Over the past 10 years, our work has had a wide-reaching impact within young refugee communities across Sussex. You can read more about our impact below.

Every young person deserves to be seen for who they are, not reduced to their immigration status—yet for many seeking sanctuary, this is their daily reality. In an increasingly challenging and often divisive climate, young people often find themselves at the margins of society, and face significant barriers to inclusion, understanding, and opportunity. We provide more than support—we offer a lifeline. At a time when public discourse can emphasise difference, our work is grounded in the belief that there is far more that unites us than divides us.

Every individual we work with is recognised for their strengths, aspirations, and potential—not defined by the systems they are navigating. Through this, Hummingbird creates a space where young people can build community, experience a sense of belonging, and develop solidarity with one another.

On a practical level, many of the systems surrounding these young people can be difficult to navigate. Gatekeeping of essential services means that access to education, healthcare, and housing is often inconsistent or restricted. At the same time, an increasingly complex immigration and asylum system and limited access to legal representation leaves many young people facing complex processes without the support they need to fully understand or secure their rights. These challenges are not abstract—they shape daily life and future possibilities.

As a result, many young people experience unstable housing, barriers to basic services, and ongoing uncertainty. These conditions can have a profound impact on wellbeing, confidence, and the ability to build a secure and fulfilling future.

Our work responds directly to these realities. We create spaces of safety, belonging, and opportunity, supporting young people to navigate the systems that affect their lives while building connections with others who share similar experiences. Hummingbird represents hope—an active, grounded hope rooted in community, dignity, and the belief that every young person deserves the chance to thrive.