Provider helps over 1,500 refugees and migrants to thrive

Refugee and migrant housing provider ACH has helped more than 1,500 people rebuild their lives by providing them with somewhere to live and wider training support over the last 12 months.

The achievement is among the main targets to have been met by the organisation over the last year alone, which has been reported on within its latest Impact Report.

Key takeaways include:

• Providing 1,581 refugees and migrants with accommodation
• Holding 28,751 face-to-face appointments with residents
• Helping 433 individuals move into privately rented homes
• Delivering 142 courses and workshops that have been completed by 652 learners.

Residents supported by ACH over the last 12 months – regional breakdown

Fuad Mahamed, CEO of ACH, said: “The last 12 months have been our most impactful yet. We’re extremely proud to have continued to move forward in the face of what has been an increasingly challenging national and global backdrop.

“The number of people granted refugee protection in the UK continues to rise, reflecting ongoing conflict, displacement and instability on a widespread scale. For many newly-recognised refugees, starting a new life in the UK remains abrupt and precarious, with limited timeframes to secure housing, employment and support.

“We’ve continued to help refugees in the West of England and West Midlands overcome these challenges by proactively providing the right support at the right time, which is fundamental for helping refugees and migrants move from crisis to contribution.”

Other key milestones highlighted by ACH over the last year include the creation of a welcome hub in Bristol, aimed at promoting wellbeing and integration. More than 200 people have received integration advice, 17 families have received wraparound support, and 23 people have been supported to access sustainable housing so far.

At the same time, ACH has helped more than 300 refugees and migrants turn their business visions into reality. Its team has held more than 100 business support sessions and helped launch six businesses while also providing self-employment support.