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What We Do

East to West European Association supports Eastern European communities across the UK, from first steps after arriving to long-term stability. Our work brings practical help, learning and cultural connection together, so that people and families can feel at home, informed and able to take part fully in community life.

All of our support is free, confidential and offered in your language where possible.

EAST WEST
How we work

Our Support Pathway

Every person's situation is different, but our support follows the same four stages.

STEP 1

Listen

We take time to understand your situation and what matters most to you, in your language.

STEP 2

Practical help

Advice, advocacy, language support and referrals to the right services.

STEP 3

Peer support

Mentoring, groups and community activities that build confidence and connection.

STEP 4

Follow-up

We check in over time, so progress lasts and you are moving towards stability and independence.

See the full pathwayOur projectsOur events
Our key services

Ten ways we help

Not sure which service you need? Get in touch and we'll work it out together.

Community advice and signposting

Free, confidential guidance on everyday questions about life in the UK, and help finding the right organisation or public service. We explain options clearly and in your language, so you know what to do next.

HousingBenefitsHealth and GPSchools

Advocacy and language support

Help with letters, forms, phone calls and appointments, and support to speak up when systems feel hard to navigate. Where it helps, a team member who speaks your language can come alongside you.

Letters and formsInterpretingAppointments

Women's support

A safe, welcoming space for women to talk, get practical help and build confidence. We support women facing hardship or isolation, and connect anyone affected by abuse with specialist services.

One-to-one supportPeer groupsSafe referrals

Children, young people and families

Support for parents and young people with school, family life and settling into the community, alongside activities that help children feel proud of where they come from.

Parenting supportYouth activitiesSchool liaison

Community integration

Helping new arrivals and long-term residents feel at home and less alone, through friendly contact, local connections and information about rights, services and community life.

Tackling isolationWelcome sessionsLocal networks

Education, training and English

Workshops, English language support and skills programmes that open doors to further learning, work and full participation in local life.

English languageWorkshopsDigital skills

Employment, skills and volunteering

Support with CVs, job searching and recognising your existing skills, plus volunteering opportunities that build confidence, experience and references.

CVs and job searchSkillsVolunteering

Mentoring and peer support

Ongoing support from trained volunteers and people with shared experience, followed up over time, so that progress lasts beyond a single appointment.

MentoringFollow-upPeer groups

Cultural exchange and events

Celebrations, heritage days, workshops and gatherings that share Eastern European traditions and stories, and build understanding between communities, East and West.

Cultural eventsHeritageWorkshops

Partnerships and business networking

Working with councils, charities, schools and businesses to improve services for Eastern European communities, and connecting entrepreneurs and professionals through networking.

PartnershipsNetworkingCommunity voice
Who we support

Everyone is welcome. Everyone matters.

  • Children and young people
  • Women
  • Families
  • Individuals in need
  • New arrivals and long-term residents

A note about specialist advice

We give general guidance and help people reach the right specialist services. For regulated advice, such as immigration or legal advice, we refer you to qualified organisations and support you through the process.

We are not an emergency service. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 999.

See our help and support directory

Based in
Luton, Bedfordshire
Get support

Need help, or want to refer someone to us?

Ask for support Refer someone Contact us