The Derby Bosnia Herzegovina Community Association (DBHCA) was set-up in 1995 and registered as a charity in 1998. Initially, DBHCA set up to serve the needs of people from the Former Yugoslavia regardless of their ethnic origin, background, and religion. Beyond peer group psychological counselling the role was advice on benefits, training and housing, outreach support for disabled and isolated including Balkan Roma, as well as organisation of cultural events and setting up of a supplementary school for children.Â
The community came together to buy and renovate derelict premises as a community centre which was some years later demolished to make way for the new inner ring road. Eventually, as negotiated with a bit of help from Derby City Council, our new, purpose-built centre was built for the community.
The Bosnians came from a country which has similar statutory structures to the UK in terms of education, health, and housing, so people integrated rapidly despite ESOL issues. Some of the most pressing issues are now amongst Bosnian Elderly and those with mobility issues and services include day activities and outreach support.
Based on our experiences, we, as a community, took the early decision to use our Centre and our experience to help other refugees coming into the UK, many of whom face huge cultural barriers. This led to help of setting up of an organization led by activists from within refugee communities – Derby Refugee Forum whose operational arm is Derby Refugee Advice Centre (DRAC). Ever since, Bosnia & Herzegovina Centre has become a focal point for refugees and asylum seekers from all around the world. Many of them consider it their second home.
A large part of our strategy on forward sustainability is the use of volunteers, and we can proudly say that we have over 40 volunteers who are engaged with the Centre.
The services we provide include advice related to welfare benefits, housing, health, and much more. We are also registered with Office of Immigration Commissioner, which means we can also give level 1 immigration advice. Alongside advice, we also run a range of ESOL classes, workshops and other activities, all designed around helping the integration of newly arriving migrants.