CEE us. Centrala Communities Network

We had a great night at Centrala for Digbeth First Friday!

This is a shocking example of the chaos and lack of compassion within the Home Office’s handling of EU settlement applications.

Costa Koushiappis, a hardworking member of society who has lived and contributed to the UK for years, now faces deportation due to a bureaucratic backlog.

How can someone be forcibly removed from the country while holding a legitimate certificate of application?

This case highlights the urgent need for the new government to address the hostile environment policy, which continues to put people’s lives in limbo.

Everyone deserves fair treatment, and no one should face such extreme measures while their legal status is still pending.

EU citizen who applied for pre-settled status is to be deported from Scotland Greek Cypriot Costa Koushiappis to be removed from UK even though his application is pending with Home Office

We are excited to see our ESOL classes thriving, giving Ukrainian students a fantastic chance to boost their English! Whether it is conversation, writing, or exam prep, we have got you covered.

Starting in November, we are adding new Practice Speaking lessons every Tuesday from 10am to 12pm, in person and on Zoom! 😃

Need help with job skills?

Drop in with Darren every Tuesday, 1pm- 6pm

Join our warm and supportive community, in person or online:

📅 Wednesdays: 10am - 12pm at Centrala

💻 Wednesdays: 6pm - 8pm Online

📅 Saturdays: 10am - 12pm at Centrala

🗓️ New Tuesday Practice Speaking:
10am - 12pm (from November)

👉 Book now: https://tr.ee/SMZVTn8_Mp

Funded by Birmingham City Council

🚨On 31st October, let’s unite for a fairer system that treats migrants with respect!

Visit Centrala on 9th November for 'Breaking Borders' as part of the Being Human Festival! Experience an interactive workshop, the launch of Paulina Korobkiewicz's photobook 'Homeland,' authentic Polish food, and a piano concert by Salome Chitaia.
See you there!

Another tragic loss at Brook House Immigration Removal Centre raises serious questions about the ongoing conditions within the UK's detention system.

This loss reminds us of the urgent need to improve safety, dignity, and respect for all people held in these centres.

At Centrala, we share our condolences with the family, friends, and everyone affected. We stand in support of the call for a more compassionate and accountable approach to immigration. Change is needed to prevent more losses like this.

Man dies in detention at immigration removal centre near Gatwick airport Death of 26-year-old at Brook House comes a year after Albanian man died there after attempting su***de

🌟 Welcome to Our Free Community Cafe at Centrala! (Centrala)

It’s a warm, welcoming space to relax, connect with others, or simply enjoy a quiet moment with a cup of tea or coffee.

👌Free Wi-Fi
👌Free hot drinks & biscuits
👌Free space to work & socialise

From next week
Tuesday - Friday
12pm - 6pm

Bring friends, meet new faces, share stories, or explore creative ideas in a friendly, open atmosphere.

We look forward to welcoming you this week – come and be part of our community!

This project is supported by Birmingham City Council

Vietnamese people smuggler claims to have helped more than 1,000 people to risk their lives to cross the Channel ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Smuggler reveals how he has helped more than 1,000 people cross Channel Man claims to the BBC that he has helped 1,000 people cross the Channel in his years working in the smuggling industry.

We had an incredible Halloween day at Centrala! The space was buzzing with laughter, joy, and loads of creativity. Our amazing facilitator, Monika Lenard, brought the spooky vibes and made sure everyone left with a fantastic prize (and maybe a chill or two!).

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and for the wonderful feedback—it was a day to remember! 🎃👻

It’s troubling that visa applicants are being charged for language tests without a clear legal basis, especially during challenging financial times.

The Home Office’s decision to continue these fees without proper authorisation, while considering retrospective legislation, raises serious questions about fairness and transparency.

For many, these fees add a significant financial burden on top of already high visa costs. A swift and equitable solution is essential to restore trust and ensure lawful, fair treatment for all applicants.

Home Office continues to demand fees unlawfully charged for language tests Government admits ‘challenging’ situation after firm charged and passed on fees without legal authority

In our last intuitive art workshop, we began by grounding ourselves through a simple line-drawing exercise, bringing our focus into the present moment. This set the stage for the theme of the session—texture, which, in intuitive art, beautifully symbolises the layers of our life experiences.

As the session unfolded, it was a pleasure to see participants experimenting with different techniques for creating texture—using sponges, bubble wrap, old cards, and even their hands.

Before starting our paintings, everyone was invited to approach the process with a childlike sense of wonder, letting go of control, embracing the unknown, and trusting in the process.

In intuitive art, it’s not about the final result—it’s about following your instincts, enjoying the present moment, and celebrating the “happy accidents” that occur when a splash of paint leads to something unexpected and exciting.

This process is deeply therapeutic, as it allows us to release control, let go of expectations, and fully engage with our emotions in a safe and creative space. It becomes an important experience for personal growth, helping us reconnect with our inner selves and find healing through the freedom of expression.

Have a look at what we’ve created during the session—a collection of unique, layered artworks, each reflecting the individual journeys of the participants.

Keep an eye on our upcoming events and workshops at Centrala.

This workshop is supported by Birmingham City Council (Birmingham City Council) under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

➡️ https://centrala-space.org.uk/

We’re thrilled to see our ESOL classes growing in popularity and are proud to provide this fantastic opportunity to Ukrainian individuals eager to improve their English. Whether you're aiming to enhance your conversation skills, improve your written English, or prepare for exams, our courses are designed to fit your unique needs.

Starting in November, we are excited to offer additional opportunities for our ESOL students to practice speaking English!
These lessons will take place every Tuesday from 10am to 12pm and will also be available online via Zoom.

For those who need assistance with their employability, we welcome you to our drop-in sessions every Tuesday with Darren from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Don’t miss out on our welcoming and supportive learning environment!
Join us in person or online:

📅 Wednesdays: 10am- 12pm at Centrala
💻 Wednesdays: 6pm - 8pm online
📅 Saturdays: 10am- 12pm at Centrala
🗓️ New Practice Speaking Lessons: 10am- 12pm (every Tuesday starting in November ).

👉 Book your session here: https://tr.ee/SMZVTn8_Mp

Project is funded by Birmingham City Council

At least 55 people have died crossing the Channel this year. When will Labour's words turn into actions?

Two dead after migrant boat sinks in English Channel Forty-six people have been rescued with a search operation ongoing, maritime authorities said.

On October 16th, Centrala’s Central and Eastern European Network (CEEus), together with Fierce Festival, hosted an inspiring talk with Nela Milic and Olga Drygas from Nowy Theater. They explored how art responds to political and social challenges, migration, and identity, showing how creativity builds connections and gives a voice to those facing conflict.

We also had the chance to witness Nela Milic’s rehearsal for her new performance. Using projectors, old newspapers, books, and personal photo albums, she explored memory, identity, and community, with performer Tina Hofman bringing the story to life. It was a wonderful glimpse into the creative process.

Don’t forget, our CEE Us Network meets every third Wednesday of the month, bringing together migrants, creatives, and community leaders. Keep an eye on our social media for updates and join us next time!

▶️ https://tinyurl.com/kvys77wt

What a thrilling evening with National Literacy Trust!

Filled with spooky stories, a boat trip, and a wonderful lecture from Dr Jimmy Packham on the Midlands Gothic.

We are so excited for the launch of

With a new Government, we have an opportunity to have our voices heard and secure a fair new plan for refugees.

Together we need to show politicians of all parties that we the people want a kinder, fairer and more effective approach.

Ready to step up?👇 https://togetherwithrefugees.org.uk

The new data on Universal Credit sanctions is worrying, showing that Black and minority ethnic claimants are far more likely to be penalised than white claimants.

Black claimants are 58% more likely to get sanctioned, and mixed ethnic groups are 72% more likely. This raises serious questions about fairness in the system.

Sanctions can cause real hardship, and research shows they don’t actually help people find work.
The Department for Work and Pensions needs to explain these big differences and make sure the system treats everyone equally.

We need a welfare system that’s fair for all!

➡️https://t.ly/CHYHt

Benefit sanctions more likely for minority ethnic claimants, UK data shows Black universal credit claimants 58% more likely to get sanctions than white people, while mixed ethnic groups are 72% more likely

🧠🌍 World Mental Health Day encourages us to reflect on the mental health needs of migrant communities, particularly those from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), who often face unique challenges.

Research from MigZEN highlights how migration-related stress, language barriers, and social isolation can exacerbate mental health issues for CEE migrants in the UK.

The SAPC study further indicates that CEE migrants report higher levels of psychological distress and lower life satisfaction compared to other migrant groups.

It’s crucial to address this gap and ensure that CEE communities feel heard and supported in their mental health journeys.

Here in Birmingham, recent reports have identified CEE communities within Birmingham as having higher rates of su***de than other nationalities. This consistent finding informed this research project and promoted action from Birmingham City Council’s Public Health.

At Centrala, we are working with Birmingham City Council Public Health to research why this is happening and how we can help.

If you are part of the CEE community, or know someone who is, please participate in our survey to help us shape future mental health services and create positive change in Birmingham.

📝 Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V9HG85G



See comment section for source links.

Central and Eastern European Mental Health and Wellbeing Research Questionnaire Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

Reading can help you relax, boost your mood and escape elsewhere!

Take 10 is a campaign to promote the wellbeing benefits of reading. Try it for 10 minutes today and see where it takes you.


Literacy Trust

On the 16th of October, for our monthly CEEus! Network members meeting, we’re brining you a wonderful event: In Conversation with Nela Milic and Olga Drygas!

In collaboration with Fierce Festival, this evening brings together CEEUs! Network members, our artist-in-residence Dr Nela Milic, and Olga Drygas of Nowy Theatre.

Make sure to book your ticket!

https://centrala-space.org.uk/events/cee-us-network-x-fierce/

Take a look at the letter Clive Lewis MP sent to the Home Office, giving the government the opportunity to reset relationships with racial justice organisations

MPs urge reform after Windrush report highlights racism in UK immigration policies 25 MPs says important report demonstrates how immigration policy has excluded people of colour by design for decades

When will enough be enough? When will our government do something to help these people searching for a better life?

Several migrants including child die in Channel crossing attempt Interior minister Bruno Retailleau says people smugglers "have the blood of these people on their hands".

This is devastating news. Our thoughts are with all those effected in Bosnia.

Flash floods and landslides hit parts of Bosnia, killing at least 16 Rescuers search for missing after huge volumes of rain fall in area around Jablanica and Konjic, causing sudden flooding