Funding for voluntary organisations to help Hongkongers settle into life in the UK, including the Yorkshire and Humber region

The announcement confirms further funding for English language classes, and destitution support for local authorities in England, continuing funding for the network of 12 Welcome Hubs across the UK, including Hong Kong Hub for our region and further funding for On Your Side, the reporting and support service for BN(O)s and all other East and Southeast Asian communities in the UK who experience or witness racism or any other form of hate.  

 

The announcement also includes an invitation for bids from voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations for £2.6 million of funding for UK-wide and regional projects. Further information about the VCSE Grant schemes are available on Hong Kong British National (Overseas) Programme: Year 3 VCSE Funding (2023/2024) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

 

The deadline for applications is 23:59 on 31 March 2023.

 

VCSE Competition and Events  

DLUHC will be running webinar events on Thursday 9 and 16 March to share more detail about the grant schemes and provide information about the application process. Prospective applicants can register for one of these sessions on Eventbrite through the link.

 

Regional projects in Yorkshire and Humber

Organisations applying for regional projects covering the Yorkshire and Humber regional are encouraged to familiarise themselves with further information and the prospectus, available on the gov.uk, and our regional priorities:

 

  • To build on and complement existing service provision, liaise with organisations already working within the migration sector to increase local and regional capacity and avoid duplication of the services;

  • To ensure support is available and consistent across the region; strong preference of face-to-face presence and with focus on facilitating the access to mainstream support, while considering the specific language and cultural needs of Hongkongers and recognising the limitation related to their immigration status;

  • To prioritise short and intense English and employment support that is sector specific and delivered flexibly (including weekends and evenings) to meet the need;

  • To provide safe environments where Hongkongers can thrive and enable beneficiaries to have a voice and actively participate in the delivery of the projects;

  • To create opportunities for meaningful interaction between new arrivals and local communities, with focus on older people and youth, and to enable local people and businesses to get involved to create meaningful employment opportunities, and facilitate integration and community cohesion;

  • To work alongside other stakeholders involved in the delivery of the Welcome Programme, including Migration Yorkshire, local authorities, national and local voluntary organisations and faith groups to provide a comprehensive local and regional support package

For further information and informal chat about the local and regional needs contact our Hong Kong BNO lead, Ewa Jamroz, on ewa.jamroz@migrationyorkshire.org.uk or 0113 378 9017.