We Belong

We Belong is a migrant youth-led organisation, campaigning for the rights of young migrants, developing young leaders by providing advice, support and training. We engage 16–25-year-olds, who came to the UK as children, and who have precarious immigration status. We provide advice, support and training to empower young people and support them in resisting their exclusion from services. We work with young people to create a strong counter-narrative to the UK’s hostile environment by advocating for reform within the UK’s immigration system.

Based in London and Manchester, we serve young people nationwide by delivering our activities in person and online through digital activities. We provide 1-1 support for young migrants, to support them with their immigration status, education, employment and training opportunities. We hold monthly gatherings in London and Manchester for migrants and allies, and we have a core group of young change makers. We also offer trainings to schools, universities and youth services to inform them of their rights and to ensure that young migrants have the support they need.

We Belong was founded with the dual aim of changing policies that prevent young migrants from participating in society as well as enabling young migrants to build power. We focus not only on symptoms of the issue but also on the root causes. Lived experience is integrated intentionally throughout the organisation from members of staff, volunteers and also our inclusive governance structure.

We Belong has three main projects:

1. 1. Let Us Learn: equal access to higher education for young migrants.
   2. Chasing Status: Advocating for an end to the UK’s hostile environment and calling for a shorter more affordable route to settlement for long-term young migrants
   3. Leadership Academy: equipping and developing young changemakers to affect change in society.