Our Impact
Every year, IRMO supports over 4,000 migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, offering a wide range of services that empower individuals and families as they build new lives across the UK. From front-line community interpreting and high-quality advice on immigration, welfare and housing, to youth programmes and training opportunities that foster social and professional development, we’re proud to provide crucial support at every stage.
For more information, download our annual impact reports.
Our reach in the past year...
Numbers don’t tell the whole story
Numbers don’t tell the whole story of the wrap-around support that we provide, so we’d like to share the journeys of some of those that we have supported to give further context on what we do. All names and identifying details have been changed.
Meet Alex
A 15-year-old from Central America, Alex fled to the UK with his parents and siblings seeking asylum in the UK. The family was placed in Home Office emergency accommodation, where they had little control over their circumstances. They received three pre-prepared meals daily and just £8 a week to cover other expenses. With restricted access to laundry facilities and no immediate prospects for permanent housing, they awaited relocation outside of London, where they would begin receiving £39.63 per week.
Referred to IRMO by the local Early Help Team, Alex’s family faced multiple challenges. Alex and his 17-year-old sister had been out of education for three months, and the family lacked crucial information about the UK asylum process. They had not yet secured legal representation for their claim.
During our first meeting, we explained the UK education system to the family and outlined how we could help enrol Alex and his sister into college. We also assisted them in accessing free childcare for their youngest daughter. Working with Right to Remain, we translated their Toolkit into Spanish, providing the parents with vital information about the UK asylum process and guidance on securing legal aid representation.
As a result of IRMO’s intervention, Alex was able to start college. However, with just £8 a week to live on, the family struggled to cover basic needs like school uniforms and transport. Alex had been walking two hours each day to attend classes. We supported him in applying for a school clothing grant and a ZIP Oyster Photocard, enabling him to travel to college for free.
Through a partner organisation, we also secured mobile phones for the family, ensuring they could stay connected. In addition, we helped Alex’s sister enrol in a post-16 programme and apply for bursaries.
After the family’s relocation, both Alex and his sister joined IRMO’s online English classes, and we referred them to local services for continued support. The family has now secured legal representation for their asylum claim, bringing them hope as they continue their journey in the UK.
Meet Ivan
Ivan, a 50-year-old from Colombia, moved to the UK after a period in Spain, seeking better opportunities for himself and his family. Initially working in the cleaning sector, Ivan soon realised he wanted to transition into construction as it offered better pay and more diverse career progression opportunities in the trades.
Ivan joined our CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test preparation course, and attended all of the required English for Construction lessons. He demonstrated a strong commitment to self-development and soon after secured the qualification that enabled him to work in the construction sector, and from here Ivan began his journey of more tailored support through IRMO.
During mentoring sessions, Ivan and his mentor explored opportunities within the construction and facilities management sectors, visiting job sites and reviewing job profiles and application forms that matched his skills, interests and availability. Our mentoring programme focuses on empowering participants, allowing individuals like Ivan to take ownership of their development. With the mentor available for guidance as needed, Ivan took charge of the process, completing job applications and actively searching for roles.
For the first time, Ivan stepped outside his personal network and applied for a job independently. His initiative paid off, securing a full-time position as a handyman with a reputable facilities management company. He continues to enhance his English skills through courses and tutorials outside of work, attributing his success to consistency and problem-solving.
Ivan now hopes to inspire others in his community, encouraging them to equip themselves with the skills needed to thrive in the construction industry.
“One of the biggest challenges for me was not knowing English, which made me feel lost and hopeless. Like many Latin Americans in this city, I found work as a cleaner, but I didn’t have the chance to speak with English speakers and improve my language skills. Not feeling part of the society I live in made me feel powerless. Attending English classes and joining the employment support project at IRMO helped me start working toward my goals. My biggest achievement was getting a job in construction that paid the London Living Wage, which allowed me to save money to send my daughter to college.”
