VCSE Funding Secured

Funding secured to support Hong Kong BNO visa holders through the Department of Levelling Up Housing and Communities.

This exciting new project to Groundwork Five Counties portfolio will support with integration into life in the UK, supporting Hong Kongers to break down barriers and build community relationships.  The support offered will be bespoke to each person working towards their identified needs to ensure that they are moving forward towards life in the UK.

We will be doing this in a variety of ways using our trained community coaches to deliver one to one support along with group sessions to help each person flourish, whether they are new to the country or are residents already but still in need of support.  We will be working out in the community to engage with individuals and community groups to ensure that we are able to engage with as many people as possible, utilising other professionals and organisations to ensure that the support offered provides the best experience possible.

Our aim is to support them in engaging in social activities to improve their wellbeing through volunteering, community-based activities, wellbeing walks and social integration.  We will support them in building their confidence and skills and overcoming barriers which may impact on their mental health and wellbeing, including support with accessing mental health services or wellbeing services when needed, allowing them to thrive and progress in life.  We will support with writing CV’s, demonstrating job search skills, interview preparation, and support with applying for job roles if needed. We will support people into sustainable employment matching their skills/experience, supporting with applying for statements of comparability where needed.  Using our wider coaching model we will support in all areas, rather than looking at employment goals in isolation, focusing on holistic person-centred approaches.

We will also work to utilise the provisions that we have already built within Groundwork Five Counties including:

• Green Doctor – Energy advice and money saving tips
• Green Spaces – Wellbeing walks, volunteering opportunities within the surrounding areas and access to local green spaces to enjoy nature, plant and take part in activities
• Smile – Befriending service supporting in social isolations working with individuals to help them to be in a position to help others by becoming a volunteer within this areas
• Wellies in the Woods and Getting into Nature – Social activity sessions for families with children under 5, to experience outdoor spaces, engage with nature and develop social skills in a safe space

This support is available now within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, for more information please email hk-bno@groundworknottingham.org.uk