The trustees of MigrationWork Trust are delighted to announce the names of the six incredible organisations that have been awarded funds under our new grant scheme Weaving Bonds – Communities Embracing Migration for Collective Belonging.
We received applications from all corners of the UK from organisations that do wonderful work in their local communities. The panel of judges had their work cut out for them but eventually agreed to award funds to these six grantees which so strongly demonstrated an unwavering commitment to building bridges between communities, fostering hope, and reducing social isolation, especially within migrant and refugee populations.
DOST – Centre for Young Refugees and Migrants
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Newham, London
DOST goes beyond conventional approaches in empowering young refugees and migrant people. Through sports sessions, English classes, trips, residentials, and creative projects, DOST provides a safe haven for young people aged 13-19. Our grant will support the costs of a qualified ESOL Tutor, a Football Coach and refreshments for Youth Clubs and ESOL classes. The panel was particularly impressed by DOST’s impact on young refugees and asylum seekers, offering a safe space for personal development.
Café Laziz
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St Helen’s, Liverpool
In St. Helen’s, Café Laziz is making a significant impact delivering ESOL and cooking sessions to address essential needs of those living in hotels, coupled with food stalls in markets. The panel appreciated Café Laziz’s innovative approach to breaking down community barriers through a shared interest – food.
The Big Fix Project (BME Housing Consortium)
Wolverhampton, West Midlands
The Big Fix Project in Wolverhampton is a beacon of community building through inspiring workshops focused on Repair, Re-cycle, and Up-cycle. Participants from diverse community groups, including neurodivergent, refugee and migrant, and LGBTQI+, learn and share skills. The grant will support the continuation of these workshops, fostering connections and allowing migrant and asylum seeking people to share their expertise. The panel was impressed by the inclusive nature of the project.
Nam Yang
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Brighton, East Sussex
Nam Yang in Brighton is breaking barriers through martial arts classes accessible to everyone, regardless of background, physical abilities, immigration status, or ethnicity. The grant will fund sessions, instructor fees, and equipment, providing support to young refugees and asylum seekers. The panel recognised the unique contribution of Nam Yang in offering much-needed support and fostering connections through sports.
Creating Ground
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Greenwich, London
Creating Ground runs collaborative creative activities and projects with women from migrant backgrounds. The grant will be used to continue their Forum Theatre project, allowing women to gain new skills, share experiences and express feelings through theatre to overcome difficulties through reflection and learning . The panel appreciated the transformative impact of theatre in bringing diverse groups together and facilitating communication.
Bees and Refugees
Bees and Refugees, a migrant-led organisation in Kent, teaches beekeeping and hosts various therapeutic activities to bring communities together. The grant will fund core staff costs, continuing the support recognised by the grant scheme’s predecessor the Community Integration Awards 2021. The panel is thrilled to continue supporting this impactful initiative.
Thank you to our guest panel members
MigrationWork Trust thanks our guest panel members Tim Holtam at the Brighton Table Tennis Club and Pinar Aksu from Maryhill Integration Network in Glasgow – both previous winners of the Community Integration Awards – for their valuable contribution to our first year of grants.
The Weaving Bonds 2023 grantees are true champions of community building, hope, and connection. We are proud to support these organisations and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will continue to make in the lives of migrants, refugees, and the broader community.
