As a Legal Intern at ACAA’s head office in London, I’ve always been inspired by the organisation’s dedication to supporting those seeking refuge and safety. But it wasn’t until I connected virtually with our new Birmingham office that I truly grasped the impact of their work on a local level. I was eager to learn more about the unique work being done in their Birmingham office, which opened in December 2022. My journey to ACAA Birmingham didn’t involve a tram ride through the city centre or a stroll down cobblestone streets. Instead, it began with the click of a mouse and the familiar chime of a video call connecting.
While I couldn’t physically explore the Jewellery Quarter, my virtual journey was no less captivating. Through the screen, I was transported to a vibrant hub of support for asylum seekers, refugees, and vulnerable individuals. I had heard about their incredible work—free ESOL and IT classes, empowering social programs, and a lifeline of legal advice through their Citizen Advice Clinic. One story, in particular, captured my attention: the story of Amina, a regular service user in the office.
When Amina first arrived in Birmingham, she couldn’t speak a word of English. Imagine the isolation, the fear, the frustration of navigating a new life in a country where you can’t even ask for directions or understand basic conversations. But ACAA became her lifeline. Through their ESOL classes, Amina began to find her voice. She gained the confidence to communicate, to connect, and to start building a new life for herself. Hearing about her journey made me eager to delve deeper and understand the full impact of ACAA’s work.
I spoke with Baktash Shams, the Birmingham Office Coordinator, whose warm smile and enthusiastic voice instantly bridged the distance. He painted a vivid picture of ACAA Birmingham’s role, describing it as a vital link connecting ACAA’s goals with the needs of Birmingham’s diverse communities. He explained how the city’s size, its diverse population (including a significant number of asylum seekers and refugees), and its central location made it a strategic choice for ACAA to extend its reach. He also highlighted the unique challenges and opportunities that come with working in Birmingham, such as the high demand for services and the strong support network within the community.
He then introduced me to the diverse and talented team of volunteers, each member a champion for their cause. The ESOL coordinator’s passion for empowering people through language was contagious. The IT coordinator’s dedication to bridging the digital divide was inspiring. And the women’s empowerment project coordinator exuded warmth and strength as she spoke about creating a safe space for women to thrive and address issues like employment and education. He also mentioned the volunteer coordinator, who plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth running of ACAA’s initiatives.
Baktash detailed the breadth of ACAA’s initiatives, all designed to align with the needs of the local community. Beyond the ESOL and IT classes, I learnt about their social programmes, the Advice Clinic, and the community-building free events they host. He shared how these programs have evolved, adapting to the changing needs of the people they serve. For example, the ESOL classes have been tailored to meet the specific language needs of refugees and asylum seekers, and the IT classes now incorporate digital literacy training to help participants navigate the online world. He spoke about the Refugees Welcome Concert, which happened in October 2023 and celebrated the diverse backgrounds of service users and the local community, fostering a sense of belonging. As he recounted Amina’s story, her words – “ACAA is my second home” – echoed in my mind, a testament to the sense of belonging ACAA fosters.
He was also candid about the challenges – the constant need for funding, the complexities of navigating legal and regulatory obstacles, and the emotional toll of working with vulnerable individuals. He shared how limited resources sometimes make it difficult to meet the high demand for services, and how the team has developed a more holistic approach to address the complex needs of their service users. Yet, their commitment to finding solutions and making a difference shone through.
Baktash highlighted the importance of collaboration, sharing how ACAA Birmingham partners with local organisations like councils, JobCentres, government agencies, and community groups to maximise their impact. He spoke passionately about their community engagement efforts, going beyond service provision to foster connections and promote social inclusion.
Baktash emphasised the importance of impact assessment, sharing compelling data that illustrated the office’s significant achievements. He spoke about the tools and methods they use to measure their success, including outcome tracing, case studies, and partnership evaluation. He also highlighted the importance of testimonials from service users in shaping the development of future services and initiatives.
Even though my visit was virtual, the impact of ACAA Birmingham’s work felt real and tangible. They are a beacon of hope, a catalyst for change, and a testament to the power of human connection.
As I disconnected from the call, I carried with me a renewed sense of pride in the organisation I was a part of. ACAA Birmingham’s journey is just beginning, and I have no doubt they will continue to shine brightly. If you’re feeling inspired, I urge you to contact the office by emailing Baktash at Birmingham@afghanistan-central-asian.org.uk, in which you can learn more about their programs, and consider how you can contribute. Together, we can help ACAA Birmingham weave a tapestry of hope, resilience, and belonging, one story at a time.
By Aneesh Krishna