Young people say a Children in Need-supported initiative has helped them gain confidence and connect with peers after moving to the UK.
Mary, 14, who relocated from Nigeria to England in 2023, said she joined the Young Voices Inspire group in Plymouth after finding the move “quite hard” due to her shy nature.
The group is run by Plymouth Jollof Kitchen Community Interest Company (CIC), which provides support and activities for young people, and has received £45,000 in funding from Children In Need.
Mary described the group as “quite an opportunity” and added, “this group has helped me so much to build my confidence and talk to people more.”
Mohammed Chaanda, coordinator of Young Voices Inspire at Plymouth Jollof Kitchen CIC, said he started the group because “Plymouth is not very diverse, minorities are very few,” and young people often face challenges in integrating.
Josh, 12, who moved from India, said: “It was really hard for me to leave India because I had loads of friends there. This group helped me, it’s just fun being with people who have been through the same thing I have been through.”
Fatima, 17, who moved from Nigeria in 2012, said: “I’d like to thank the people who have donated to Children in Need because I was pretty much isolated, but this group gave me a chance to meet new people and have fun at the same time.”
All the participants moved to the UK with their families for various reasons.
The group aims to inspire hope, improve social skills and confidence, and reduce feelings of isolation. The grant runs until May 2028 and supports staff, volunteers, activities, equipment, and other resources.
Most participants, aged nine to 18, are in education. Mr Chaanda said: “This funding has made it possible for us to help integrate students who have recently arrived in Plymouth.”
He added: “Without this support, connecting with these young people, providing transport, and sponsoring their lunches wouldn’t have been possible.”
