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| Nottinghamshire and Nottingham Refugee Centre | |
|---|---|
| Name | Nottinghamshire and Nottingham Refugee Centre |
| Formation | 1990s |
| Type | Charity |
| Headquarters | Nottingham |
| Region served | Nottinghamshire |
| Leader title | Director |
Nottinghamshire and Nottingham Refugee Centre is a charitable organisation based in Nottingham providing support to asylum seekers, refugees and displaced people across Nottinghamshire, with outreach into neighbouring counties such as Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire. The centre arose amid local responses to international crises including the aftermath of the Yugoslav Wars, the Iraq War, the Syrian Civil War and the Afghan conflict, and works alongside statutory and voluntary bodies such as Nottingham City Council, the Home Office (United Kingdom), and national NGOs. It engages with regional institutions including University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and faith-based organisations like Nottingham Cathedral and the Nottingham Mosque.
The centre was founded during the 1990s by activists influenced by events such as the Bosnian War and the Kosovo War, building on networks established through groups like Refugee Action, British Red Cross, Amnesty International and Oxfam International. Early collaborations involved local branches of Citizens Advice and Barnardo’s while receiving support from MPs and local representatives including members of Nottingham South (UK Parliament constituency) and Nottingham North (UK Parliament constituency). Over time the centre adapted after migration patterns shifted following the European migrant crisis (2015–2016), the introduction of the Immigration Act 2016 (UK), and changes to the Immigration Act 2014 (UK). It has coordinated with legal advisers from firms and agencies such as Law Centre Network, Asylum Aid, Equality and Human Rights Commission and barristers practising in Nottingham Crown Court.
The centre’s stated mission echoes principles advanced by international instruments such as the 1951 Refugee Convention, aiming to assist beneficiaries through advice modelled on standards advocated by UNHCR and International Organization for Migration. Objectives include securing rights framed by domestic statutes influenced by the Human Rights Act 1998, improving access to public services including contacts with NHS England and local trusts, and promoting opportunities through links with educational partners like Nottingham College and Central College Nottingham. It pursues destitution prevention strategies used by organisations like Shelter (charity) and Crisis (charity).
Programmes span legal advice drawing on precedents from tribunals such as the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal, welfare support aligned with practices by Trussell Trust foodbanks and specialist health referrals to Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Employment and skills initiatives are run with employers including Amazon (company), HSBC, British Airways, and training partners such as East Midlands Chamber of Commerce and City of Nottingham Training. Language tuition mirrors curricula taught by British Council-affiliated providers and volunteers connected to National Union of Students (UK). Youth and mental health projects reference models by Mind (charity), Young Minds and sports integration using facilities formerly used by Nottingham Forest F.C. and community groups like Nottingham Panthers.
Governance comprises a board with trustees experienced in sectors represented by organisations such as Law Society of England and Wales, Institute of Fundraising, Charity Commission for England and Wales guidelines and audit practices used by Grant Thornton. Funding sources include competitive grants from foundations like Big Lottery Fund, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, local authority contracts from Nottinghamshire County Council, and emergency appeals modelled on campaigns by Disasters Emergency Committee. The centre has received philanthropic support from benefactors connected to trusts including Lloyds Bank Foundation and corporate social responsibility partnerships similar to those run by Barclays and Rolls-Royce plc.
Strategic partnerships have been established with national NGOs including Refugee Council, Migrant Help, British Red Cross and local organisations such as Framework (charity), Racial Equality Council-type groups and faith networks like St Mary’s Church, Nottingham. The centre collaborates with higher education research units at University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University on studies referencing migration datasets maintained by Office for National Statistics (UK) and policy reviews in journals influenced by Migration Policy Institute scholarship. Civic engagement includes co-ordination with community centres in districts like Hyson Green, St Ann's, Nottingham, Clifton, Nottingham and regional events tied to Refugee Week.
Advocacy efforts align with campaigns led by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, submitting evidence to inquiries by bodies such as the Home Affairs Select Committee and participating in legal test cases akin to those heard in the Court of Appeal of England and Wales. Impact evaluation uses indicators comparable to those developed by Joseph Rowntree Foundation and reports have informed commissioning decisions by local commissioners in Nottinghamshire County Council and national policy dialogues involving Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. The centre’s work has been recognised by civic awards modeled on the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service and through local honours granted by Nottingham Civic Society.
Primary operations are based in premises near central Nottingham transport hubs including Nottingham railway station with satellite outreach in boroughs such as Rushcliffe, Bassetlaw, Ashfield, Gedling and Mansfield. Facilities include advice centres similar to those operated by Citizens Advice, classrooms mirroring community education spaces at Nottingham College, and health liaison rooms compatible with referrals to Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham. The centre uses community venues including Nottingham Playhouse foyers for events and coordinates accommodation lists referencing private landlords and housing associations like Nottingham Community Housing Association.
Category:Charities based in Nottinghamshire