As part of its 50th-anniversary celebrations, Colchester City Council is spotlighting the invaluable partnerships that have strengthened the city and enriched the lives of its residents. This month, the Council is proud to honour three extraordinary organisations – RAMA (Refugee, Asylum seeker and Migrant Action), Colchester Foodbank and Active Essex – whose collaborative work has greatly benefited some of the city’s most vulnerable populations.
Since its inception in 2015, RAMA has been a vital lifeline for vulnerable migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and victims of domestic abuse or human trafficking. Offering immigration advice, casework, and therapeutic activities, RAMA supports individuals from over 117 countries who call Colchester and Tendring home.
RAMA’s Operational Lead, Maria Wilby, said: “Our first real contact with the Council came with the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. The city was expecting an influx of new residents, and the Council recognised our experience in helping newcomers. Commissioning us to support incoming Ukrainians and their hosts has been enormously positive.
"This work grew to include those sent to Colchester by the Home Office and the Council’s enduring support has allowed us to extend our services to many more who need it."
Read RAMA’s full story here.
Colchester Foodbank has been a cornerstone of support for residents facing food insecurity. Serving 11 satellite centres with the help of 234 volunteers, Colchester Foodbank provides emergency food parcels to those in need. Through a close partnership with Colchester City Council, the foodbank now offers holistic support to individuals and families in crisis. The Council’s Financial Equality & Wellbeing team have weekly drop-in services at the foodbank’s Stanway location, providing welfare and employment advice to those in need.
“This partnership has been transformative,” said Colchester Foodbank Co-Directors Armin Lange and Nikki Ranson. “By combining food aid with welfare support, we’re not just addressing the immediate need but also helping individuals find long-term stability.
“A key success of working with the Council has been the creation of lasting relationships with individuals who came for emergency help but stayed for ongoing guidance, ultimately improving their financial circumstances. The Council’s involvement has been instrumental in making this holistic approach possible, allowing us to offer tailored solutions to break the cycle of food poverty.”
Read Colchester’s Foodbank story here.
Active Essex has been another essential partner of the Council in transforming the health and wellbeing of Colchester’s residents. Active Essex, the Physical Activity and Sport Partnership for Essex, Southend, and Thurrock, has worked closely with the Council for over 15 years. This partnership has been key in making physical activity more accessible for all, as they share a commitment to inspiring healthier, more active lifestyles.
Over the years, Active Essex and the Council have delivered several initiatives, including the Essex Local Delivery Pilot, which has increased activity levels in some of the most deprived areas in Colchester, through projects like Essex Pedal Power and has supported the RideLondon events.
“Our collaboration with Colchester City Council has been truly rewarding,” said an Active Essex spokesperson. “Together, we’ve built stronger communities, creating local spaces and opportunities that encourage residents to be active. We look forward to continuing this partnership as we work to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of all residents.”
Read Active Essex’s full story here.
Cllr King, Leader of Colchester City Council, said: “As Colchester City Council celebrates its 50th year, these partnerships are a testament to the power of collaboration in creating a more resilient, compassionate, and connected city. We are immensely proud of the strong relationships we’ve built with organisations like RAMA, Colchester Foodbank and Active Essex. Together, we are shaping a better future for our city and its residents.”
Page last reviewed: 25 September 2024