Growth Company encourages referrals to support refugees across Yorkshire and the Humber

• The Growth Company (GC) is delivering the Home Office Refugee Employability Programme (REP) across Yorkshire and the Humber.
• The programme aims to help refugees into employment through individually tailored support.
• We welcome local organisations working with refugees to get in touch and find out more about making referrals to the programme.

The Growth Company is encouraging referrals to the Home Office Refugee Employability Programme across Yorkshire and the Humber.

Aimed at helping refugees into employment, the programme matches referred participants with a dedicated employment advisor, who provides a tailored learning plan and practical support such as community integration.

Commissioned by the Home Office and delivered by GC, the programme works closely with employers in different industries to make sure that refugees are factored into recruitment strategies across the region.

Following a successful launch in September, the programme has already assisted individuals from a total of 15 different nationalities with language and employability skills, work experience opportunities, and community integration, and has started to deliver English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes across Yorkshire.

Each participant referred to the programme receives tailored support from a REP employment advisor – ten of whom have lived experience as refugees, and 68 per cent of whom speak a variety of community languages.

Adeel's Story

One such advisor is Adeel, who came to the UK from Pakistan in 1997, and uses his own experience to encourage and support REP participants.

Adeel explained: “When I came to the UK at the age of 27, there was not much opportunity – I learned English by watching children’s movies with my kids, and initially struggled to find employment. That’s why it’s important for me to highlight the support REP can offer, as often we can save precious time for refugees and referral services, who may have lengthy processes in place when it comes to accessing support.

“We are a flexible and accommodating team, ready and waiting to welcome individuals with kindness and understanding and to help in any way we can.”

Referrals Welcome

REP has already received referrals from a variety of organisations - from housing associations to employment agencies - and the team is now reaching out to local organisations working with refugees to further expand the programme and boost referrals. The REP team want to hear from voluntary organisations and community groups to local authorities and ESOL providers across Yorkshire and the Humber.

Alex Howley, Operations Director for REP, said: “The Refugee Employability Programme is an opportunity for organisations across Yorkshire and the Humber to make a profound, positive difference to the lives of refugees. By receiving referrals, we can support individuals with all aspects of finding and sustaining employment, nurturing their skills and in turn helping businesses with finding the right employees.” 

“We’d encourage organisations, services, and authorities working with refugees across the region to get in touch and find out how REP can support you with referring individuals to the programme.”

Get in Touch

If you work with refugees across the Yorkshire and Humber region and would like to find out more about REP, please contact Alex Howley; alex.howley[at]gcemployment.uk. 

Referrals can also be made via the REP website.