Young Roots is a London-based charity working with young refugees and asylum seekers aged 11-25 seeking safety in the UK, most of whom are alone here, without their families. We want young people to be able to build a positive future here – we provide practical and emotional support through our Youthwork, Casework and our Advice and Support Hubs. Through campaigning, we also work with young people to positively influence the policy and practice which affects their lives.
This recent grant from The Pixel Fund has contributed to our Advice and Support Hubs; holistic and trauma-informed spaces where young people can access Casework support alongside ESOL, sports, games, cooking, creative activities, and specialist advice from our therapeutic and legal partners. Providing these services all in one space removes barriers, and addresses key needs including physical and mental wellbeing, social isolation, English language, and expert support for complex issues.
We spoke to a young person who has attended our Croydon Hub alongside our other activities over the past year, Budi.* Budi has accessed one-to-one support at the Hub, alongside workshops and sports, and he also attended our residential trip to Dorset taking part in kayaking and windsurfing. Budi shared his experiences of previously attending school and returning home without much to do, which he found difficult. However, coming to Young Roots has facilitated the development of meaningful and genuine friendships for him. Budi now has somewhere in the community to connect with people, learn, and have fun. He told us, “I have brought many new young people to the youth group and the Hub. I think the groups are important and fun, and I will continue to tell people about them.”
*Name has been changed