CARAS (Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers) is a charity that supports refugees and asylum-seekers living in south-west London and helps them to play their full part in the community. Arriving as a refugee in the UK can be a terrifying and disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. We exist to help refugees overcome those challenges, and to help them rebuild their lives. We offer a range of individual and group support to people of refugee background. Our activities include: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, trips and family activities; psycho-education session for young asylum-seekers, educational support for young people; and legal casework. We also offer one-to-one visiting relationships to help people prevent and manage periods of crisis such as domestic violence or destitution.