We Belong - Young Migrants Standing Up

15/06/2026

Upcoming Gatherings! 👀

This month we'll be hosting a Debate Night 🎤 in London. Wednesday 24th June @ 6 pm. A free space to discuss topics ranging from pop culture to immigration systems.

Our Manchester Gathering will be one week later on Thursday, 2nd July, @ 5:30 pm. Creative Writing Session in Manchester ✍️. Join us to learn about how to use your lived experience and story of self to take your first steps in creative writing.

Important Info:
- These events are for young people 16-25 only.
- Snacks and travel reimbursements are provided (Be sure to bring your receipts). 🥤🍕
- We will contact attendees directly and provide the exact location after they sign up! ☝️
- If you need assistance purchasing travel tickets in advance, please email us at [email protected] ✉️

Make sure to register on Eventbrite to attend and feel free to reach out via email if you have any questions!

11/06/2026

Our Programmes Manager Andrew and Core Group Member Abdullahi were invited to the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award 70th Anniversary celebration at Buckingham Palace! 🏛️💂🏼

They heard speeches from His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, who has spent a lot of time supporting young people and showing the value of learning outside the classroom, as well as broadcaster, author, and podcast host Jake Humphrey.

Abdullahi shares: 'A line that stayed with me during his speech was: "Failure is the price of ambition. Embarrassment is the cost of entry." He couldn't have said it any better.'

And he also shares the following experience: The Gold award tested everything in me - in ways I could never have anticipated. The expedition through Snowdonia, Wales was breathtaking, gruelling, and one of the most profoundly humbling experiences of my life. It was the first time I truly learnt the importance of advocating for my own needs and not minimizing my needs or shrinking myself to make things easier for others, but simply saying: this is what I need, and that is okay. That lesson alone was worth every step. 🏔️

If this inspires you, We Belong is currently giving young people (14 - 24 years old) the chance to take part in the DofE Bronze Award! 🏆

This programme is all about building confidence and learning new skills. Over six months, you'll complete fun challenges in four areas: Volunteering, Physical, Skills, and Expedition. 🧠💪🥾

It's a great way to push yourself, meet new people, and level up your life skills - plus, it's nationally recognised. Places are limited so register your interest via this expression of interest link: https://lpwwngy65ir.typeform.com/to/kZmKB3Lm

05/06/2026

June dates for our Legal Advice Clinic 📣

We Belong's Legal Advice Clinic offers young people aged 16-25 the opportunity to engage in one-on-one sessions with an experienced solicitor to address any questions they may have about applying for or renewing their immigration status.

Wednesday sessions are held in person at our London office and Thursday sessions are held remotely via Zoom for those unable to travel. 💻

You can register to attend by clicking the link below, or through our 'Get Help' page on our website. 👇

https://www.webelong.org.uk/get-help/we-belongs-legal-advice-clinic

Once you register, we will evaluate your case and you will receive a confirmation email, typically sent on Fridays. Please wait for this email before attending. ✉️

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at [email protected]

28/05/2026

New Episode of Migrant Moods 🎙️

In this episode our hosts Abdullahi and Hillay interview We Belong’s Public Affairs and Policy lead Mariam Bafo, and dive deep into the systemic issues caused by the UK’s hostile immigration system.

For this group of young people who have lived in the UK since childhood, having to navigate constant rule changes, long and expensive routes to settlement, and a political and media environment that scapegoat migrants, has become an everyday effort.

Tune in as we cover:
The Mental Health 🧠 Impacts of the UK Immigration System
What is the Hostile Immigration Environment?
Navigating Home Office Applications & Soaring Fees
No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)
eVisas & 3C Leave
Life in the UK and English Language Test
What Can Young People Do to Advocate?
Info about our Parliamentary Engangement and our Campaigns Group
Final Advice and How to Get Involved with our campaigns

We have also put together helpful links and resources on these topics. Comment below or send us a message and we'll send it across! 👇🏽

This is a great episode for anyone looking to know more about these issues that impact thousands of young people living with precarious immigration status in the UK.

And if you are a young person thinking that you are going through this system alone- please get in touch. We're here to support you and build community. 🤝🏽

20/05/2026

📣 May Gatherings!

This week we'll be hosting a movie night in our Manchester Office. Join us as we watch Limbo, a heart-warming film about four refugees stranded in Scotland. We'll be discussing the themes of the film as we enjoy popcorn and snacks. 🍿

Next week at our London office, we'll be delivering a Story of Self Workshop: This creative workshop for young people aged 16–25 is all about finding your voice, building confidence in storytelling.

Be sure to signup on Eventbrite! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/we-belong-45758924873

Important Info:
- These events are for young people 16-25 only
- Snacks and travel reimbursement provided (Be sure to bring your receipts). 🥤🍕
- We will contact attendees directly and provide the exact location after they sign up! ☝️
- If you need assistance purchasing travel tickets in advance, please email us at [email protected] ✉️

Make sure to register on Eventbrite to attend (link in bio), and feel free to reach out via email if you have any questions.

19/05/2026

Thousands of young migrants in the UK have to repeatedly explain to their employers or universities that, although they’ve lived in the country since childhood, they are still on a long journey to settlement. Riddled with expensive renewal applications every two and a half years.

This situation creates unnecessary barriers for young people trying to enter the job market in the country they call home.

Tune in to our latest episode of the Migrant Moods podcast 🎙on YouTube or your preferred listening platform to learn more about Bhavik's story and how he overcame this systemic issue.

Support our campaign to get young people and . Visit our website and Get Involved. Link in bio.

12/05/2026

Our Legal Advice Clinic offers young people aged 16-25 the opportunity to engage in one-on-one sessions with an experienced solicitor to address any questions they may have about applying for or renewing their immigration status.

Wednesday sessions are held in person at our We Belong London office and Thursday sessions are held remotely via Zoom for those who live outside of London or are unable to travel.

Learn more about clinic elegibility and how to register by visiting the 'Get Help' section on our website 👉 https://www.webelong.org.uk/get-help/we-belongs-legal-advice-clinic

11/05/2026

“Community is so important. Especially considering how hostile the immigration environment is at the moment, and that hostile environment drives on isolation, and you being alone. Community is one of the things that can overcome that.” 🫂

In the latest episode of the Community in Mind Podcast by the Charlie Waller Trust, Abdullahi and Hillary discuss the importance of lived experience and storytelling to highlight the impacts of hostile policies and advocate for change.

Abdullahi shares his journey of navigating the asylum system alone for many years until he found support within migrant communities such as Hackney Migrant Centre and We Belong.

Hillary shares her experience of discovering that she had no immigration status at 16, despite being born in the UK. From feeling lonely and isolated, she transitioned to volunteering and campaigning for young people in Westminster and ultimately gained British citizenship thanks to We Belong’s support.

📣 They emphasise the importance of young migrants speaking out about their issues and realising that countless others are affected by similar circumstances.

They also offer advice for young migrants on accessing higher education, understanding the immigration policy system, and becoming empowered to seek support and advocate for their rights. 💪🏽

As Podcast Host Georgia Taylor states, young migrants in the UK often face uncertainty, exclusion, and numerous barriers. Their perspectives are frequently overlooked.

The Migrant Moods podcast addresses this by focusing on lived experiences and sharing these stories through the voices of those who know it best.

Be sure to listen to the episode on Spotify!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/312IHYRQjamD27aJnSwlzB?si=TR0trlfZTECkagVEJL4M6Q

Thanks to the Charlie Waller Trust for the amazing opportunity!

Community in Mind | Charlie Waller Trust · Episode

04/05/2026

We are now recruiting for our EYL Summer Programme!

Emerging Young Leaders Programme is a fantastic opportunity for young migrants to develop their leadership skills.

This six-week CPD-accredited course will pair you with experienced mentors, based on your interests, motivations, and aspirations.

During the programme, you will take part in guided sessions that are designed to help you enhance your confidence and resilience.

It is also a great opportunity to meet other young migrants and form long-lasting friendships and professional connections!

Our EYL Summer Programme will run from 22nd June to 27th July in both London and Manchester. Learn more about the EYL and register your interest by 8th June using the application form on our website. Be sure to share this opportunity with any young person who you think would benefit from this programme!

Learn more 👉🏼 https://www.webelong.org.uk/latest/emerging-young-leaders-programme

28/04/2026

How do you enter the job market as a Young Migrant? How do I explain my immigration status to an employer?

From navigating job searches during visa renewal periods to being your own advocate and explaining the routes to settlement on a job interview, follow along as Hillary interviews previous core group members Milana and Bhavik who share their experiences with the different challenges young migrants face when entering this perilous UK job market.

New episodes every Thursday at 8 pm!

Hosts: Hillary Coker aka Seun
Special Guests:
Milana Bout
Bhavik Patel