Belong Nottingham

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Welcome to Belong

Who we are

Belong Nottingham is a Refugee Community Organisation (RCO) and a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) that was established in 2002 following the dispersal of asylum seekers to Nottingham. Initially ran as a registered charity until 2016 when it changed its governance and registered as a CIO.

Belong Nottingham is committed to promoting and facilitating social and economic integration of migrants predominantly of African origin, especially but not exclusively for refugees and asylum seekers.

It delivers projects to help develop its users’ and members’ abilities and confidence while promoting and facilitating their social and economic integration in the UK society.

Who we help

Belong Nottingham was established to support asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants living in Nottingham, with a mission to promote their social and economic integration into the local community and the wider UK society. We also extend our services to other migrants living in the area, ensuring comprehensive support for all who need it.

The demographics of our beneficiaries naturally fluctuate as new migrants arrive in Nottingham. We maintain an open-door policy, welcoming anyone in need of advice or support, regardless of their nationality or immigration status.

In today’s climate, our work has become more crucial than ever. The rising number of people arriving in Europe and the UK, driven by conflicts across African nations, the Middle East, and beyond, presents new challenges. Concurrently, tensions concerning immigrant communities have intensified, evident in the increase in hate crimes reported since the 2016 Brexit referendum, as well as more recent incidents of unrest. Unfortunately, these developments have emboldened some individuals with racist views, resulting in verbal abuse and violence toward many in the immigrant community.

Belong Nottingham offers a wide range of projects and services aimed at meeting the needs of the migrant and refugee communities in Nottingham. In addition, we work to help members of the receiving community better understand why migrants come to the UK, fostering understanding and promoting community cohesion between different groups.

Our vision

A world where all migrants are able to reach their full potential.

Our mission

To develop the best, user led centre for integration in the country.

Our values

Compassion

Compassion:

we focus on understanding in order to make real differences.

Excellence

Excellence:

we strive at all times to provide the highest quality support plus practical solutions for real issues.

Stewardship

Stewardship:

We effectively manage all assets for the benefit of our users.

Our History

Established as a Drop-in

2000

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Belong Nottingham was originally established in 2000 as a drop-in centre by a group of refugees and migrants. This initiative was a direct response to the challenges they faced following the implementation of the Home Office Dispersal Policy. The policy, designed to relocate asylum seekers across the UK, often left individuals struggling with isolation, lack of support, and difficulties accessing essential services in unfamiliar locations.

The founding members of Belong sought to create a space where they and others like them could find solutions to the pressing issues they were encountering. Over time, this small drop-in centre evolved into a vital community organization, offering a wide range of services to help integrate refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants into the local community.

Legally established as a charitable association

2002

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In 2002, the drop-in centre evolved and was officially established as a charitable association named Heri Kwetu. Despite this formalization, its core purpose remained the same: to provide support and find solutions for refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants, helping them address the challenges they face and promoting their integration into the local community.

Registered charity

2007

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In 2007, Heri Kwetu was officially registered as a charity in the UK, marking a significant milestone in its development. This formal status allowed the organization to expand its services and reach more of the migrant and refugee communities in Nottingham.

From Heri Kwetu to Belong

2009

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In 2009, the organisation adopted a new name—Belong—to reflect its evolving identity and broaden its mission. Belong continued to operate as a registered charity until 2015, during which time it built a strong reputation for supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and other migrants in their social and economic integration into the local community.

Belong as a Charitable
Incorporated Organisation

2015

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In 2015, all assets, funds, and contracts were transferred to Belong Nottingham, a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), founded by the same trustees who had originally formed and managed Belong in 2002.

The decision to change its legal status from a registered charity to a CIO was made to expand grant funding opportunities from funders like the Big Lottery Fund, which prefer charitable companies or CIOs, as they are considered legal entities.

Our staff

Belong Nottingham is totally indebted to the work of a small team of dedicated staff and volunteers who run our organisation,
manage services and provide the vital support we offer to our beneficiaries.

Jean-Didier Mualaba

CEO

Rosie Fisher

Learning Manager

John Aghoghogbe

Employability Manager

Yvonne

Welfare/Debt Advice Officer

Neikwai Aghoghogbe

IT Trainer/Employability Support Worker

David Kolapo

Community and Youth Support Worker

Blessing Okon

Support Worker

Andy Chigamba

Receptionist

Anna Jasinska

ESOL Teacher

Ivana Slavikova

ESOL Teacher

Rob Peutrell

ESOL Teacher

Gill Kincaid-Dugen

ESOL Teacher

Monique Savage

ESOL Teacher

Trustees

Belong Nottingham is governed by a dedicated board of trustees who meet every two months to provide effective and expert oversight, coordination, strategic leadership and direction for our work. Currently our board of trustees consists entirely of African migrants. This enables us to better understand the needs of our clients and other new arrivals in Nottingham. We are dedicated to continue with this focus of our board membership and believe it is also an effective way of empowering members of the local African community.

Our management committee:

  • Judith Kobutungi
  • Lynda Nyandu
  • Joseph Kamoga
  • Muhammad
  • Godswill Cikonde
  • Mohammad Kamara

Funders, accreditation and membership

At Belong, we are incredibly grateful for the support and generosity of our funders, whose contributions make our work possible. Through their commitment, we are able to deliver vital programs and services that empower individuals, celebrate cultural diversity, and strengthen communities. Their ongoing partnership allows us to drive meaningful change and create lasting impact for the people and communities we serve. This page is dedicated to acknowledging their invaluable support and the positive difference it makes every day.

Funders

Accreditation:

Quality Awards

Registered with

We are also members of