Category: ONGOING PROJECTS

safeminds
ONGOING PROJECTSProjectsYAct Committee

Safe Minds, Strong Futures

Growing up can be challenging for any young person. For children from refugee and migrant backgrounds, those challenges are often compounded by uncertainty, isolation, language barriers, and the pressures of adapting to a new environment. Many young people tell us they struggle with anxiety, low confidence, and a feeling that they do not fully belong.

Safe Minds, Strong Futures was created in response to those experiences.

This two-year project provides a welcoming space where young people aged 12–17 can build confidence, strengthen emotional well-being, and develop supportive relationships with trusted adults and peers. Rather than waiting until problems reach crisis point, the project focuses on early support, helping young people manage stress, build resilience, and feel more connected to their communities.

Through a programme of wellbeing workshops and one-to-one support sessions, participants explore topics such as self-confidence, emotional wellbeing, healthy relationships, communication, belonging, and coping with everyday challenges. Activities are designed to be engaging, practical, and youth-led, encouraging young people to share experiences, learn from one another, and develop skills that support positive mental health.

The project was shaped by feedback from our Youth Committee and conversations with young people across London. Many told us they wanted safe spaces where they could talk openly, feel understood, and access support without judgment. Safe Minds, Strong Futures aims to provide exactly that.

Over the course of the project, we expect to support 55 young people, helping them build stronger connections, greater confidence, and a more positive sense of their future.

With thanks to our funder:

πŸ“Œ For more information, contact us:
πŸ“§

πŸ“ Please register here (Fill in this form to express interest in upcoming workshops and support sessions)

πŸ’– Support this project with a donation β†’ [Donate Now]

 

empoweringyouth
ONGOING PROJECTSProjectsYAct Committee

Empowering Youth: Healthy Futures

For many children growing up in refugee, migrant, and low-income families, healthy food, safe play, and regular social activities are not always easy to access. Rising living costs have placed extra pressure on parents, while many young people face loneliness, inactivity, and limited opportunities to spend time with others in a positive environment.

Empowering Youth: Healthy Futures was created to offer children a small but meaningful source of support. Through the project, we provide nutritious snacks, fresh fruit, and simple play and activity resources that help children stay active, feel included, and enjoy time with their peers.

The project is about more than food or equipment. It is about creating a welcoming space where children can build confidence, make friends, take part in creative activities, and feel a stronger sense of belonging. For families who are already facing financial and social pressures, these moments of care and connection can make a real difference.

With the support of Tesco Stronger Starts, we aim to reach up to 150 children and young people from disadvantaged communities, helping them develop healthier habits, improve their wellbeing, and take part in positive activities close to home.

 

With thanks to our funder:

πŸ“Œ For more information, contact us:
πŸ“§

πŸ“ Please register here
Fill in this form to join upcoming activities and workshops.

πŸ’– Support this project with a donation β†’ [Donate Now]

youthact
ONGOING PROJECTSRefugee & Migrant Rights CommitteeYAct Committee

Youth Act: Skills for Employment and Empowerment

For many young migrants and refugees, the journey into education, training, or employment is shaped by more than ambition alone.

Language barriers, unfamiliar systems, low confidence, and limited professional networks can make even the first step feel out of reach. Youth Act: Skills for Employment and Empowerment was created to help change that.

With support from Heathrow Community Trust, this project works with young migrants and refugees across West London, offering practical guidance, personal encouragement, and a supportive space to grow. Our focus is simple: to help young people build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to move forward.

Over the year, we will deliver a programme of hybrid employability workshops, covering CV writing, interview preparation, digital skills, communication, and understanding the UK workplace. Alongside these sessions, participants will be able to access one-to-one mentoring, providing tailored support for job applications, training pathways, and personal goals.

We will also run wellbeing and resilience sessions to reduce isolation, strengthen self-belief, and support young people’s emotional wellbeing, as well as a community networking event that brings young people together with mentors, volunteers, and professionals. The programme is designed to be flexible and accessible, with online participation available for those unable to attend in person.

In this first year, we aim to reach 95 young people, provide up to 200 hours of mentoring, and create meaningful opportunities for progression, confidence-building, and connection. We hope participants will leave not only better prepared for work or study, but also feeling more supported, more hopeful, and more connected to their communities.

At the heart of this work is a belief that young people should not have to navigate these barriers alone. With the right support, they can thrive, contribute, and shape a more inclusive future for the communities around them.

With thanks to our funder: Heathrow Community Trust

 

πŸ“Œ For more information, contact us:

πŸ“ Please register here (Fill in this form to join the next workshop or receive one-to-one support)

πŸ’– Support this project with a donation β†’ [Donate Now]Β 

 

badminton
ONGOING PROJECTSYAct Committee

Free Sports Programme for Immigrant Families

Exercise β€’ Engage β€’ Empower
Join our free weekly football, fitness, and badminton sessions in Oxfordshire. Stay active and connect with others.

 

We offer free weekly sports sessions for immigrant families in Oxfordshire.
Our activities are open to beginners and designed to be friendly, inclusive, and fun.

 

πŸ”Ή Weekly Activities

⚽ Football Sessions (Youth & Adults)

πŸ“ Oxford United Sports Complex
πŸ—“ Every Saturday
πŸ•– 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Join our weekly football sessions where adults and young people can play together, stay active, and enjoy team sports in a relaxed environment.

 

🏸 Badminton (Beginner Friendly)

πŸ“ Kidlington & Gosford Leisure Centre
πŸ—“ Every Wednesday
πŸ•• 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Perfect for beginners. Learn, play, and improve your skills at your own pace.

 

πŸ§˜β€β™€οΈ Women-Only Fitness

πŸ“ Dean Court Community Centre (Botley)
πŸ—“ Every Saturday
πŸ•š 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

A safe and welcoming space for women to exercise, build confidence, and improve wellbeing.

πŸ”Ή Who Can Join?

  • Immigrant families
  • Adults and young people
  • Women (for women-only sessions)
  • Beginners welcome – no experience needed

πŸ”Ή Why Join?

  • Stay active and healthy
  • Meet new people
  • Build confidence
  • Be part of a supportive community

πŸ”Ή Cost

All sessions are completely free.

πŸ”Ή How to Join

Spaces are limited, so we recommend registering in advance.

πŸ‘‰ Register Now

Our sessions are delivered by experienced coaches and supported by volunteers to make sure everyone feels comfortable and included.

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πŸ”Ή Supported By

This project is proudly supported by Sport England.

 

close-up-happy-colleagues-cheering
Executive CommitteeONGOING PROJECTS

Supporting Refugees & Asylum Seekers Through Human Rights Workshops

Arriving in a new country can feel like standing on shaky ground, especially for those who have fled their homes due to war or hardship.


For many refugees and asylum seekers landing in the UK, the complexities of navigating this new life can be quite daunting. The uncertainty surrounding their rights and the available support often adds to their challenges. That’s where Supporting Refugees & Asylum Seekers Through Human Rights Workshops steps in. We strive to create warm, inclusive spaces where individuals can learn about their rights, access personalized advice, and connect with others who have faced similar experiences.

Our weekly workshops offer not only vital information but also a sense of community. Through one-on-one legal guidance and advocacy training, participants are empowered to advocate for themselves, access essential services, and begin the process of rebuilding their lives with dignity. We also place a strong emphasis on wellbeing, providing mental health referrals and facilitating peer support circles to ensure that emotional support is as accessible as practical guidance.

Since we began, we’ve had the privilege of supporting over 350 individuals each year across the UK, including London. When we account for the family members who benefit indirectly from our work, the impact spreads even further. Participants often tell us that they leave our sessions not just with a clearer understanding of their rights, but also with newfound confidence, stronger community connections, and a renewed sense of hope.

Looking to the future, our goal is to reach even more displaced people, ensuring that no one feels isolated or uninformed about the protections and opportunities available to them. Together, we can help transform uncertainty into empowerment, guiding everyone on their journey toward a brighter future.

 

With thanks to our funders:
Edgar E Lawley Foundation, Hilden Charitable Trust, Community Fund

 

πŸ“Œ For more information, contact us: πŸ“§

πŸ“ Please register here (Fill in this form to express your interest in the programme)

πŸ’– Support this project with a donation β†’ [Donate Now]

WhatsApp Image 2024-06-19 at 12.23.36
ONGOING PROJECTSProjects

Humanity Cartoons: International Art for Human Rights

When words fall short, art steps in to fill the void, using visual storytelling to address forced migration and inspire empathy worldwide.


Through the universal language of cartoons, Humanity Cartoons fosters empathy, confronts prejudice, and unites communities.

Initiated by Human Rights Solidarity in partnership with Time to Help UK and the Dialogue Society, this project began with an international cartoon competition that invited artists to explore themes of migration, displacement, and resilience. What started as a simple call for creativity has evolved into a vibrant movement encompassing exhibitions, panel discussions, school workshops, and public events, engaging thousands across the UK and Europe.

Since 2022, we’ve been honoured to receive over 2,200 artworks from talented artists hailing from more than 100 countries. Each piece offers a glimpse into the unique stories that accompany journeys across borders, stories of families separated and reunited, of hope discovered in the most unexpected places. Our curated exhibitions have found homes in universities, cathedrals, community centres, and bustling public squares, ensuring these narratives reach diverse audiences from all walks of life.

Alongside each exhibition, we host enlightening panel discussions featuring academics, artists, activists, and individuals who have experienced migration firsthand. These conversations bridge the gap between visual storytelling and lived experiences, prompting deeper understanding and inspiring meaningful action.

Our events have taken place in renowned venues, including King’s College London, City, University of London, Oxford Academy, Leeds Minster, Sheffield Cathedral, and cultural hubs across Newcastle, Hull, as well as in Belgium, France, and Germany. They serve as gathering places for communities, where questions are raised, stories are shared, and art transforms into powerful advocacy.

Looking ahead, we have ambitious plans to:

  • Expand our touring exhibitions to schools, youth centres, and rural communities, reaching those who may not have access to such narratives.
  • Develop a digital archive to ensure that the artwork and stories can be accessed by anyone, anywhere.
  • Create multilingual educational materials to make our message more accessible to broader audiences.
  • Forge partnerships with more universities, galleries, and civil society organizations to amplify our impact.

By continuing to intertwine creativity with human rights education, Humanity Cartoons will persist in building connections, shifting perspectives, and illuminating the realities of displacement, not as mere statistics, but as vital human stories demanding to be seen and heard.

 

With thanks to our partners and supporters:
King’s College London
City, University of London
Dialogue Society
Time to Help UK
Community donors and volunteers

Β  Β Β  Β 

πŸ“Œ For more information, contact us: πŸ“§

πŸ“ Please register here (Fill in this form to express your interest in the programme)

πŸ’– Support this project with a donation β†’ [Donate Now]

21776899_6510097
ONGOING PROJECTSProjects

Barclays Community Sport Fund – Women’s Football & Fitness for Refugee Communities

Welcome & Wellbeing is a refugee-led community event bringing migrant and asylum-seeking families together for a joyful day in Hyde Park.


It’s more than just a picnic; it’s a safe space for people to relax, connect, and feel part of the community.


Many of these women face cultural, financial, and social barriers that prevent them from participating in sports, and this project breaks those barriers by offering free women-only football and fitness sessions in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.

Led by female coaches and supported by community volunteers, the sessions go beyond sport β€” they build confidence, improve physical and mental wellbeing, and create strong bonds of friendship. Women come together not only to exercise but also to share stories, laugh, and support and empower one another.

Our goal is to reduce social isolation, promote healthy lifestyles, and open new pathways for women to engage in education, community leadership, and employment. By creating spaces where women feel comfortable and respected, we are helping to build stronger, more resilient communities.

With thanks to our funders:
Barclays Community Sport Fund

 

πŸ“Œ For more information, contact us: πŸ“§

πŸ“ Please register here (Fill in this form to express your interest in the programme)

πŸ’– Support this project with a donation β†’ [Donate Now]

419736453_36781081-90f5-4fc1-9148-337b984d47cd
ONGOING PROJECTSProjects

Welcome & Wellbeing: A Community Picnic

Welcome & Wellbeing is a refugee-led community event designed to bring together migrant and asylum-seeking families for a joyful day in Hyde Park. It’s more than just a picnic; it’s a safe space for people to relax, connect, and feel part of the community.

The event provides a warm and inclusive atmosphere, featuring complimentary hot meals, refreshments, children’s games, art activities, and storytelling circles. Multilingual volunteers help ensure that everyone feels welcome, and dietary needs, including halal and vegetarian options, are fully respected. From the laughter of children at play to the shared stories of migration and belonging, the day is filled with moments that build bridges and break down barriers.

Our goal is to reduce isolation, promote emotional well-being, and foster cultural exchange in a manner that feels natural, relaxed, and uplifting. By bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, the picnic strengthens community ties and fosters a deeper sense of belonging.

 

With thanks to our funders:
Community Events Fund (City of Westminster)

πŸ“Œ For more information, contact us: πŸ“§

πŸ“ Please register here (Fill in this form to express your interest in the programme)

πŸ’– Support this project with a donation β†’ [Donate Now]

 

pexsog
ONGOING PROJECTSProjects

School of Governance

Young migrants and refugees bring unique and invaluable perspectives on our shared future, yet their voices often go unheard in decisions shaping communities.

The School of Governance is dedicated to changing that. Our national program is designed to empower refugee, asylum-seeking, and migrant youth, aged 16 to 30, to step confidently into leadership roles. We provide them with the tools they need to influence policy and engage actively in public life. Through fellowships, governance training, civic mentorship, and policy engagement, participants develop the skills, networks, and confidence necessary to spark meaningful change in their communities.

Since our launch, we have trained a diverse group of dedicated fellows who have gone on to further education, internships, and civic roles. These inspiring individuals have co-authored impactful migrant-led policy papers, spoken at public forums, and made their voices heard by decision-makers at both local and national levels. Many share that beyond gaining knowledge, they have discovered a deep sense of belonging and purpose in their journeys.

Looking ahead, we are excited to expand our program, ensuring that even more young people with lived migration experiences can access the training, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive. Our vision is to cultivate a diverse generation of leaders who are rooted in their lived experiences and committed to fostering a more inclusive and just society for all.

 

With thanks to our funders:
Ten Percent Foundation

 

 

 

πŸ“Œ For more information, contact us: πŸ“§

πŸ“ Please register here (Fill in this form to express your interest in the programme)

πŸ’– Support this project with a donation β†’ [Donate Now]

12861425_knife_crime
ONGOING PROJECTSProjects

Knife Crime Project – Protect Our Youth

In London, far too many young people feel that carrying a knife is their only defence against danger, especially those facing social isolation.


This reality is even harsher for immigrant, refugee, and disadvantaged youth, who face additional challenges like social isolation, peer pressure, and limited access to safe, positive opportunities. Often, these pressures can lead them down a perilous path. That’s where Protect Our Youth comes in. We believe that every young person aged 13 to 24 deserves the support and tools to choose safety over violence. Our project is dedicated to changing the narrative around youth violence by providing resources and safe environments where they can thrive.

Through engaging knife crime prevention workshops, personalized one-on-one mentoring, and a variety of activities in safer spaces, we help participants learn vital conflict resolution skills, legal awareness, and practical strategies for staying safe. Young people also have the opportunity to engage in sports, the creative arts, and community campaigns that foster confidence and a sense of belonging, replacing fear with hope.

Since launching, we’ve been fortunate to support 95 young people through structured mentoring and workshops. We’ve seen a remarkable 85% of them improve in their conflict resolution skills, and many have reported an 80% reduction in carrying knives. The impact extends beyond the individual; over 350 families and community members have been indirectly reached through our awareness campaigns and collaborative activities.

Looking to the future, our mission is to continue expanding these safe spaces and interventions. We are determined to ensure that every young person, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to build a brighter, fear-free future. Together, we can foster a community where safety, support, and belonging are within everyone’s reach.

 

With thanks to our funders:
The Law Society Charity, Garfield Weston Foundation, Asda Foundation

 

πŸ“Œ For more information, contact us: πŸ“§

πŸ“ Please register here (Fill in this form to express your interest in the programme)

πŸ’– Support this project with a donation β†’ [Donate Now]