Working with HKBNO
If you are a Voluntary, Community or Social Enterprise group working with Hong Kong BN(O) in the East Midlands, we would love to hear from you. The East Midlands Strategic Migration Partnership has been funded to provide a ‘Welcome Hub’ to help visa holders access public services or link up with community groups in their area. We are also reviewing needs of Hong Kong BN(O) and identifying gaps in provision to enable us to target our funding to where it needs to be.
Funding for groups supporting Hong Kong BN(O)
As part of the Hong Kong BN(O) Welcome Programme, national and local voluntary and community groups were invited to bid for funding from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. This is to enable BN(O) status holders to access services, for example, finding a job and registering with a GP or putting in place befriending and support groups. The successful bidders for this funding will be announced in early February 2022 and we will share the details of these groups on our website.
Local funding
East Midlands Strategic Migration Partnership has already linked up with some local groups who are supporting Hong Kong BN(O) Visa holders and because we appreciate the important role that the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector plays in supporting new migrant communities, we would like to ensure that these organisations have access to funding to support the local welcome of the Hong Kong BN(O) visa holders. It is for this reason that the East Midlands Strategic Migration Partnership Welcome Hub has created the Hong Kong BN(O) Welcome Grant Scheme. Groups can apply for a grant of up to £5K and the closing date for applications is 28 February 2022. Application Forms and Guidance can be found here:
East Midlands SMP Welcome Grant Funding for Hong Kong BN(O) – Application Form (.docx, 75kb)
