Press Release

Refugee Roots sustains its free advice service

Charity Refugee Roots, who provide a place to belong through a range of befriending, empowerment initiatives, support and learning opportunities, sustain their free advice services for refugees through a gran awarded by Nottingham City Cuoncil.

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 ahead that the service has been supported by a grant from Nottingham City Council so that a full-time worker can still meet the needs of participants seeking support.  

Now located in the heart of Nottingham, by the iconic Left Lion and Council House Building on Long Row, the charity is accessible and convenient to those seeking support. With good transport links and close proximity to refugee accommodation, the charity is looking for creative and dynamic ways to ensure those who need it most get the support they need, when they need it. 

Free advice sessions continue to be by appointment only in the charity’s office, where a confidential meeting space will soon be available. Participants should be referred or self-referred using the online referral form. The award of funding is welcome at a time when need is high, as participants face many challenges. The continued provision of advice services sits well within Refugee Roots' wider support projects, which foster relationships that create a greater sense of belonging for those involved. 

the funding awarded has ensured we can still provide a high quality of advice and support for those who need it most

Adam Baker, Charity Director

Although sustained, there are some imminent changes to the service which recognises the unique role the charity has to play in a wider network of support services and plays to its strengths, expertise and experience in specialist one-to-one advice on a range of issues such as;

• welfare and benefits
• housing
• education, learning and employment

A partnership with Always Community will also sustain the weekly delivery of Universal Credit Advice sessions on Mondays and Thursdays. 

Due to funding constraints and capacity, some issues will be deferred to remote support (such as food bank requests) or directed towards organisations with appropriate resources and experience, such as Belong, who have recently been contracted to deliver Health Advice for refugees. The charity is also updating and improving the information it provides via their website and email coorespondence which will be accessible in multiple languages with the use of a translation tool on their website. More information about the advice services and changes is available on the charity's website. 

Refugee Roots Charity Director said, "we’ve been consulting with participants and staff and hearing what matters most to them. I am confident that together we can overcome the challenges ahead and find new and effective ways to resolve issues and improve services and support for refugees”. 

The charity has identified a gap in funding in the region of £40,000 to £50,000 in order to increase its capacity. 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). 

The charity has recently announced additional capacity and fundraising success that will further develop their educational support for refugees and asylum seekers with the launch of a new evening project, several weekly language classes, digital skills training and dedicated support from Essential Skills Coordinators to access courses, training and apprenticeship opportunities. 

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