Moving to a new country is exciting, but you may still experience challenges when trying to fit in with new people and cultures. Immigrants living in the UK can make the transition smoother by finding and connecting with the right community groups.
Remitly is here to help you find your niche. In this article, we discuss the importance of such groups, some major organisations across the UK, and steps to connecting with them, so you can settle easily.
Importance of Immigrant Community Groups
Immigrant community groups support newcomers to the UK and help them blend into a new way of life. They offer several benefits, including:
Social support and integration
Are you struggling to adapt to life in the United Kingdom? Connecting with people from your country or region offers a sense of belonging.
Immigrant community groups organise networking opportunities, social events, and other cultural activities that celebrate a common heritage and encourage inclusion. They educate both native UK citizens and immigrants on various cultures, fostering harmony while reducing stereotypes.
Immigration and legal assistance
Most immigrant community organisations help people apply for citizenship, visas, and asylum aid. As a newcomer, you can seek their help understanding residency regulations, employment rights, and other laws in the UK.
They also advocate for fair treatment and policies that protect immigrant rights. Through these groups, immigrants can access legal assistance in cases of exploitation or discrimination.
Business and employment
If you have just migrated to the UK, you might be looking to secure work in the country. The local migrant community can be a valuable source of assistance with CV writing, job search, or interview preparation.
Some organisations are more business-focused. They empower foreign entrepreneurs with useful resources and peer-to-peer networking.
Housing and welfare
Relocating to the UK could come with several unexpected costs. After moving, you might need affordable housing or financial support services to get going. Immigrant groups offer easy access to these resources. In fact, some of these organisations operate emergency support services and food banks.
Language and education
Not everyone moving into the UK understands English fluently. Most immigrant groups offer low-cost or free language classes for improved communication in work settings. However, both children and adult immigrants can benefit from these educational opportunities.
If you are looking to improve your proficiency, see more of our tips for learning English fast.
Healthcare access
UK immigrant groups share useful information on the National Health Service (NHS) and the care options available to you. They can even give you helpful recommendations for the best general practitioners (GPs), family doctors, or healthcare specialists in your locality. Plus, trusted group members can come in handy if you need translation services during medical appointments.
Mental health support
Adapting to a new country’s culture can be stressful, which is why these groups provide counselling and emotional assistance. They offer a safe space to air your challenges as an immigrant, especially those connected to homesickness, racism, or cultural change.
Major Immigrant Communities in the UK
In the UK, there are various immigrant communities with a significant impact on the country’s economic, cultural, and social landscapes.
Here’s an overview of the most popular immigrant groups, their distribution across major UK cities, and their established cultural and support networks.
South Asian communities
India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan form one of the UK’s largest immigrant groups. These countries have a rich history with Britain and are part of the Commonwealth. The biggest South Asian communities are commonly found in Manchester, Leicester, and Birmingham. In such cities, you’ll find robust, immigrant-led cultural centres, business networks, and religious organisations.
Eastern European communities
After the European Union (EU) expansion in the 2000s, there’s been a rise in Romanian, Polish, and Lithuanian communities in the UK. While Brexit caused some EU citizens to go back home, most decided to settle and start community shops, centres, and other cultural institutions, mainly around areas like Boston, Peterborough, and London.
African and Caribbean communities
People from Ghana, Nigeria, and Jamaica have a strong UK presence, particularly in London and other bigger cities. The types of community groups typically revolve around cultural associations and faith organisations.
You’ll find most of these active communities in Peckham, Brixton, and Handsworth district in Birmingham.
Chinese community
The Chinese community has been in the UK for a long time: Chinatowns are a popular part of many major cities. Chinese community associations usually offer cultural events, language schools, and business networks. Vibrant community centres are active across Liverpool and London’s Soho area.
Middle Eastern communities
Recently, the UK has seen a rise in immigration from countries like Iran, Iraq, and Syria. As a result, Middle Eastern community groups usually create support networks through existing religious and cultural centres. People from these regions have an established presence in Manchester and West London.
Cultural and Support Networks
Most immigrant groups in the UK have built networks to offer aid to their communities through cultural centres, religious institutions, and professional organisations.
Religious institutions
- Churches: Caribbean and Nigerian communities usually have deep church networks.
- Mosques: Bangladeshi, Arab, Somali, and Pakistani communities offer support networks through mosques.
- Temples: Most Indian communities have temples around the country, such as Neasden Temple in London.
- Gurdwaras: These are Sikh places of worship, and can be found particularly in Birmingham and Southall.
Business networks
Several immigrant business networks exist in the UK. Some popular ones including the following:
- Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC): Helps address the business needs of people from South Asia. Specifically, it supports most Asian businesses operating in the West Midlands.
- UK Chinese Business Association (UKCBA): It helps to facilitate trade between China and the UK, while also representing China-based businesses in London.
- East African Asians in the United Kingdom: This network comprises people from the Punjabi and Gujarati communities who moved from India to East Africa, and then to the United Kingdom.
- UK India Business Council (UKIBC): Supports trade and business relationships between India and the UK.
- UK-ASEAN Business Council: A national organisation that facilitates trade between the UK and ASEAN businesses.
- Pakistan Britain Business Council (PBBC): Fosters business networks and trade between the UK and Pakistan.
- British African Business Alliance (BABA): This network offers strong support for businesses founded by Caribbean and African immigrant entrepreneurs.
- Turkish-British Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TBCCI): Helps Turkish entrepreneurs navigate UK business laws and run businesses in the country.
- Federation of Small Businesses (FSB): This group helps small business owners understand UK business regulations. It has specific networks that support ethnic minority businesses.
Community organisations and advocacy groups
These organisations lobby for the rights of immigrants across the UK. They include:
- Migrants’ Rights Network: A London-based NGO that collaborates with other UK organisations to strengthen migrants’ voices in debates and discussions.
- Polish Social and Cultural Association (POSK): The community hub provides cultural activities, educational resources, business networking, social support, and community services to the UK’s Polish community.
- Black Cultural Archives: Based in London, this group helps to preserve the Black community’s culture in the UK.
Educational and language support
These institutions provide educational help to asylum seekers and other immigrants:
- Universities and Community Centres: These often provide language and mentorship classes to immigrants.
- English for Speakers of Other Languages: If you speak another language, ESOL courses can help you learn how to read, listen, and communicate in English. As an immigrant, you can use the opportunity to get a job, help your children at school, further your education, and more.
Government and Local Council Resources
Various government organisations provide advice and support services to immigrants. Reaching out to official sources is also the best way to access the UK’s asylum system. Examples of such organisations are:
- Migrant Help: Provides free advice and support services for immigrants, refugees, and victims of slavery.
- Advice NI: Free, confidential advice for immigrants dealing with issues like benefits, debts, UK taxes, and even the EU Settlement Scheme.
- Citizens Advice: A network of charities throughout the UK offering advice on various migrant issues, including citizenship, housing, and consumer protection.
- Settled: Free advice for EU citizens living in the UK, with services offered in multiple languages.
Check out this official website for a list of government organisations and their helplines.
Legal help organisations
Are you looking for legal advice on immigration issues? Here are a few UK-based organisations providing valuable support for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers:
- The Aire Centre: Receive information or advice on international human rights law.
Bail for Immigration Detainees (BID): A free bail service for immigrants detained in the UK. - Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI): A voluntary national organisation securing justice and combatting racisim in the UK’s immigration and asylum systems.
Steps to Connect with Community Groups
Immigrant community groups across the UK are a rich source of social connections and other useful resources. Are you looking for the right community for your needs? Here’s how to connect with one:
1. Identify your needs
Your needs and interests will determine the type of group for you. Are you seeking legal help, cultural connections, language support, or job opportunities?
Clarify your needs, goals, and desires first, and then find a community group offering what you’re looking for.
2. Search online for specific community groups
Use online platforms to discover a suitable community in your area:
- Google search: You can search “[your nationality] community group in [city]” to find the nearest groups.
- Facebook groups and WhatsApp communities: Most community groups connect with members through WhatsApp communities and Facebook groups.
- Eventbrite: You’ll find lists of community meetups and other cultural events.
- Meetup.com: It provides virtual and in-person events for various communities.
- Local council websites: Most local councils offer directories for support organisations where immigrants can find help.
3. Visit cultural or religious centres
You can start with sites like the following:
- Places of worship: Churches, mosques, Gurdwaras, and temples usually serve as the best community centres. These places often offer educational programs, free meals, and community events.
- Cultural centres: Connect and network with peers at cultural centres, such as the Black Cultural Archives or the Polish Social and Cultural Association (POSK).
4. Seek out local charities and non-government organisations
Organisations like Migrant Help, Citizens Advice, Refugee Council, and British Red Cross help immigrant groups with support and useful connections. Most charities also provide housing assistance, legal aid, and job support.
These groups usually run community initiatives and programs, so reach out to see how you can help.
5. Tour a community centre or local library
Most community centres and libraries regularly host social events, English classes, and other informational sessions for migrants.
You can also ask the library staff to recommend local community groups.
6. Join professional or business networks
As an entrepreneur or professional migrant, look into options such as:
- LinkedIn groups: So you can network with other professionals with a common background
- Federation of Small Businesses (FSB): They support small business owners in the UK.
- Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC): They connect business professionals with a South Asian background.
7. Attend community events
You can find plenty of community events that resonate with your culture back home. Look out for language meetups, cultural festivals, or networking opportunities where you can get involved. For example, most big UK cities host Diwali celebrations, the Caribbean Notting Hill Carnival, and the Chinese New Year celebrations.
As you attend these events, you’re likely to meet other people and learn more about specific community activities.
8. Volunteer at a support organisation
A community group like Migrant Help or the Refugee Council can provide advice and support to asylum seekers. You can meet like-minded persons in these places and work as a way to give back to the community.
Besides, most of these groups often need people to volunteer and work as mentors, translators, or event planners.
Discover Community Support
Finding an immigrant community group can help ease your integration into the UK. These organisations offer educational, legal, cultural, social, health, and business support for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Connect with a suitable group today and start building a full, vibrant life in the UK.
FAQs
Which UK city has the most immigrants?
London is the UK city with the highest number of immigrants. It is also the country’s capital, which is why it has become a popular destination for migrants from around the world. Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds are other UK cities with significant immigrant populations.
How do immigrant communities contribute to British culture?
Immigrant communities contribute to British culture by introducing new music, foods, fashion, languages, and innovations. Multiculturalism is seen as one of the UK’s main strengths of the country, and it is celebrated in most urban centres.
What are the top charities aiding immigrants in the UK?
Some leading charities that aid immigrants in the UK include The Refugee Council, Migrant’s Rights Network, Settled, and more. Check your local area for organisations near you.