International Community Organisation of Sunderland

We supported a total of 80 people with employability

including support with CV’s, job applications, registering with agencies, job searching websites, interview preparation and 48 people have successfully found employment or self-employment. We have also supported a total of 66 people with accessing training and courses (including ESOL, food hygiene courses, digital courses and functional skills).
At total of 49 people have accessed benefits

including Universal Credit applications, Personal Independence Payment, ESA, council tax support, Maternity Allowance, Pension Credit and Child Benefit. Numerous cases remain open at the time of writing.
A total of 112 clients received general advice and support.

E.g., with school or GP registration, translation of documents.
As a result of our advice:

A total of 201 people have reported improved wellbeing A total of 38 clients have reported improved housing situation A total of 66 clients have reported improved confidence At total of 40 clients have been supported to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme
We supported a total of 480 people through one to one advice and advocacy
Through the East Rangers project

ICOS engaged a total of 224 adults and 235 children as volunteers = 459 removed over 4000 kilograms of rubbish. This was achieved through delivering 72 events, including clean ups, training sessions and educational workshops.
A Total of 49 people volunteered on a regular basis across all projects

“ICOS has helped me a lot, I have got help with English language classes with Monika and she is
an amazing teacher and helped to improve my language. I could not speak any English the first
time I came to ICOS and now I can speak and I understand much more, I can communicate. ICOS
has helped me with my CV and translation of certificates and a statement of comparability from
NARIC.

“I got a lot of help from ICOS, you provided me with financial advice, help with benefits, bus
tickets to work, employment support, CV, food safety course and English language classes.”

“Because of all this help, I am now starting accounting Level 1 at Gateshead College and can
continue to look at accounting jobs when I finish this course and go back to being an accountant.
My English has improved and now I’m ready to study functional skills.”

” All experiences brought a different knowledge for me and each has a meaningful impact in my life now. One of the experiences I will never forget is the Christmas event which brought together people with different races , values , beliefs or cultures . Significant 1.It created job opportunities for people 2.It promotes love and unity among different ethnic groups . 3. It created an avenue for learning different cultural values, norms and beliefs . 4 it’s a clear definition of passion for service , which can be seen in the behaviour of the entire team.”

“Volunteering with ICOS has been an incredibly rewarding experience. This experience has not only strengthened my confidence and personal growth, but also helped me gain valuable knowledge in administration. From the moment I joined, I was welcomed by such a kind and supportive community. The warmth and friendliness of the staff and the people I’ve met make me feel truly valued and connected. The staff are incredibly involved and extremely helpful with every case and event, always going above and beyond to support the community. It’s a great journey of learning,
growth and connection.”

Aleksandra