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New Centre Championing Empowerment

Ghislaine Lipindo was forced to flee the Democratic Republic of Congo eight years ago due to civil war ravaging the region.

After being given temporary accommodation in Derby by the National Asylum Support Service while she waited to hear if she could stay in the UK, she recently contacted a new drop-in centre in the city for advice and support.

Granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK last month, Ghislaine`s story is just one example of how the New Hope Drop-in Centre at Rosehill Lodge, Normanton, is transforming lives for the better.

The scheme has already helped more than 20 Congolese residents since opening on a pilot basis in January. It was set up to help community members address social issues to improve the quality of their lives.

The drop-in centre is also acting as a sign-posting service, offering the chance for individuals to sign up for services helping to increase their employability, through training including languages, ICT, building CV`s and preparing job applications.

An information and celebration evening this coming Saturday night, 27 March at Osmaston Park Community Centre at 7pm, will mark the official opening of the New Hope Drop-In Centre.

Ghislaine, 47, who received help from the centre with her application for asylum, said: "Everything is going really well. I am so happy with the way the centre is helping the community. I hope it will stay open as it would be so positive for the future."

Ghislaine is now receiving guidance in key life skills at the centre and helping to supply appropriate references to secure work. She says the impact of the New Hope Project on her life cannot be understated.

The Congolese community supported by the University of Derby was awarded an ESF (European Social Fund) Community Grant worth £7,500 from the Derbyshire Learning and Development Consortium to open the centre. It followed a year of public consultation and research to identify the community`s needs.

The funds have paid for the lease of the office space, the celebration evening and two posts to carry out the centre`s vital work.

One of the project`s leaders and Chair of Voice of Congolese Women, Betty Phoba said: "This funding success is the culmination of a lot of hard work and dedication and we are very pleased to have this centre.

"We are making things happen, and every effort is being made to work with a diverse range of organisations to deliver this project."

Kelly Kitenge, Chairman of the Congolese Community Association, said: "Fleeing the Congo means we face many difficulties. Our challenge of living here is one of helping each other within our Congolese community so we can be even more empowered to contribute to the city.

"We are known for our artistic skills - we have more to do to improve our own circumstances and also how we integrate with the rest of society here in Derby and across the country."

University of Derby Community Relations Officer Peter Walker said: "Through this work and research the community commissioned the University to do, we recognise the challenges they face, and we are playing our part helping them overcome barriers and supporting the community to take action. There are now real opportunities to extend this work to communities across Normanton."

This project announcement builds on previous work involving the University and the Congolese community who were shortlisted for a 2009 Times Higher Education magazine award for Contribution to the Local Community.

Together they developed a range of community projects including a sewing project run by a group called the `Voice of Congolese Women`, developing confidence, reducing isolation, increasing residents` skills and championing traditional African textile techniques.

The New Hope Drop-In Centre is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9.30am - 3.30pm. For more details contact support worker Mimile Matuala on: 07947 376706 or 07939 920266.

For more information about this news release, contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038, or email s.redfern@derby.ac.uk, or Luke Foddy, Community Projects, on 01332 591945 email l.foddy@derby.ac.uk.