What we do
What we do
Belong Nottingham is dedicated to promoting the effective integration of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers into British Society. It works towards its vision by providing support, Information, Advice and Guidance on 4 main areas including:
Employability and careers advice
Learning and Education
Welfare right
Health and Community Development
Employability and careers advice
Belong Nottingham adopts a personalised approach to supporting each individual service user, ensuring their unique employment needs are met. This process begins with a one-on-one assessment to identify their employment goals, evaluate their existing skills, qualifications, and experience, and develop a strategic plan to help them move forward in the UK job market. Through targeted support, Belong offers practical assistance in the following five key areas:
This comprehensive employability support is delivered by a highly skilled and experienced team. The team manager, fully qualified in Information, Advice, and Guidance (IAG), has over 25 years of experience helping individuals find meaningful employment and progress into better-paid roles that align with their needs and aspirations. The team’s wealth of expertise ensures that each service user receives the guidance and support they need to overcome barriers, gain employment, and achieve career success.
Learning and Education
Our commitment to supporting new arrivals with their education and learning is reflected in our comprehensive range of services designed to address the unique challenges faced by migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.
Key initiatives include the provision of:
ESOL
Integration and Citizenship Training
Literacy and numeracy
Digital Skills Course
Education
ESOL
Recognising that language barriers can significantly hinder integration, we offer a variety of ESOL classes, Accredited and Unaccredited catering to different proficiency levels, from Pre-entry to Entry 3 up to Level 1.
These courses are tailored to help new arrivals quickly gain the language skills necessary for daily communication, employment, and further education. Our experienced and qualified ESOL teachers ensure that learners receive high-quality instruction and personalised support, enabling them to progress confidently in their language acquisition journey.
Integration and Citizenship Training
Recognising that language barriers can significantly hinder integration, we offer a variety of ESOL classes, Accredited and Unaccredited catering to different proficiency levels, from Pre-entry to Entry 3 up to Level 1.
These courses are tailored to help new arrivals quickly gain the language skills necessary for daily communication, employment, and further education. Our experienced and qualified ESOL teachers ensure that learners receive high-quality instruction and personalised support, enabling them to progress confidently in their language acquisition journey.
Literacy and numeracy
Proficiency in numeracy and literacy is fundamental to the well-being and successful integration of our clients into UK society. Our support programmes empower refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants with essential skills that enhance daily life, improve employment prospects, and enable full engagement with their new communities.
We offer tailored services to improve reading, writing, and comprehension skills. Structured classes cater to varying proficiency levels, ensuring appropriate support and instruction for each learner. Our experienced educators use interactive and engaging teaching methods, making learning enjoyable and effective. One-on-one tutoring sessions are also available for focused attention on specific challenges, helping individuals achieve their literacy goals.
Numeracy support at Belong Nottingham is equally comprehensive. Basic mathematical skills are crucial for managing everyday tasks like budgeting, shopping, and understanding financial documents. Our numeracy classes build confidence in using numbers, from basic arithmetic to complex problem-solving skills. Practical examples and real-life scenarios make numeracy relevant and accessible.
Beyond classroom instruction, we integrate literacy and numeracy support into other programmes, including employability and careers advice, ensuring clients are well-prepared for job applications, interviews, and workplace requirements. Workshops focusing on digital literacy teach clients to navigate online platforms, fill out forms, and use technology to enhance learning and employment opportunities.
Belong Nottingham’s numeracy and literacy support programmes aim to break down barriers to integration, providing essential skills for clients to thrive. By fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, we help individuals build confidence, achieve personal goals, and contribute positively to their new communities.
Digital Skills Course
Our digital skills course equips new arrivals with essential competencies to navigate and thrive in modern society. Recognising the diverse needs and varying experience levels of our clients, we offer a comprehensive programme covering basic to advanced digital skills, ensuring everyone can improve their technological literacy.
The course begins with foundational training, where participants learn basic computer use, such as operating systems, word processing, and internet navigation. These skills are vital for everyday tasks, from sending emails and managing personal finances to accessing online information and services. As clients become more comfortable with these basics, we introduce advanced topics, including spreadsheet management, presentation software, and digital communication tools.
Digital proficiency is often a prerequisite for many job roles. Our course provides specific training on creating professional CVs, filling out online job applications, and utilising job search platforms. Beyond employment, digital skills are essential for accessing public services and engaging with the community. We teach clients how to use online government services, book medical appointments, and access educational resources, empowering them to become more self-sufficient and reducing reliance on intermediaries.
Social integration is another critical aspect of our digital skills course. We help clients understand and use social media platforms to stay connected with family and friends, both locally and abroad. This connection is particularly important for refugees and migrants experiencing isolation and homesickness. By fostering digital literacy, we bridge the gap between their past and present lives, creating a sense of continuity and community.
Through our digital skills course, Belong Nottingham ensures all clients can fully participate in the digital world. By providing the necessary tools and knowledge, we help them overcome barriers to integration, enhance their employability, and improve their overall quality of life.
Education
Supporting parents in the education of their children is another crucial aspect of our work. We offer guidance and assistance to parents to help them understand the UK education system, ensuring their children can access appropriate educational opportunities and support services.
Our team provides practical help with school enrolment processes, liaising with schools, and understanding educational expectations. We also run workshops for parents to develop their skills in supporting their children’s learning at home, thus fostering an environment conducive to academic success.
Through these initiatives, Belong Nottingham aims to facilitate the seamless integration of new arrivals into society by removing educational barriers and promoting lifelong learning. By empowering individuals and families with the tools they need to succeed, we contribute to building a more inclusive and supportive community for everyone.
Welfare Right
At Belong Nottingham, we understand that navigating the UK’s welfare system can be daunting for new arrivals. Our dedicated Welfare Rights Support team is here to provide comprehensive assistance with a range of issues, ensuring that our clients receive the support they are entitled to. We offer help with Universal Credit applications, guiding individuals through the process and helping them understand their entitlements. Our team is also skilled in debt management, providing advice and support to those struggling with financial difficulties, helping them to regain control and stability.
In addition to Universal Credit and debt management, we offer support with Personal Independence Payment (PIP) applications and other welfare benefits.
Our knowledgeable staff can assist with the completion of forms, the gathering of necessary documentation, and the preparation for assessments. We aim to empower our clients by equipping them with the information and tools they need to access the welfare support available to them. By addressing these critical areas, we help our clients build a secure foundation as they integrate into their new communities.
Youth Project
The focus of our youth project is to provide a safe and welcoming space for young migrants, to come together, socialise, build confidence and skills and meet other young people in their local community. On arrival in the UK, young people may not be able to access education or training immediately, some have experienced long periods of time without any formal education due to conflict in their home countries or a long journey to the UK. The instability in their lives can lead to a lack of direction and motivation.
In addition to this, if they are not engaged in purposeful activity, young people can be vulnerable to involvement in crime and antisocial behaviour such as alcohol and drugs. Our Youth Project aims to provide regular activities and a space for young people to develop and build confidence. We do this in a number of different ways:
Organising fun and challenging social activities such as ice skating, go-karting, roller skating and trips to places of interest both locally and further afield.
Homework helps to support young people with numeracy and literacy skills and fill in gaps that they have missed in their education.
Running discussion sessions with young people to explore the different challenges they are facing their lives and discuss various solutions and coping strategies. Offering one to one support and advice for young people when they are facing particular struggles or difficulties.
Encouraging young people to participate in volunteering in their locally community and supporting them to find different opportunities.
Our youth group is managed by a steering group of young people who take the decisions over what activities and workshops we run. This gives them responsibility and the power to make decisions about their own support.
We believe it is important to give this role to the young people so that they not only shape their own support but also build their confidence, independence and team working skills.
