Group activities:
- Monthly group meetings, both in person and online
- Social activities, such as walks, visits to art galleries and picnics
- Taking part in the annual Birmingham Pride Parade
- Art, performance, wellbeing and sport activities with other organisations, such as Birmingham Rep, Birmingham Opera Company, Brum Rocks, FABRIC, LGBTeeHee, Queer My Throat, Sampad, Birmingham Blaze FC and Birmingham Unicorns Cricket Club.
Our members say:
"Our meetings are very useful, because we learn about the asylum process, our rights, sexual health, services which we may use, other charity organisations which may support us, and sport and creative activities."
"I really enjoy the trip, it was so beneficial for my mind because few days ago I isolated myself because I was so stress. The Journey group, the workshop, seeing people happy make me feel very good."
Bluebell walk 2024
Befriending and 1-2-1 support:
- One-to-one meetings with volunteers to provide emotional support
- Signposting members to specialist organisations for legal advice and counselling
- Helping members prepare for Home Office interviews and appeal hearings
- Providing letters of support where appropriate
Our members say:
"The volunteers give us moral and emotional support and I give my thanks to them. They gave me many contact numbers where I could get help."
Buddy scheme:
- Training and mentoring Journey members to be able to give peer support to other members.
- Our Buddies also help support the volunteers at group meetings, and feed back members' views and experiences to the Journey board of directors
Our members say:
“Since April when I started as a Buddy , it helped me rebuild the confidence I lost due to depression, and it was an opportunity to interact with people in a similar situation, and we kind of learned from each other.”
"Through my Buddy I was able to register into the Birmingham Adult Education service of which I am in the second level now. I’m grateful for all his time and support and I am proud to say I am now a certified Buddy who is ready to continue the act of kindness and to be that friendly voice on the phone."
Buddy training 2024
Queen's Heath Pride 2024
Raising awareness:
- Working with other asylum support and LGBT+ organisations to improve access to services
- Partnering with the Bike Project which gives free bicycles to members
- Working closely with REUK to help members access education
- Taking part in consultations and research
Our members say:
“It was an informative meeting that initiated some great links. I felt our voices were heard and opened doors for future engagement and collaboration.”
“Just got my bike, thanks to the Bike Project. It came as a surprise to cheer me up when I was feeling down."
"I hope by highlighting our problems, the people in the meeting can influence policy changes and make our lives a bit better.”