It can be useful to employ a more structured approach when working with migrant clients to explore their concerns and encourage active participation. This simple four-step guide may help you support clients in understanding local issues and taking meaningful steps towards change.

1. Spotting problems or concerns in the local area or community
2. Thinking about ways to get involved to address those problems
3. Working with others to find solutions
4. Building confidence to take part in civic, political and public life

Step 1: Discovering the problem

Your migrant client may be concerned about an issue that affects them directly (such as poor rented housing) or they may become aware of a problem in their local community (for instance, closure of local dental services). They may discover the problem through conversations with neighbours, reading a local newspaper, or coming across posts on social media. 

• Encourage clients to share issues affecting them
• Promote active listening and respectful dialogue in groups
• Ask open-ended questions like, "What changes would you like to see in your area?"
• Help clients verify facts, for example, by checking the truth of information and looking at diverse information sources rather than relying on informal insights alone (e.g. from social media or conversations with neighbours)

Step 2: Exploring ways to get involved and solutions

Thinking through ways to raise a concern or to solve a problem can seem daunting for migrants, especially newcomers who may be unfamiliar with the UK’s participation structures and systems. Identifying the best approach in resolving the problem, who to contact, or where to find support, can be challenging.

• Encourage clients to think about how they could contribute to addressing these issues. This might include joining a local group or attending public meetings
• Share examples of different ways people have taken action even in small ways, such as signing a petition and contacting a local councillor or MP
• Help assess which actions are most suitable to clients’ circumstances, considering their skills and time commitments
• Offer guidance on rights and responsibilities; for instance, what migrants on different visas can do
• Use a variety of tools such as case studies of successful civic engagement, template letters to elected representatives, or petition guidance

Step 3: Collaborating with others

Taking a collective action may be challenging for migrants who are new to the country, less connected and unsure where to start. Support clients in connecting with others who share similar concerns. Working together can be more impactful and reduce isolation.  

• Suggest local networks, campaign groups, community forums, or public consultations they could join
• Support clients to attend meetings or co-host inclusive forums
• Encourage inter-group collaboration and respectful engagement with opposing views
• Employ tools such as creating ‘local networks map’ or ‘getting your voice heard’ resources 

Step 4: Building confidence and reflecting on next steps

Meaningful engagement and change take time. But many migrants face uncertainty—like unstable jobs or immigration issues—which can make it hard to stay involved long-term. It’s important to be flexible and offer low-pressure ways to engage. 

• Reinforce the value of participation, even if change takes time and individual circumstances may change
• Help clients see themselves as active participants in public life and support their confidence by recognising their strengths and encouraging gradual involvement
• Create space for clients to reflect on how it went — what worked, what didn’t and plan next steps
• Help them decide whether to continue engaging or take a break 
• Reflection worksheets, peer mentoring, or opportunities to share personal stories can facilitate reflection and encourage others to get involved
• Celebrate small wins and progress - confidence grows through experience 

Final thought: Supporting migrants to engage in solving problems can empower them to have a shared sense of ownership of local life. It builds community cohesion.  You don’t need to be an expert — just a guide, a connector, and an encourager.

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