The NatWest SE100 Index was devised in 2010 by Pioneers Post and NatWest to recognise and reward the leading 100 social enterprises across the UK each year. It aims to forge a better understanding, within social enterprise and more broadly, of the exciting, pioneering and successful organisations that identify themselves as social enterprises in the UK.
We are delighted to have been recognised as one of the Top 100 social enterprises in the NatWest SE100 Index 2021!
The Top 100 are judged on a wide range of criteria – from the growth and sustainability of their businesses to the innovation and resilience they have demonstrated and the social impact they have delivered.
Micro Rainbow supports over 500 LGBTQI asylum seekers and refugees every year. We do so by implementing a holistic approach to integration that has three main pillars: the provision of safe housing, social inclusion activities and employability support.
Sebastian Rocca, Founder and CEO of Micro Rainbow said:
“I am immensely proud of team Micro Rainbow and pleased to be recognised for our hard work in supporting homeless LGBTQI asylum seekers and refugees, especially during these unprecedented times.
We have faced big challenges over the last 18 months, from the sharp increase in demand for all our services to supporting an increased number of people in emergency situations such as domestic violence or rough sleeping.
This award is recognition of the resilience, care, and professionalism of our team. We look forward to the expansion of our services so that no LGBTQI person coming to the UK to seek safety needs to experience isolation, poverty or violence and abuse in housing”.
In 2021 Micro Rainbow created a fellowship programme exclusively for LGBTQI asylum seekers and refugees. The aim of the programme is to support LGBTQI people fleeing persecution not only to gain new skills, but also the confidence needed to become leaders and advocates for better rights for LGBTQI people seeking asylum. Wiam, one of Micro Rainbow’s 2021 Fellows said:
“I’m very excited that Micro Rainbow has been named as one of the top 100 social enterprises in the UK! It comes as no surprise to me, firstly as one of their beneficiaries and then as a fellow.
I know first-hand the importance of safety and protection, as well as the seclusion and loneliness felt by LGBTQI asylum seekers after arriving in the UK. Micro Rainbow’s approach to wellbeing, empowerment with information, housing, and moving on has kept me and many others safe from physically and mentally hostile environments.
This is a well-deserved award and I cannot wait to see more best practice examples being set by Micro Rainbow, advancing LGBTQI rights and bringing attention to our reality”.
If you would like to stay connected and to receive our quarterly bulletin do sign up. Also, make sure to follow us on social media and help us raise awareness of LGBTQI people fleeing persecution.
