Building a new life in Essex

18th January 2023

Micro Rainbow CIC is receiving vital funding for their work in Thurrock supporting asylum seekers and refugees who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI).

The funding boost comes from the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation.

Moud Goba, National Manager of the group, said: “Homosexuality is criminalised in over 67 jurisdictions and every year, up to 2,000 LGBTQI people come to UK to seek safety. LGBTQI refugees may be rejected by their families or be escaping a threat to their life and when they arrive in a new country it can be a very isolating and lonely experience.

“We take a holistic approach to integration which is based on three pillars: finding them housing, helping them to feel socially included and supporting them to find employment.

“We are so grateful to receive this funding so we can continue and expand our work in Essex.”

As well as providing a safe living space for LGBTQI refugees when they arrive in the UK, the group offers advocacy and information, group support sessions, referrals to mental health services, help to access GPs and specialist immigration legal advice.

Andy Payne Worpole, Head of Programmes at ECF, said: “This group not only offers practical solutions to immediate issues, such as where people will sleep and help to find a job so they can support themselves, but they also know how daunting the relocation process can be and its knock-on impact on mental health, and they help people through this.

“We are pleased to support them with grants from our fundholders, including the Christopher Holmes Charitable Fund and the Leeze Charitable Fund.”

For information about donating to support local charities like Micro Rainbow CIC please call us on 01245 355947 or apply for a grant here.