A Glimpse into LCMG Initiatives
Discover the initiatives of Leicestershire Congolese Mutual Group (LCMG). From the swift assistance provided by the Advocacy Project to the health-promoting Sports Programme and the community-building efforts of the Meet Again and Women's Project, we foster well-being and empowerment within the Leicester community.
Leicestershire Congolese Mutual Group in Action
LCMG Advocacy
We are dedicated to delivering swift assistance to the immediate needs of migrants, refugees and Congolese individuals in Leicestershire through our Advocacy Project. Whether operating on Zoom or providing one-on-one support at local community centres, our project extends personalised aid.
We offer both individual and group support for application processes, including interpretation and translation services to facilitate successful submissions. Additionally, our services encompass providing Information, advice and guidance for accessing education, training, employment and housing facilities. We also offer valuable assistance in research and support in submitting additional evidence in immigration cases, particularly for failed asylum seekers.
LCMG Sports
The LCMG Sports Programme aims to enhance the overall health, physical well-being and acquisition of physical skills for individuals. Our diverse sports project offers a range of activities geared towards improving health and fitness. Engaging weekly sessions include coaching and group support in the following activities:
1. Football:
- Location: Physically at the New Parks Leisure Centre
- Frequency: One session per week during the weekend
- Duration: One hour
2. Basketball:
- Location: Physically at the New Parks Leisure Centre
- Frequency: One session per week during the weekend
- Duration: One hour
3. Running / Jogging:
- Location: Physically at the New Parks Leisure Centre one evening per week
- Location: Once a month at Victoria Park in Leicester city centre
4. Yoga:
- Format: Virtual class offered weekly using Zoom
- Duration: One hour per week
5. Walking for Exercise:
- Location: Once a month at Bradgate Park in Leicester
- Duration: Two hours
These activities provide participants with a well-rounded and accessible approach to improving their physical well-being and acquiring valuable skills.
LCMG Meet Again Project
The LCMG Meet Again Project is dedicated to tackling the challenges of isolation, loneliness and disadvantage experienced by Congolese and other migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. Many individuals arriving from abroad find themselves without family or friends, leading to heightened feelings of isolation and loneliness in a new country. The absence of social networks can contribute to increased vulnerability to domestic violence, often exacerbated by language barriers and health issues.
Our project organises fortnightly sessions on Saturdays from 5 PM to 8 PM, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. During these sessions, we foster a sense of community by featuring community leaders who deliver speeches on various topics, including available cost-of-living support, presentations by representatives of local projects, communal food-sharing, discussions addressing community issues, storytelling and live traditional music performances.
LCMG Women's Project
This project is dedicated to alleviating stress and reducing isolation among Congolese women who are identified as housebound due to the challenges they face living in this country. The goal of these sessions is to offer an easily accessible platform for local residents, enabling them to receive information that breaks down barriers between different cultural groups. Participants have the opportunity to explore the rich cultural diversity within our city and engage in informal exchanges with individuals they might not typically interact with.
To enhance the impact of these sessions, we collaborate with various multi-agencies and partner organisations, offering one-to-one advice and group sessions tailored for single parents and children. Additionally, we have implemented a referral system, directing individuals to specialists and recommending support in complex cases, further enhancing the effectiveness of our project.