About Us
Building a future where integration means belonging
Every day in Norwich, many refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants discover just how tough integration can be. Language barriers make daily life challenging, while social isolation often keeps people on the margins.
At New Routes Integration, this is the issue that drives us. Since 2003, we have witnessed the difference that holistic, community-rooted support can make. What started with just 30 asylum seekers has now grown to more than 1,500 registered participants, with over 200 people engaging in our programs each week. Our English classes at St Martin’s see over 90 learners together every session, learning skills that unlock opportunities for work and connection.
But our support is as diverse as our community. From women-only English classes, attended by women from more than 12 countries, to structured advice sessions, health and wellbeing groups, volunteering opportunities, and educational workshops, we focus on practical tools and social bonds that build lasting confidence.
Our Refugee Artists Network, established in 2025, elevates creative voices and breaks down cultural barriers, while our partnership with the Welcome Wheels project has empowered over 400 people with bikes, creating independence and access in a new city.
The impact is real: friendships forged across continents, women stepping into leadership roles, and individuals who once felt invisible now helping others in their turn.
We dream of a Norwich where every newcomer finds safety, dignity, and the chance to thrive. Our journey is fuelled by many — volunteers, donors, neighbours, and friends. If you have skills to share, resources to contribute, or time to give, your action will ensure every voice in Norwich can be heard, seen, and valued.
Building a future where integration means belonging.
Our Aim
- Feel safe and welcomed
- Build confidence, skills and independence
- Develop meaningful connections and a sense of belonging
- Access real pathways into education, employment and leadership
- Have their voices heard and valued in shaping services and systems
Our Strategic Priorities 2026–2028
New Routes Integration’s strategy for 2026–2028 is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: integration is not just about access to services, but about safety, dignity, belonging and opportunity.
Our Theory of Change
Our Theory of Change recognises that people cannot progress unless their basic needs, wellbeing and sense of safety are met first. Global Majority People must be able to access:
- Trusted, trauma-informed advice and support
- Welcoming social spaces and community connection
- Opportunities to learn, volunteer and build skills
- Pathways into work, leadership and influence
- Dignified access to essential resources, including food and clothing
They are then better able to rebuild their confidence, reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, and move towards independence, while communities become more connected, inclusive and resilient.
Our Strategic Plan
Our 2026–2028 strategy is organised around six interconnected priorities:
Resilience — Strengthening Lives and Systems
We deliver accessible, trauma-informed services that respond directly to need, supporting wellbeing, safety and progression while embedding strong safeguarding, including psychological safety and protection from discrimination.
Belonging — Building Inclusive Communities
We foster connection, trust and shared understanding through participant-led community activity, volunteering and creative engagement, challenging isolation, racism and harmful narratives.
Opportunity — Creating Pathways for Progress
We remove barriers to education, employment and leadership through ESOL, employability support, digital inclusion, mentoring and clear progression routes into further education and volunteering.
Partnership and System Collaboration
We work collaboratively with voluntary, statutory and community partners to strengthen referral pathways, share learning and ensure joined-up support across Norfolk.
Voice, Influence and Change
We amplify lived experience to challenge injustice, influence local practice and contribute to fairer systems, communicating our impact ethically and confidently.
Governance and Sustainability
We invest in strong governance, financial resilience, staff and volunteer wellbeing, and organisational learning, ensuring New Routes Integration remains safe, effective and sustainable.
How We Measure Success
- Participant feedback and co-evaluation
- Clear outcomes aligned to our strategy
- Engagement and progression data
- Safeguarding and wellbeing monitoring
- Partner and funder feedback
- Trustee oversight and reflective learning
Looking Ahead
Through this strategy, New Routes Integration is moving confidently into its next phase: deepening impact, strengthening systems, and ensuring that integration in Norwich means more than survival. It means belonging.