Project Gateway, led by Portsmouth City Council was an innovative programme designed to aid the integration of new migrant women from non EU countries by engaging volunteers in co-producing elements of social capital. It was funded by the European Integration Fund with the support of the UK Home Office. Commencing in November 2012 over an 18 month period integrated training and support programmes were designed and delivered to 102 new migrant volunteers in: generic advice and information giving, English for speakers of other languages (pre ESOL) pre citizenship and support for others learning English, employability and health advice. It has been challenging but great fun to work with Jane Leech, Marshada, Uta and the rest of the team.
The participants in the Gateway programme now manage an online blog called the Voice of Diversity.