Volunteer Centre Sutton is one of 47 national and regional projects being allocated government funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to help British National (Overseas) families settle successfully into life in the UK. 

Our new project is all part of the up to £43 million dedicated package of support to help BN(O) status holders access housing, work and educational support to ensure that they are able to quickly integrate and contribute to their newfound communities. 

For Hong Kong BN(O) arrivals, Sutton is in the Top 10 Greater London boroughs as a place to settle. It is estimated that 2,000 Hong Kongers have already settled in Sutton, with a further 3,000 expected this year. 

Richard Choi came to the UK from Hong Kong 14 years ago and has played a major part in supporting Hong Kongers coming to Sutton, and runs a 4,000+ members social media group, Sutton Hong Kongers. 

Richard Choi said: 

“Welcoming my fellow Hong Kongers to Sutton is one of the most meaningful things in my life. Supporting them to settle and helping them integrate into the local community is my passion. I am so grateful to see the launch of this new project from Volunteer Centre Sutton, and that is indeed a welcome move towards helping the many Hong Kongers in Sutton settle into this wonderful community.” 

Anita Maullin, CEO of Volunteer Centre Sutton said: 

“Relocating to a new country is always stressful but we are privileged that Sutton is such a popular destination for Hong Kongers coming to the UK. We are delighted to be awarded this government funding so that we can support the community of Hong Kong residents that have relocated to Sutton to participate, volunteer and engage with our community.” 

If you have an existing connection with the Hong Kong community, or would like to get involved and find out more about this project, we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch with Amelia Storey at ameliastorey@vcsutton.org.uk.