The Youth Project supports young asylum seekers aged 13-21. By running a weekly youth club and other activities, we aim to help young people grow friendships and support networks, gain confidence with the English language, and develop a fulfilled life in the UK. This helps young people navigate a complicated asylum system, which often has a negative impact on their emotional well-being. Through weekly Youth club activities and a dedicated Youth caseworker we stay in touch with young people, ensure they understand changes in regulations and have access to services they need.
0
young people supported in 2023/24
0
online maths or English workshops during lockdown
Ramy is a young person who came to the UK as an asylum seeker in March 2024. Ramy was very vulnerable without parents and with an ongoing age dispute. He had faced a huge struggle in his journey to the UK, coming across the sea from Sudan, and on arrival he was exhausted, lost and stressed. As well as the language barrier, moving to a foreign country with a different culture was very challenging. Ramy started to feel very overwhelmed and found it hard to seek help and adapt to his new environment.
Ramy came to Nottingham Refugee Forum to seek advice about what next steps he could take. He was registered and referred by our General Advice service straight to the Youth Project, and allocated his own specialised caseworker. The Young Persons Caseworker started working on his case and immediately referred his application to legal aid for an age assessment.
While waiting for his asylum claim to be processed, our Youth Project was able to offer Ramy vital additional support, such as registering him for ESOL classes to improve his levels of English. His caseworker also encouraged Ramy to join football sessions in the community, and invited him to our weekly youth club. Through these groups he was able to meet other young people and make friends.
Overtime Ramy began to feel safer, and more comfortable interacting with others and asking for support. When he first arrived at the Refugee Forum he was very anxious and stressed. With the help of an Arabic interpreter and a compassionate and caring caseworker, Ramy began to understand that he wasn’t alone and has become much happier.
“ I felt safe and very happy to be with the Refugee Forum family, Everyone made me feel safe and welcomed, I never had any family around me but now I do from a great support and friendly team. I feel I am home every time I come to have a great meal or cup of tea”.
Thanks so much for the books you delivered in lockdown…it’s amazing for me.
Samuel