Refugee Roots

Press Release

Nottingham City Council supports Refugee Roots to sustain its free advice project for refugees and asylum seekers

Charity Refugee Roots, who provide a place to belong through a range of befriending, empowerment initiatives, support and learning opportunities, has been awarded £35,000 towards their Advice and Guidance project. 

The project is expected to support more than 400 participants with free impartial advice and guidance on a range of issues but in particular, Universal Credit, welfare and benefits, housing support, employment and more. 

The charity - which in the past three years has supported 1142 participants (433 in 2022-23; 750 in 2023-24 and 773 in 2024-25) - is truly grateful that even with reduced capacity, the service has been covered so a full-time worker can continue to meet the needs of participants accessing support.  

The free advice sessions will be by appointment only in the charity’s office where confidential meeting space will be available. Details are available on the charity’s website, including information about accessing the support and where bookings can be made for Universal Credit advice. The Universal Credit advice is delivered in partnership with Always Community, building on two years of effective partnership and a high standard of advice. 

Refugee Roots' Charity Director said, "this funding will enable us to sustain our critical advice service for those who need it most". 

The Charity, which faces some change in its service delivery as a result of reduced funding and unsuccessful funding applications amidst growing demand for support, has announced ways that services they have previously provided and access to advice will be changing for participants. Seeking to rebuild capacity, the charity welcomes financial support towards this much-needed project. The gap in funding required is in the region of £40,000 to £50,000. Donations can be made directly to the charity online to support their £100k campaign or donors can contact the Charity Director or Fundraising and Operations Manager whose details are available on the charity’s website (our team section). 

ENDS

Media contact: Adam Baker 07462092732  / [email protected]

Adam Baker is available for interview.

Images available upon request

     

Background Notes

Refugee Roots welcomes all, helping those in need find friendship and a place to call home

Refugee Roots helps asylum seekers and refugees build relationships and navigate the complexities of building a new life in the UK.

Launched in 2001 as The Rainbow Project, based on the vision of St. Stephen's Church in Hyson Green, Refugee Roots continues to be motivated and inspired by Christian faith. 

Refugee Roots welcomes everyone, valuing each person and their culture, embracing equality and diversity while empowering and supporting those that need it most.

Based in Nottingham, our range of empowerment initiatives include befriending, accompanying asylum seekers to appointments, information, advice and guidance, as well as supportive groups and activities, such as free English conversation classes.

To find out more about Refugee Roots visit www.refugeeroots.org.uk