AK Centre
Providing free, confidential and impartial advice and support to all individuals.
SERVICES
WE
OFFER
We operate an open access drop in service helping people of all backgrounds and abilities. The services we provide include but are not limited to:
Immigration/Nationality
We provide free advice and guidance on immigration. We are registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) to give immigration advice and deal with the following services:
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Spouse, Visit and Family Visas
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Further Leave to Remain
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Settlement Applications
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EEA and Family Members
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British Citizenship
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Biometric Residence Permits
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Student Visas
Welfare Advice
It is our aim to help you gain all the help you are entitled to. We provide support for:
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Housing Benefit
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Income Support
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Jobseekers Allowance
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Pension Credit
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Working and Child Tax Credits
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Universal Credit
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Employment and Support Allowance
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Personal Independence Payment
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Disability Living Allowance
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Attendance Allowance
and many more
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence refers to any incident or pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse. The abuse can include, but is not limited to:
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Physical
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Psychological
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Sexual
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Financial
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Emotional
Our dedicated female advisor will support you and ensure everything you inform us is kept strictly confidential. The services we provide include but are not limited to:
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helping victims feel safe
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ensuring victims are given entitled benefits
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guidance, support and referrals to relevant organizations
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ensuring they have suitable accommodation.
"The project has been crucial in providing guidance and advice to vulnerable people, including men and women who are victims of domestic violence" ~ (Cllr Mariam Khan, Trustee)
Housing Issues
We advise you on housing matters including:
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Applications,
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Homelessness,
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Domestic Violence
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Housing Benefits.
We also advise on council and housing association properties, how to apply and how to resolve any problems you may have. Regarding private rented properties, we advise on your options as a tenant, your tenancy type, your rights as a tenant as well as any other related issues.
Employment/Careers Advice
To help you get back on track and working, our experienced team will help you source and apply for vacancies. We help clients with:
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CV writing
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Job Applications
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Guidance with Job Search
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Interview Techniques
We have launched a new project that will provide careers advice, guidance, information and support to benefit the Alum Rock Community in a new dedicated service. We are able to offer one to one support from our multilingual, experienced career advisors.
Health
There is a rise in health issues, especially mental health amongst the community. Mental health is affecting many families and is not spoken about enough in the local community.
We can help, guide and support individuals regarding their health issues such as:
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Refer you to the relevant support system
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Provide advice on healthcare funding
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Your patient rights with the NHS.
OUR VISION
At AK Centre, we aim to provide free, confidential and impartial advice/support to all of our clients. Our mission is to make a lasting difference to the lives of those who are most vulnerable in our community. The centre's team of talented advisors are committed to getting the results our clients need and deserve.
Established in 1968, we are a registered charity and a member of Advice UK. We are also registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OSIC). Whether it be an appointment or a simple drop-in session, our team will be sure to accommodate towards your every need! Situated in a deprived area means our efforts are imperative in aiding the development and independence of our local community. Regardless of background or education, we welcome everyone with open arms and strive to make a positive impact on every client we deal with.
We hope to continue in our mission to help and support our community for many more years to come.
Ansar Ali Khan
Ansar is the Manager for AK centre who served as a councillor/district chairman and assistant leader of Birmingham City Council from 2002-2018. He is also a justice of peace and graduated in Law and Politics. He has been managing AK centre since October 1988, is the head of the immigration team and is registered with the Office of Immigration Services Commissioner. Ansar has over 20 years experience in the immigration sector. He is a well known and well-respected individual within the Birmingham community who has helped improve thousands of people’s lives throughout the years.
Madeya Mahmood
Madeya joined us in 2017 and has graduated from Birmingham City University with an LLB (Hons). She is our dedicated domestic violence advisor and is a key contact for victims of domestic violence. She understands the sensitivity of these types of situations and many women rely on her advice, assistance and support during the most difficult times of their lives. She also assists clients on issues like welfare benefits, homelessness/housing and employment. Madeya also specialises in Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment and Attendance Allowance including mandatory reconsiderations and appeals.
OUR TEAM
Asama Shahid
Asama graduated in Human Resources from Birmingham City University and is currently our employment and career advisor. He has a high success rate in securing employment and training for the local community. He also works very closely with other organisations and local businesses. Asama also deals with welfare rights and has a plethora of experience in dealing with disability claims such as Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment and Attendance Allowance.
Maria Zahid
Maria graduated from Birmingham City University with LLB (Hons). She has also completed her LPC and Masters in Law. Maria is one of our general advisors who assists clients in various matters such as welfare rights, housing, homelessness and employment. Maria has also gained a lot of experience in dealing with disability claims and also assists our domestic violence advisor with "The Project".
OUR ADDRESS
For any general inquiries or booking an appointment, please fill in the following contact form:
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