Stronger Together
Supporting Integration • Empowering Lives
Stronger Together is the community-led approach at the heart of Integrate Cumbria.
We believe refugees and migrants can thrive when they have opportunities to connect, participate, contribute and build a sense of belonging in the communities where they live.
Integration is not something people should have to navigate alone. Stronger Together brings people, communities and organisations together to create pathways towards connection, confidence, participation and independence.
What is Stronger Together?
Moving to a new country and becoming part of a new community can bring opportunities, but it can also bring challenges.
People may need time to understand local services, build new relationships, improve their English, find education or employment opportunities, access support, or simply find a place where they feel welcomed and understood.
Stronger Together provides a supportive pathway for refugees and migrants as they build their lives in Cumbria.
Our approach is based on compassion, respect, lived experience and partnership. We listen to what people need and work with them to identify opportunities, information and support that can help them move forward.
“Nothing for us without us.”
We believe refugees and migrants should be involved in shaping the support and activities that affect their lives.
Our projects are designed with communities, rather than simply for communities. We value people's knowledge, skills, cultures, experiences and aspirations.
Our Approach
Connect
We create opportunities for people to meet others, build friendships and develop social connections. Through community groups, events, creative activities and intercultural exchanges, we help reduce isolation and create a stronger sense of belonging.
Peer Support
We create spaces where people can support and encourage one another through shared experiences. Peer support can help people:
- Share experiences, ideas and practical information
- Give and receive encouragement
- Build confidence and friendships
- Reduce loneliness and isolation
- Learn from one another
- Develop stronger community networks
Information, Signposting & Referrals
Finding the right information or service can be difficult, particularly when someone is new to Cumbria. We provide accessible information and help people understand what support may be available locally. Where appropriate, we signpost or refer people to relevant organisations and specialist services.
Build Skills & Confidence
We support refugees and migrants to develop skills, confidence and knowledge that can help them participate more fully in community life.
Create & Participate
Creative and cultural activities provide opportunities to express ourselves, share cultures and build relationships. We support community activities that encourage participation, creativity and intercultural exchange, helping people develop connections beyond their immediate networks.
Find Pathways Forward
Everyone's journey is different. Our aim is to help people identify their own goals and find pathways towards greater social connection, participation, education, employment, wellbeing and independence.
Who We Support
Stronger Together supports refugees, migrants and asylum seekers living in Cumbria. We recognise that people arrive with different experiences, cultures, skills, qualifications, languages and aspirations. We therefore take a needs-based and person-centred approach, recognising both the challenges people may face and the strengths they bring to their communities.
Working Together
Strong communities are built through collaboration. We work with community organisations, charities, local authorities, health services, education providers, schools, businesses and other partners to develop better pathways for refugees and migrants. Our partnerships help us to:
- Share knowledge and resources
- Improve access to services
- Develop community-led activities
- Create opportunities for education and employment
- Promote inclusion and diversity
- Strengthen referral pathways
- Learn from best practice
- Build more connected communities
- We want to contribute to a Cumbria where refugees and migrants are not only welcomed, but have genuine opportunities to participate, contribute and belong.
Our vision is to help create communities where people can access support when they need it, develop their strengths and skills, build meaningful relationships and contribute to the places they call home.
Supporting Integration. Empowering Lives.
Get Involved
There are many ways to be part of Stronger Together..
Our Vision
We want to contribute to a Cumbria where refugees and migrants are not only welcomed, but have genuine opportunities to participate, contribute and belong.
Our vision is to help create communities where people can access support when they need it, develop their strengths and skills, build meaningful relationships and contribute to the places they call home.
Supporting Integration. Empowering Lives. Get Involved
There are many ways to be part of Stronger Together.
Join us
Take part in our community activities, groups and events.
Share your experience
Help shape future projects and services through your ideas, feedback and lived experience.
Volunteer
Use your skills and interests to support community activities and help create opportunities for others.
Partner with us
Work with Integrate Cumbria to develop opportunities, strengthen referral pathways and improve access to support.
