In 2018, we awarded £35,000 towards the refurbishment of a property for housing four vulnerable young people plus a support worker.

Organisation

Baca supports young forced migrants aged 16 and over who arrive as unaccompanied asylum seekers – including those that have been trafficked – to rebuild their lives, integrate into a community and use their experience positively.

Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) are at risk from a variety of factors, all of which can contribute to poor outcomes in areas such as economic independence, physical and emotional wellbeing, personal safety, engagement with education, employment and training, and social engagement. Poor outcomes in these areas reduce the chances of these young people becoming happy, fulfilled, and productive members of society.

Working with social workers from a number of local authorities across the Midlands, Baca services include education and development training such as English as a Second Language (ESOL), and a range of workshops in areas such as rights and entitlements, IT, finance, sports and therapeutic arts. It also provides specialist supported accommodation that takes into account the unique vulnerabilities around trafficking, asylum seeking and exploitation.

refurbishment project

Baca previously rented two properties providing accommodation for  unaccompanied asylum seekers. Renting properties limited their ability for long-term planing, and making alterations to the properties. In 2018, they were able to move out of one of their rental properties and purchase their own. Baca applied for a grant to help with renovation costs. The renovation costs totalled £45,000 and a grant of £35,000 was awarded.