The Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants has renewed its appeal as it risks closure due to lack of funds.

The centre in Cross Street, which offers English, art and dance classes, help with housing, counselling, hot meals and clothes for refugees and migrants, is open just one day a week following Waltham Forest College’s withdrawal of £200,000 a year in funds.

The centre launched the appeal, which is backed by award-winning actress Juliet Stevenson, in September.

Ms Stevenson, who starred in the films Emma and Bend it like Beckham, said: “We’ve had a wonderful response to our appeal to raise £30,000 to allow us to open the Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants for another day each week. We are over half way towards our target thanks to the generosity of the people of Islington. But we desperately need more people to donate so that we reach our target by Christmas.

“We see men and woman every week who have suffered the most appalling abuses of their human rights and fled torture, war and persecution. We urgently need to open the Centre on more days so we’re able to offer vital services to more people.”

A client at the Centre, who is originally from Sudan, said: “This place really gives me the life energy. It gives me the main guide to find my way in the UK.”

You can watch a short film and donate via the centre’s website.