In July 2019, Leeds started the 15-month Community Connector project[1] which aims to support new migrants to connect with local services and existing community networks through building bridges that encourage participation and independence. This project also adds value to wider programs of work by providing a better understanding of culture of place and community cohesion. The project successfully recruited five Community Connectors who have lived experience, they added value to the wider team by providing skills, knowledge, experience and a range of languages to support vulnerable migrant households. The project exceeded the target of 100 households and reached 250. This engagement was the result of such an initiative being able to bridge the gap and overcome barriers for those households. This has also resulted in savings to the council through effectively responding to the needs of vulnerable migrant households during the pandemic. Many enquiries have related to housing, employment and skills and learning English and more complex issues in relation to change of immigration status and not being able to respond for a variety of reasons. For many, issues were ongoing, this initiative was able to resolve those ongoing challenges through language support, triage and advocacy. Building positive and trusting relationships takes time and through the understanding of experiences and overcoming language support, the Community Connectors were able to work with local services to provide holistic support. There are many examples of where families have not reported or made complaints as they fear the response and feel that nothing will be done. Basic concerns being resolved have seen positive impact on health and wellbeing for example, being able to support asylum seeking children to access support at school, free school meals, transport, transferring to another school to feel safe.
[1] https://news.leeds.gov.uk/news/council-secures-funding-for-project-to-support-new-communities-to-leeds
