Fresh Start
Fresh Start is a practical, supportive programme designed to help young individuals settle into life in the UK with confidence, cultural awareness, and emotional clarity.
Programme Description
This 6-week programme welcomes newly arrived individuals with compassion and clarity. It covers the most important things young people need to know as they adjust to UK life: where to go for help, how to stay safe, how to respect others, and how to protect themselves from making avoidable mistakes — particularly around issues of family, boundaries, and UK laws.
The course also supports emotional well-being, offers guidance on community integration, and introduces participants to their rights and responsibilities — including how UK laws differ from those in many home countries. This includes laws around relationships, touching, verbal boundaries, and how to raise children in line with UK safeguarding rules.
Programme Structure
Week 1 - Pilot Session – Orientation & Welcome
- Meet the group, set expectations, and explore life in the UK. Learn the basics of navigating systems like housing, healthcare, and benefits. Participants receive a Life in the UK Welcome Guide.
Week 2 – Everyday Life & Local Systems
- Practical tips for navigating daily life: using public transport, registering with a GP, accessing libraries and schools, and connecting with local council support.
Week 3 – Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing
- Learn techniques to manage stress, access mental health services, and build emotional resilience during the resettlement journey.
Week 4 – Money, Housing & Support
- Understand how UK housing and benefits work, how to budget effectively, avoid debt, and where to find trusted financial and housing advice.
Week 5 – Understanding UK Law, Rights & Boundaries
- Explore key legal and cultural differences around personal space, gender, relationships, consent, public behavior, and discrimination. Learn how to avoid misunderstandings and stay safe.
Week 6 – Family, Parenting & Safeguarding
- Get guidance on parenting in the UK, raising children safely, and understanding safeguarding laws. Includes real-life case studies and tips on avoiding risks with social services.