About us

Our story

Upbeat Communities has been supporting those seeking sanctuary since 2005.

The organisation was founded in response to the needs of refugees arriving in the UK and the stories they shared of their lives and their journeys. Through building relationships with those from refugee communities we were able to identify their needs and the best ways to respond.

We believe that making those who are fleeing war, persecution, and conflict feel welcome will give the best possible chance of integration, support and opportunities to rebuild their lives. One of the best resources a refugee can have to help them settle in their new home is a good social network. Friendships and connection can help overcome the many challenges faced by those seeking refuge.

With this aim, we want to help connect refugees into community. We want to see strangers become neighbours, so that refugees can thrive as they rebuild their lives.

Our name reflects our vision to see thriving, positive communities where every refugee can contribute and make the most of opportunities. We strive to hear the voice of the people we work with, to better understand the challenges they are facing, and to learn from them how best to address these issues.

We began by giving practical help and support to refugees and asylum seekers, which rapidly grew into projects that built cohesion among the whole community. One of the first major projects was to set up a community café in a multicultural part of the city, providing employment and volunteer opportunities for refugees, with a space for community activities, arts, and family events. From this initial work we developed a range of services, delivered with a number of different partners including Derby City Council, Derby Refugee Advice Centre, The British Red Cross, The Multi-Faith Centre, and Refugee Action. For more information about our current activities see Our Work.

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We are a registered charity 1162856 and a social enterprise company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales No. 05648977.

Why we welcome refugees

Upbeat Communities’ Christian ethos is the driving force behind why we started and the basis for the values that we hold as a charity. We want to work together to demonstrate God’s love to refugees who have been displaced by war, conflict or persecution. We are inspired by the message, life and example of Jesus Christ, through whom God’s unconditional love for all people is expressed.

We seek to embody this love by showing compassion to refugees who have been displaced by war, conflict or persecution.

Upbeat Communities works with and supports people whatever their faith, religion or beliefs. Many of our team are Christians, but we are eager to continue building a team that is representative of the diverse nationalities, faith, and life experiences of the communities we work with. We want to partner together with others on this mission, and are grateful for the partnerships we have with voluntary groups, faith groups, statutory agencies and local government.

We are signatories to the Faithworks Charter of best practice for groups committed to excellence in community work and service provision in the UK.

We hold to the following organisational values: