During this reporting year, our organisation continued its mission to support Romanians and Eastern Europeans living in Luton and surrounding areas, helping individuals and families move from “survival stages”, focused on meeting urgent needs, towards stability, empowerment, and long-term development. Our activities aim to promote inclusion, reduce inequalities, and strengthen the capacity of community members to participate fully in social, educational, and economic life in the UK Social Support Services (Welfare) We continued to provide advice, guidance, and advocacy to individuals and families on issues such as benefits, housing, employment, and access to education and health services. Many of our beneficiaries’ face language barriers, lack of awareness of rights, and social isolation. Our team offered tailored support to help them navigate systems confidently and build the stability needed to progress toward personal goals. Family Help Partnership Project (FHPP) In partnership with Luton Council, this project delivers early and culturally sensitive interventions for Eastern European families. The aim is to prevent escalation into statutory services by addressing underlying challenges in family relationships, education, safety, and community integration. The project emphasises preventing abuse and exploitation, improving parental confidence, and building positive connections between families and local support structures. “Find the Ideal Job in the UK” (JIUK) Programme This year we advanced the research and development of the JIUK programme, including a public forum launch and a call for participation in a community-led research phase. The programme is designed to help participants discover their most suitable career paths and develop the empowerment, courage, and practical skills needed to achieve meaningful employment. The findings will contribute to an online learning platform that supports self-discovery, career readiness, and integration into the UK labour market. PPP – Professionals Partnership Perspective on Domestic Abuse In collaboration with Luton Council Social Services and a specialist organisation working with domestic abuse survivors, we developed a training and awareness initiative aimed at improving professional understanding of domestic abuse within Eastern European communities. The project builds cross-sector collaboration, enabling professionals to respond more effectively to complex cultural dynamics, improve safeguarding outcomes, and strengthen pathways to protection and recovery. Afterschool, Weekend, and Holiday Clubs Our Afterschool and Holiday Clubs provided creative, educational, and recreational activities that help children learn through play and develop curiosity, teamwork, and confidence. Activities included storytelling, maths games, art, science experiments, and nature exploration. These clubs are designed not only to support working parents but also to foster early learning and social inclusion among children from diverse backgrounds. Cultural and Community Projects (with UKCCA) Through art, crafts, music, and dance workshops, this project celebrated cultural identity and expression among Romanian and Eastern European communities. Participants co-created performances and exhibitions showcased during events such as Luton Carnival, Mother’s Day, Easter, 1st June – Children’s Day, Halloween, and 1st December – Romanian National Day. The project enhanced pride in heritage, encouraged intergenerational connection, and built bridges with the wider Luton community. Research Collaboration – University of Bedfordshire (CTOP Project) Together with the University of Bedfordshire, we conducted a research study exploring the aspirations of Eastern European teenagers regarding education and careers in Health and Social Care. The findings highlighted barriers and motivations influencing their choices and informed an outreach event that included inspirational stories, open discussions, and presentations of career opportunities. This collaboration supports the longer-term goal of increasing diversity and inclusion in local care professions. Fairness Taskforce (Luton Council) – As a Fairness Enabler, our organisation contributes community insight and lived experience to ensure the Fairness Taskforce’s work reflects the realities of Luton’s diverse population. Working alongside the Council’s Social Justice Unit, Public Health, the Young Foundation, BLCF, and the University of Bedfordshire, we help design and test frameworks for fairer decision-making, community engagement, and equitable resource allocation. Families First for Children Pathfinder Programme – Our organisation is part of Luton’s Child Protection Workstream within the Families First Pathfinder Programme, one of seven national pilots testing the Stable Homes Built on Love reforms in children’s social care. Our role supports multi-agency collaboration, ensuring that early help and family support models are responsive to the needs of diverse and migrant communities. Racial Equity Programme (Lloyds Bank Foundation) – This flexible funding allows us to develop holistic and inclusive responses to racial inequalities affecting our community. Activities focus on improving mental health, wellbeing, and social participation, ensuring that Eastern European voices are recognised in local strategies for inclusion and equality. Community Information and Engagement – Throughout the year, we maintained an active presence in the community by sharing local opportunities, news, and events; promoting success stories; inviting participation in consultations and research; and celebrating key cultural and social awareness days.

Our organisation values participation, transparency, and co-creation, ensuring that beneficiaries, volunteers, and partners all have a voice in shaping our services and priorities. Community feedback is regularly gathered through Open Talk circles, community meetings, surveys, and informal conversations. These opportunities give community members a platform to share challenges, ideas, and priorities that directly influence service design. Beneficiaries actively co-create solutions. For example, parents helped design after-school and holiday club activities, while participants in the JIUK research shaped the direction of our employment empowerment programme. Staff and volunteers are engaged in reflective practice sessions and project evaluations, ensuring continuous learning and service improvement. Partner organisations such as Luton Council, UKCCA, BLCF, and the University of Bedfordshire are consulted throughout project development to align activities with wider local strategies and community outcomes. Through participation in multi-agency networks such as the Fairness Taskforce, FHPP, and Families First Pathfinder, we bring community insight into policy-making, ensuring decisions about local services reflect lived experiences and cultural perspectives. Funding bodies and community representatives are regularly updated on progress and outcomes through reports and joint meetings, reinforcing accountability and transparency. This participatory model ensures that our CIC remains responsive to community needs, sustains trust-based relationships, and continuously adapts to new challenges and opportunities.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration