Our UK Work

Who Are Our Service Users?

Our UK work is primarily with young people who come from a range of backgrounds, some of whom are not in employment or training (NEET) and some lack basic skills, however many also attend college or university or are in employment. Many of our young people come from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic communities and some are refugees and asylum seekers. Others are women, especially single parents, and those that may have experienced mental health problems as a result of traumatic experiences before and after departures from their countries of origin or as a result of the social, economic and cultural pressures of living in some of London’s most deprived neighborhoods.

Many are very well qualified, with the potential to bring a wealth of experience to the UK, yet because they are often in a new environment, they face considerable disadvantages in the employment market. They often lack the knowledge of the local networks, self-confidence, self-esteem and opportunities to practice their skills to gain work experience in order to more effectively compete in the employment market.

Facilitation and support enables them to unlock their potential and access opportunities that otherwise would not have been available to them. Our current activities center on the provision of voluntary opportunities, including some work placements, for service users, enabling them to gain valuable UK work experience and references, increasing their opportunities for paid employment and economic independence in the future.

We also have a program specifically targeting young people. Through the youth project we aim to provide effective peer support to young people from marginalized and disadvantaged communities that may be socially excluded, isolated and vulnerable.

Our program allow young people to volunteer in a range of activities and provide events and activities that benefit the wider community, particularly in Newham, London where we are based. Our services are influenced and developed by our young people and address the needs of young people.

The Difference We Are Making

Our services are helping the participants to develop their language skills, gain confidence and rebuild their self-esteem in a friendly welcoming local work setting. The project helps them to gain work experience and references. This greatly enhances their employ-ability and ability to compete in the UK labour market.

Volunteering helps our young people to break away from isolation, take an active interest in activities of their local groups and enabling them to contribute to the regeneration of their local areas, greatly enhancing their local integration.

Participation in the project helps the participants to widen their knowledge and access services available for themselves, their families and contacts in their communities.

Volunteering helps both the participants and the organisations offering the volunteering opportunities to develop better understanding of cultural diversity, racial harmony and greater community cohesion in the in the areas where they live. The project offers participants opportunities for socialising and creates a sense of belonging.

Our programmes are open to any young people, aged 16-25 years, irrespective of their ethnic origin, religion, any disabilities, sexuality or employment or education status.