Welcoming Refugees

Highbury Orchard Community is a friendly place where families and volunteers work together, learn new skills, and enjoy nature. We have been given some funding by Birmingham City Council to particularly support people on Resettlement Programmes from Syria and Afghanistan.

We are running sessions on Thursdays 11am-2pm. Food is available, we pay transport costs and can arrange transport. We have activities designed to help improve language skills and develop friendships with others.

What We Offer

  • Free outdoor sessions for adults and children
  • Fun activities like planting trees, growing fruit, foraging, and looking after the orchard
  • Learning English through doing – no classroom, just friendly teamwork
  • Community events and festivals with food, music, and nature
  • Transport help and clear directions for new participants

On Thursdays

You can  spend time in nature, meet new people, and learn practical skills.

Volunteering helps you feel confident, practise English, and be part of the Birmingham community.

Everyone Is Welcome. We work with people from all countries and backgrounds — including families from Afghanistan, Syria, and many others. We respect all faiths and make space for sharing culture.

For Families On Wednesdays

Children can play, learn, and make friends outdoors.

We welcome children aged 0–5, and oder children who are waiting for a school place.

For Adults (and over 11’s not in school)

Highbury Orchard Community has a strong history of working with local partners to support refugees and migrants in Birmingham. For over a decade, we have co-hosted festivals with Kings Heath Action for Refugees, welcoming hundreds of migrant families and the wider community. We collaborate with groups such as Birch Project, Beacon Family Services, Martineau Gardens, and the Bike Project to offer outdoor learning, volunteering, and wellbeing activities. Through these partnerships, we understand the needs of newly arrived people and the importance of nature, play, and connection. We promote inclusion, kindness, and mutual learning.

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