with DWP about Universal Credit, but because of language issues, he didn’t have anyone to help him. He came for help early morning for help. I helped him with the call which lasted about 25 minutes. So, we support people with all types of issues – housing, benefits, Universal Credits matters.
Tsgea, another core team member adds: “People mainly come to CLSS for support with mental and physical problems, and because they don’t know what’s available. Our clients cannot access other services because of the language barrier, and the demand for our services is high. The funding from Islington Councils Community Chest is helping us to deliver vital services to respond to the need of our community.”
“I would really like to see CLSS grow bigger and to continuer responding to the needs of people. Most importantly, we want people to be self-sufficient and improve their mental and physical health.” ~ Tsgea, Support Worker, CLSS
Despite these challenges, CLSS remains resilient and resourceful. Their holistic approach addresses not just immediate needs but also works toward long-term solutions. Flexible funding from Islington Council’s Community Chest Fund has been a lifeline, enabling CLSS to adapt and respond to the community’s changing needs. This support has allowed the charity to provide more targeted and effective services, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Images: “These are pictures showing some of the activities we run including one to one digital sessions, women’s group sessions and meeting we ran in December. The activities we run have various outcomes such as promoting independence through teaching people skills, bringing isolated people together and highlighting our connection with our community.”
“The funding [Islington Council’s Community Chest Fund] is helping us respond, delver our services, and respond to the community.” ~ Tsgea, Support Worker, CLSS
Amplifying local voices
This Small Charity Week, we at Cripplegate Foundation invite you to learn more about the incredible work being done by small charities like CLSS. Their dedication to making a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable is truly inspiring.
Visit the CLSS Website to see how you can support their mission and help empower more lives. Together, we can continue to lift each other up and create a stronger, more inclusive community.
Signup to our newsletter for the latest news and updates
Cripplegate Ltd is the registered trustee of Cripplegate Foundation
Registered Charity 207499 Cripplegate Foundation Limited
Registered in England and Wales, Company Number 6129936 © 2021 Cripplegate Foundation
Cripplegate Ltd is the registered trustee of Cripplegate Foundation
Registered Charity 207499 Cripplegate Foundation Limited
Registered in England and Wales, Company Number 6129936 © 2023 Cripplegate Foundation