The CAIA provides confidential independent information and advice. Our Advice Worker is available weekdays from 9.00am-4.00pm.

Due to high demand for our services we ask that you book an appointment with us before attending to avoid any disappointment.  You can do this by calling us on 020 8992 4621.  Alternatively, you can email us or make an enquiry via our contact form and we will respond at the next available opportunity.

 

MAIN AREAS OF ADVICE PROVIDED

  • Immigration Issues – OISC Level 1
  • National Asylum Support Services
  • Housing
  • Welfare Benefits

ADDITIONALLY, WE CAN

  • provide letters of support
  • Make referrals
  • assist with phone calls or writing emails on your behalf
  • Interpreting services
  • translation of personal information
  • help with access to solicitors, Law Centres and Housing Associations

QUALITY APPROVED

As well as being an Advice UK member our Advisory services have been accredited with independent seals of approval from:

  • Advice Quality Standard (AQS)
  • Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner Approved (OISC)

CAIA ADVICE PROCEDURES FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION

  • The CAIA seeks to enhance the quality of life for disadvantaged members of the Armenian
    community in London (or outside London when special circumstances prevail), particularly those in
    poverty and isolation. The CAIA supports their diverse needs through the provision of welfare,
    educational and cultural services at a welcoming centre for all Armenians. The CAIA provides free,
    impartial, confidential, and independent information and advice from 9.00 am – 4.00 pm weekdays.
    The CAIA is able to provide advice and casework with Housing, Welfare Benefits, and Immigration
    (at OISC Level 1). All clients are advised to respect these aims and procedures.
    ● The advice and information service of the CAIA operates on a strict appointment system.
    We would appreciate your notifying us if you are unable to attend or are going to be late as
    this allows us to help others in need. Failure to attend two appointments in succession
    without notifying CAIA may result in loss in access to the service.
    ● All clients are responsible for producing any relevant documents such as valid identification
    documents, passports, birth/marriage certificates, tenancy agreements, and
    correspondence to back up their case/query. Failure to produce valid documentation may
    impact our ability to help.
    ● Clients are responsible for notifying the CAIA of any changes in their personal
    circumstances, such as address/telephone numbers or any matter related to their original
    query. Failure to do so may impact future use of our services.
    ● The CAIA Advice Worker is only able to assist and advise clients within the framework of
    the law. All clients are required to cooperate and answer any questions asked by the
    CAIA’s Advice Worker in order for an accurate assessment and diagnosis of their case. The Advice Worker will discuss options and agree on a course of action with the client. Should a
    client not wish to follow one of the recommended courses of action, the CAIA reserves the
    right to refuse to take on the case, refuse to give further advice or withdraw the service.
    ● The CAIA does not permit third parties to request any action be taken with regard to a CAIA
    case without the client’s consent.
    ● The provision of information to a third party in relation to the situation of a friend, relative, or
    neighbour prior to taking up a new case and providing advice is at the discretion of the
    CAIA.  
    ● Where the CAIA refers a client with language or other needs to another relevant body or
    agency, the CAIA will advise the relevant body that they need to make the appropriate
    arrangements.
    ● The CAIA reserves the right to refuse to assist any client who abuses the charitable aims of
    the organisation, endangers/threatens/abuses CAIA staff, or brings the CAIA into disrepute.
    This includes any form of deception by the client.

    ● CAIA staff are not permitted to accept any monetary gifts or hospitality. We welcome your
    appreciation and support by way of making donations, becoming a CAIA member, or writing
    a letter of thanks.
    ● In order to comply with the approved standards of Advice Quality Standard (AQS) and
    Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC), your file might be audited. If you
    have any objections to this, please inform the Advice Worker.
    ● You have the right to access your Case File at any time by prior arrangement.

If you are unhappy about the CAIA’s Advisory Service, please refer to the Advice Service

Complaints Statement below as well as the main CAIA Complaints Policy and Procedures for

the full text of the Complaints Policy.

Stage 1: 
  • If you have any urgent concerns or complaint, please write to the Chief Executive Officer
  • outlining all the basic facts of the problem together with dates, names if applicable and other details. We will acknowledge your letter within 10 working days, following which we will conduct a detailed investigation of your complaint. If you are unable to put the complaint in writing, the CEO can help you write down the details of the complaint.
  • Stage 2 will only be considered after you have used and exhausted the procedures involved in Stage 1.
Stage 2: 

The CAIA hopes that all complaints will be resolved at Stage 1.

However, if you are not satisfied with the way in which the problem is dealt with, please address your communication to the Chairman of the CAIA who will arrange for the matter to be investigated by the Management Committee, in order to resolve the problem.

Please outline the following in your letter

  • A brief summary of your complaint.
  • A telephone number and address where you can be contacted.

We will attempt to respond to your complaint within 10 working days. If a detailed response cannot be given, an acknowledgment will be sent indicating when a full reply can be expected from us.

The Chief Executive Officer, The Centre for Armenian Information and Advice, 105A Mill Hill Road, Acton, London W3 8JF

FEEDBACK FORM FOR THE ADVISORY SERVICE