Connecting Hong Kongers in Colchester: Part of the Community in the UK

We are honoured to help new arrivals from Hong Kong integrate into the local community. Over 130,000 Hongkongers have fled to the UK in response to the increasingly authoritarian political climate in their homeland and the UK’s special visa scheme, which allows BNO holders to apply for UK residency.

Hello Hongkongers!

Welcome to the Hong Kong Welcome Hub in Essex! Our mission is to provide support to the Hong Kong community in their journey to settle into their new home. We understand that finding work and adjusting to a new country can be challenging, but we’re here to help.

At our hub, we offer a variety of services to help you reach your goals. Our training programs are designed to help you prepare for the job market and to acquire the skills you need to succeed. From learning the local language to improving your interview techniques, we have you covered.

For those looking to improve their English skills, we offer English lessons taught by experienced and qualified teachers. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your fluency, our classes will help you feel confident and ready for any situation.

If you’re looking for a job, our career consultation services are here to help. We offer one-on-one sessions with experts who can help you with your CV, interview preparation, and cover letters. They will guide you through the job search process and provide personalized support to help you succeed.

So what are you waiting for? Visit the Hong Kong Welcome Hub in Essex today and start your journey to success. Our friendly and supportive staff are always here to help, so come and join us on this exciting journey.

– Kiti, Hong Kong Welcome Hub in Essex

Background

Why Hongkongers left Hong Kong:

Many Hongkongers left their homeland due to concerns about their children’s future and the effects of the security law passed in 2020. Some feared that their children could fall victim to the law, which led to their decision to leave.

Making a new life in the UK:

Many of the Hongkongers who arrived in the UK have no intention of going back and want their children to grow up British. Popular destinations include London, northwest England, and the West Midlands.

The cafe provides a community base for Hong Kongers, where they can hone their English skills, clock up experience for their CVs, and feel safe. The cafe is staffed by volunteers who are also making a new life in the UK.

Building a new community:

In Colchester, volunteers like Iris Yip have started their own businesses, such as online bakeries, to make a life for themselves in their new homes. The decision to settle in Colchester was often made because of the good schools and supportive community.

The Hongkongers who have fled to the UK are here to stay, and they are building a new community in their new home. The GO4 cafe project in Colchester is just one example of how they are making a life for themselves in the UK and contributing to their new community.

Join the Befriender Programme and Make a Difference!

Are you looking to give back to your community and make a real impact in the lives of others? Then become a befriender with the Hong Kong Welcome Hub in Essex! Our befriender programme is designed to help Hong Kongers integrate into the local community by pairing them with a friendly, supportive local resident like you!

As a befriender, you’ll have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and make a real difference in someone’s life. Whether it’s helping with language skills, navigating local customs and practices, or simply providing a listening ear, you’ll play an important role in helping our new arrivals feel welcomed and included in their new home.

So, why wait? Sign up to become a befriender today and help build a stronger, more inclusive community in Colchester. Fill out our application form now to get started!

The following information is required to be included in the application form for the Befriender Program at the Hong Kong Welcome Hub in Essex:

  1. Contact Information: Participants are required to provide their full name, phone number, email address, and mailing address.
  2. Background Information: Participants must provide details about their background, including any relevant experience, education, and skills.
  3. Relevant Experience: Participants should describe any experience they have in working with people from diverse backgrounds, including any experience in volunteering or mentoring.
  4. Reference Information: Participants must provide the names and contact information of two references who can speak to their character and suitability for the Befriender Program.
  5. Agreement to Terms: Participants must agree to the terms and conditions of the program, including the requirement to undergo a background check and an interview.

By submitting this application form, participants are acknowledging that the information provided is true and accurate to the best of their knowledge. The Hong Kong Welcome Hub in Essex reserves the right to verify the information provided and to take any necessary action if false or misleading information is discovered.