We are delighted to welcome Upbeat Communities as a new member of Homeless Link!
Upbeat Communities is a charity that supports refugees and asylum seekers rebuilding their lives in the East Midlands. Established in 2005, the organisation exists to welcome and empower people from all over the world, including Afghanistan, Eritrea, Sudan, Iran, and El Salvador. Many of the people it supports have fled horrific persecution, civil war, dictatorships, human rights violations, gang violence, or torture.
When refugees and asylum seekers arrive in the UK, they have often made difficult and dangerous journeys. They must then navigate language barriers, loneliness, and an increasingly hostile asylum system. Upbeat Communities exists to provide community, support, and a sense of belonging to people in this situation.
The charity delivers this support through a range of projects. These include free English classes to break down language barriers and reduce isolation; support groups and one-to-one support to help people heal from trauma, build friendships, and access other services; targeted support for refugee women and children who face their own unique challenges; and assistance with finding housing and employment when individuals move on from the asylum system.
Upbeat Communities is contracted by local authorities to support resettled refugees in Derbyshire and Lincolnshire, as well as individuals supported through the Homes for Ukraine scheme. It also runs emergency accommodation schemes for refugees and asylum seekers experiencing homelessness in Derby and Nottingham.
For more information, visit upbeatcommunities.org.