Welcome to Badminton | Connected Voice

Name of organisation

Welcome to Badminton

Tell us about your organisation (history, aims, vision):

The project began when I was teaching English to refugees and asylum seekers. I realised that many of them did not have access to sport or sporting facilities. We used the college sports hall to play badminton and the sessions were very popular. I saw how sport can help people to de-stress, feel more positive, make friends and have fun.

Our project promotes equality, tolerance, open-mindedness and a culture of sharing skills. We bring refugees, asylum seekers and migrants together from both the city centre and the wider region to learn and play a new sport (including badminton, table tennis and volleyball).

Who do you serve? How do they access services?

Our participants come from a wide range of countries and include men and women of all ages. Parents can also bring their children, and all religions and cultures are welcome. People have fun and learn from each other.

Our project brings refugees, asylum seekers and migrants together to build strong relationships with each other through sports activities, learning new skills and creating networks. We encourage participants to link up with other sports groups, clubs and social tournaments in the area. This, in turn, helps participants to feel more settled, positive, and more confident to make other connections.

We publicise our sessions on Facebook and Instagram, and we also have an email network through which we send posters and other information. We also post sessions at What's On Newcastle and in Newcastle College's ESOL department.