I have been wanting to run a marathon for a while now. However, training is hard and I'm needing more to motivate me than personal achievement. So I thought I should chose a charity to run in aid of.

UpBeat Communities came straight to mind.

They are a charity that I have worked alongside before, helping to run a group that welcomed newer individuals seeking asylum to the city. This group allowed me to see the blessing that UpBeat Communities pours out on the lives of those seeking asylum in Derby. They offered these people light in what is a dark and difficult time.

Upbeat Communities provides support to refugees and asylum seekers at different stages of their journeys. They address the needs of those newly arrived in the UK, as well as supporting those who have been through the asylum process and have been granted refugee status.

We work primarily in Derby, with some projects extending into Derbyshire and Lincolnshire. Our work falls into welcome, empowerment and awareness.

Like a lot of charities, Upbeat Communities relies on donations from generous members of the public to fund a great deal of their work so that they can keep running English classes, support groups, community meals, support for families and kids, and much more. These projects offer a lifeline of community and belonging for refugees rebuilding their lives in the UK.

Here are just a few quotes from individuals who have benefitted from the amazing work that UpBeat communities do:

· “When you first land in a country, in this situation, it is so hard. Because, one week ago or one month ago you are a normal person, you have a job, you have everything that you may have. But, suddenly, everything goes upside-down. And you are in a country, you are landed, and you cannot mention about your skills, you cannot work, you cannot have friends so easily because you feel different. You feel foreign. But, Upbeat makes you feel like you belong to this place now, and you are okay. Whatever has happened to you, it’s okay. It can happen to anybody. And they welcome you in a way that they don’t look at your religion, they don’t look at your skin colour, they don’t look at your background, education, whatever. They just accept you because you are an important human being."

· "For me, Upbeat was like a lifesaver. Having a life back home and coming into loneliness, uncertainty and confusion and you find a family called Upbeat. It was like a light.”

· "When I talk to you, I know that I am not alone in this country. Thank you for this support and for giving me confidence in myself again. You are very wonderful."