Mimoza Matoshi, Project Manager/Coordinator of Integration Support Services in Harlow, Essex, explains how she got the organisation started.
I am an Albanian who has been living in the UK since 2000. A mum of two young children, for the first three years while waiting for my refugee status I volunteered with local charities including the Citizens Advice Bureau where I received eight months training to be an adviser.
I made many attempts during my first years in Harlow to integrate with the community and most of the time I failed as I did not have the right guidance, support and information. The lack of these, and many other issues, encouraged me to set up a group with the purpose of supporting refugees, asylum seekers and migrants from all over the world to integrate in the community.
Mimoza Matoshi (right) with Bolanle Olubode at a promotional event
I have since managed to establish Integration Support Services as a well known organisation across Essex with 12 volunteers, four part-time staff and over 30 partners locally and nationally. Of course, I have had tremendous support from volunteers, family and many individuals directly and indirectly involved with the project.
At the moment I am Project Manager/Coordinator and have multi-roles to run the organisation in coordination with the trustees, volunteers and staff. I am trying to balance my work with family commitments which I find hard. But I love the job and that keeps me motivated.
When I started this project I was extremely motivated to improve my skills, think positively, and rebuild my confidence (which I had totally lost). Having a first degree in economics did not give me any credits to find a job as it is not recognised here but soon I changed my vision and had enough confidence to start and complete a masters degree on refugee and cultural studies
I try to pass a positive message to others and to encourage them to be active and be part of the community. I believe that is the only way to break barriers and build bridges among communities.
Questions and answers
What have been the most challenging aspects of getting the organisation where it is today?
Finding the necessary resources, including funding, good partners, committed volunteers and trustees to support the project.
What factors have been most important to the organisation’s growth and success?
The most important is partnership work with local and regional organisations. Also, a strong commitment and determination to face everyday challenges from everyone involved in the organisation, and having clear aims and objectives.
What are the biggest challenges your organisation is facing now?
Policy development, improving the quality of our work to nationally recognised standards such as PQASSO. We’re also exploring new ways of generating funds through social enterprises and looking at fundraising events and other venues.
What advice would you give someone whose refugee community organisation is just getting started?
As a first step I would advise people to undertake research on how needed your service is in your area.
Approach your local council and voluntary organisations for help and don't give up if your ideas are not supported - you may have met the wrong people.
Next, find similar organisations near you - their support and advice could save you a lot of time and energy. Build as many partnerships as you can and remember to be clear and confident about what you can offer in the partnerships and try to see with your partners' eyes.
Find your team of volunteers and trustees and avoid family and friends as you may end up doing everything by yourself. Finding the right people who have the same interests and believe in the organisation's aims and vision is very challenging work for any one who is thinking of setting up a group, but it can make all the difference.
