Refugee Roots is a Nottingham-based charity which helps asylum seekers and refugees build relationships and navigate the complexities of building a new life in the UK. Refugee Roots welcomes all, helping those in need find friendship and a place to call home.

Refugee Roots has been awarded a grant of £25,000 from Postcode Places Trust, a grant-giving charity funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

The funding will support their range of empowerment initiatives, which include befriending, accompanying asylum seekers to appointments, information, advice and guidance; as well as support groups and activities, such as free English conversation classes. 

Refugee Roots aim to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing among asylum seekers and refugees in Nottingham. Yana came to Nottingham after war broke out in Ukraine, and she joined Refugee Roots’ befriending programme as well as attending art and cooking groups. She said, “Thank you for all you Refugee Roots are doing to help us. We came here with nothing, having to leave our home and family. You have given us a safe place, you gave us food, friends and help when we needed it most”.

Refugee Roots are really grateful to have been awarded the grant and to be able to partner with the Postcode Places Trust to support asylum seekers and refugees across Nottingham. The funding will make a significant contribution to the success and sustainability of their projects, enabling them to help more people like Yana find a place to belong.