OUR STORY
A Leeds story, built from lived experience and shaped by community
Founded in Leeds in 2019, Unleashing Refugee Potential C.I.C. grew from lived experience, community knowledge and a commitment to creating fairer pathways into education, employment and community life.
Why URP was needed
When people arrive in the UK, they often face barriers that make it hard to access the support and opportunities they are entitled to. Complex systems, unequal access and unrecognised skills can stand in the way of progress in education, employment, healthcare and community life.
Complex systems
Information and services can be difficult to understand and navigate.
Unequal access
Opportunities are not always equally visible, available or inclusive.
Unrecognised skills
Knowledge, qualifications and experience can be overlooked.
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People should not have to navigate every barrier alone.
How URP began
Dr Kidist Teklemariam’s lived experience of the UK asylum and migration system shaped the idea for URP. The concept was researched and piloted through her MSc Entrepreneurship and Business Development live project at Leeds Beckett University.
In 2019, Unleashing Refugee Potential C.I.C. was established in Leeds—a community organisation created to turn insight into action.
From an idea to a community organisation
URP developed by listening, testing practical responses and building relationships across education, employment, digital inclusion and community life.
Community conversations
Listening to lived experiences helps us understand real needs and shape relevant solutions.
Practical navigation
We walk alongside people to navigate systems and access the support they need.
Education, employment & digital inclusion
We create opportunities to learn, work and build digital skills for a stronger future.
Partnership, advocacy & research
We collaborate with partners and evidence good practice to influence change and improve systems.
Our journey
Key moments that shaped URP into the community organisation it is today.
1
Lived Experience
First-hand insight into the challenges people face every day.
2
MSc Live Project
Researched and piloted as an MSc live project at Leeds Beckett University.
3
URP Founded — 2019
Became a community organisation in Leeds in 2019.
4
Community Support
Practical navigation and guidance to help people move forward.
5
Expanded Programmes
Growing support in education, employment and digital inclusion.
6
Partnership, Research & Advocacy
Working with partners to influence systems and policy for change.
What has always guided us
Three enduring principles continue to shape how URP listens, works and grows.
Recognise strengths
People bring knowledge, skills and experience that deserve to be seen and valued.
Remove barriers
Practical navigation helps turn complex systems into clear next steps.
Work together
Communities, professionals and partners create stronger change together.
Built with communities and partners
URP has been shaped through the contributions of many. We listen, collaborate and learn together to design support that works.
Refugees and migrants
Knowledge, experience and relationships that strengthen URP’s work.
Volunteers and sessional workers
Knowledge, experience and relationships that strengthen URP’s work.
Community organisations
Knowledge, experience and relationships that strengthen URP’s work.
Universities and colleges
Knowledge, experience and relationships that strengthen URP’s work.
Employers and public services
Knowledge, experience and relationships that strengthen URP’s work.
Research and policy partners
Knowledge, experience and relationships that strengthen URP’s work.
A reflection from our founder
“Supporting others so they do not face the challenges I experienced through the refugee process is close to my heart. Collaboration with organisations and diverse communities remains central to URP’s work.”
Dr Kidist Teklemariam — Founder & Director
Be part of URP’s next chapter
Whether you need support, want to collaborate or get involved, we’d love to hear from you.