Our Impact

On average, we manage around 30 appointments each week, covering a range of issues:

Changes to immigration rules and digital systems continue to create confusion and anxiety, particularly among older or vulnerable migrants.

We regularly help clients:

• Understand and navigate new e-visa and biometric registration systems.
• Secure settled or indefinite leave to remain.
• Access legal advice and specialist immigration services when required.

Case Study - Mrs P’s Story
Mrs P, aged 82, has lived in the UK for over 65 years. When new e-visa rules were introduced, she was overwhelmed by the digital process. Our caseworker helped her register for the e-visa, book her biometric appointment and renew her passport.

“I’m very grateful Equality Action is here to support people like us,” she said. 

With our help, Mrs P regained peace of mind, knowing her status was secure.

Case Study - Mr K’s Story
Mr K, a Greek national living in the UK for more than 50 years, didn’t realise he needed to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme. We supported him through the entire process, helping him secure his right to remain and live in the UK with confidence and stability.

The housing crisis continues to affect many of the people we support. Increasing rents, poor-quality housing and long waiting lists for social homes are taking a toll on mental health and family wellbeing.

We have seen:

• Rising cases of overcrowding and poor housing conditions.
• Increased risk of homelessness, especially among older people and migrants.
• Tenants struggling to communicate with landlords due to language or cultural barriers.

Our caseworkers help people understand their housing rights, connect with local homelessness services, and access the council’s housing support.

Many of the people who come to us are unaware of their entitlements or unable to navigate online applications. We provide one-to-one support to help people access Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payments (PIP), and other welfare support.

Case Study - Mr Y’s Story
Mr Y, a Syrian national with refugee status, came to us for help with his PIP application. During his appointment, he opened up about how his health and trauma were affecting his daily life. Our Project Officer explained the support available through NHS Talking Therapies and, with his consent, referred him for counselling.

This joined-up approach meant that Mr Y not only received the financial support he needed but also the mental health care that helped him start to rebuild his life.

Women take part in a wide range of inclusive, low-pressure activities designed to support both emotional and physical wellbeing:

• Walking Group: Gentle outdoor walks with conversation and light exercise.
• Sewing & Crafts: Creative sessions where women learn skills, relax and socialise.
• Swimming: Private sessions that help boost confidence in a culturally sensitive environment.
• Befriending Group: A calm, supportive space to talk, share and build friendships.

These weekly sessions give women regular routines, peer support, and a sense of belonging, something many have said is “life-changing” during challenging times.

One of the stand-out achievements of the year has been the EmpowHER Netball Group, which now has around 40 registered players. Women and girls of all ages join in for exercise, teamwork and community spirit.

Participants have taken real ownership of the group, organising fixtures, hosting a community netball tournament and even raising money for charity. What began as a simple activity has become a confident, self-led community space.

EmpowHER also supports women to build skills, explore employment and take steps toward financial independence.

EmpowHER also acts as a bridge between women and local services, helping ensure their voices shape the support available in Charnwood and beyond.

We hosted:

• 3 workshops with Loughborough University (35 participants)
• 2 workshops with the University of Leicester (18 participants)

Sessions explored topics such as local health provision, menopause awareness and barriers to accessing services, helping researchers gain insight into the needs of South Asian and migrant women.

These collaborations strengthen understanding, promote co-design and help create more inclusive, culturally aware services.

Mrs S, aged 30, had built a career in education. But when her son was diagnosed with a rare illness, she left work to care for him full-time. Over time, she began to feel isolated, low in confidence and unsure of her place in the world.

She heard about EmpowHER through another woman and decided to try a befriending group. There, she found warmth, understanding and women who shared similar struggles.

Week by week, she joined more sessions, walking groups, mindfulness and crafts, gradually rebuilding her confidence and sense of belonging.

Our project officer noticed her natural strengths and encouraged her to take small leadership roles in group activities. With gentle guidance, Mrs S began facilitating short discussions and supporting other women.

Today, Mrs S is a core part of the EmpowHER community, more confident, connected and hopeful about her future. Her journey shows the power of empathy, encouragement and a safe space to grow.

• Engage communities who often face the biggest barriers to mental health support.
• Provide workshops, wellbeing sessions and creative activities that reduce isolation.
• Help people understand CBT and other therapeutic approaches in simple, accessible ways.
• Support individuals to self-refer, attend appointments and stay engaged with therapy.
• Work closely with families, young people, and older adults in culturally sensitive ways.

Our outreach often happens in places where people already feel safe: community centres, libraries, faith spaces, wellbeing cafés and local events.

In November 2024, Mrs I was referred to NHS Talking Therapies with high stress and anxiety. She was caring full-time for her undiagnosed autistic son while managing her own health challenges, including Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). With her family in Bangladesh and no local support network, she felt isolated and unsure about therapy.

Through one-to-one coaching with our project officer, Mrs I began to understand what CBT involved and felt supported enough to engage fully. She also received help to prepare a CV, boosting her confidence and reminding her of her skills.

As her confidence grew, Mrs I advocated for her own healthcare needs, completed her therapy and secured a voluntary role in a local school, with the potential for paid work in the future.

“When I first saw you at Wesley Hall, I was feeling down and unsure about my future. You listened to me patiently… I’m truly grateful for your support.”

Mr S, a support worker living in Leicester, met our project officer at a community health event. In a quiet moment, he shared concerns about his teenage daughter, who was struggling emotionally after being bullied at school following the family’s recent move from India.

He felt overwhelmed and unsure where to turn.

Our project officer introduced him to NHS Talking Therapies, explaining what support could look like for both him and his daughter. Step by step, they completed the self-referral process together.

Both are now actively engaged in therapy.

Mr S later shared how much of a difference it had made; his daughter feels more confident, and he feels less stressed and more hopeful. This case underscores the importance of approaching families where they already are and offering support in familiar, trusted spaces.

“Without you coming out to see us at these events, no one would acknowledge us.” - R at Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre 

“A calm safe space that allowed me to stop and be.” - M at The Community Space John Lewis 

“Very calm and relaxing session. Mindful art is amazing. Love, love, love. Just needed to get out after 6 weeks…” - A at Spinney Hill Support Services 

“I found this emotional debriefing very beneficial. I felt a sense of relief and peace in my heart.” - B at Shama Women’s Centre

Through our projects and partnerships, we deliver and support dozens of events across Charnwood, Leicester and Leicestershire, including:

• Community coffee mornings at Wesley Hall, Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre, the Sikh Community Centre and other trusted spaces.
• Wellbeing and creative workshops, including mindfulness arts sessions, self-care activities and group discussions.
• Outreach stalls at community gatherings, providing advice, information and referrals.
• Collaborative events with local partners such as Loughborough University, Leicester Community Links CIC, Fearon Hall, Loughborough Wellbeing Centre and Living Without Abuse.

These events act as warm entry points for people who may be hesitant to approach formal services, especially those facing language barriers, cultural barriers or stigma around issues like mental health or domestic abuse.

One of the highlights of the year was the Loughborough Mela 2025, which drew an estimated 6,500 visitors, a 65% increase compared to 2024.

The Mela celebrated the rich cultural heritage of our town through music, dance, food and family activities. It remains a key event for building unity and understanding across diverse communities and is delivered with the support of dedicated partners and volunteers.

Our team attended and hosted a number of community coffee mornings, including:

• Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre - where around 30 residents join friendly discussions and receive appropriate referrals.
• Wesley Hall – where over 50 attendees engage with our information stand, including multiple direct referrals to NHS Talking Therapies.

These smaller gatherings create essential opportunities for residents to connect with one another, ask questions in a relaxed environment and access support they might not otherwise seek.