Eastern Kurdistan Community UK is here to support
students, refugees, families and community members,
creating opportunities to connect, learn and grow.
Eastern Kurdistan Community in the UK (EKC-UK) is a charity bringing together people of Kurdish heritage, particularly from Eastern Kurdistan (Rojhilat, in western Iran) and the wider UK communities.
Our mission
To empower people of Kurdish heritage and promote their social, economic and civic inclusion in UK life, in line with UN SDG10 (Reduced Inequalities). We do this by helping Kurdish immigrants to face and overcome barriers to integration, such as language, navigating unfamiliar UK systems and limited social and professional networks. We see integration as a process of mutual enrichment rather than assimilation, preserving Kurdish culture and sharing it with the wider community.
Our vision
A diverse, inclusive and prosperous UK where people of every background can belong fully without leaving their identity behind, and where Kurdish heritage is recognised as part of the country's shared cultural life.
Our values
β’ Inclusion: Everyone deserves equal opportunity to take part in society, whatever their background or circumstances.
β’ Integration, not assimilation: Belonging in the UK and keeping our identity are two sides of the same journey, not a choice between them.
β’ Cultural pride: Our language, music, dance, history and traditions are worth preserving and passing on to the next generation.
β’ Contribution: We share our culture as a gift to the society we are part of, and our events are open to everyone.
β’ Community: We support one another and build bridges with our neighbours of all backgrounds.
What we believe
When people feel secure in their own identity, they are better able to connect with others, build trust and contribute with confidence. That is why preserving Kurdish culture and taking part fully in UK life go hand in hand.
What we do
β’ Preserving language and identity: Kurdish language classes, cultural heritage workshops and community mentoring keep the history and social fabric of the Kurdish diaspora alive across generations. Our celebrations, such as Newroz, music and dance, are open to the whole community.
β’ Advice and guidance: We help people with letters, forms and access to services such as GPs, housing, schools and benefits, in Sorani, Kurmanji, Persian and English.
β’ Enriching multiculturalism (SDG 4, Quality Education): We help the wider public, local councils and institutions learn about Kurdish history, culture and values, enriching and broadening British multicultural life.
β’ Empowering contribution (SDG 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth): Many skilled immigrants are underemployed because their qualifications go unrecognised or language holds them back. Through professional mentoring, networking and UK-specific skills training, we help people move from survival mode into thriving careers, as employees, business owners and innovators contributing to the UK economy.
β’ Building a safer, stronger society (SDG 16, Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): As an organised and accountable institution, we give the Kurdish community a unified voice to engage constructively with UK authorities, legal services and policymakers.
β’ Strategic collaboration: We partner with local councils, mainstream UK charities, universities and other diaspora communities to make the Kurdish community part of the wider national story.
Get involved
Whether you need support, want to volunteer, or would simply like to join us at an event, you are welcome. Contact us or see our upcoming events.
EKC-UK is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered in England and Wales, registered charity no. 1215934.
Trustees | Safeguarding policy | Privacy policy
Safeguarding Policy
Our commitment and scope
Eastern Kurdistan Community in the UK (EKC-UK), a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (registered charity no. 1215934), is committed to keeping everyone who comes into contact with our work safe from harm, abuse and neglect. The trustees are collectively responsible for safeguarding, even where tasks are delegated.
We support students, refugees, families, young
people and others who want to become more connected
with the community in the UK.
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Welcoming and inclusive community
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Support and useful information
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Educational and community activities
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Opportunities to meet and volunteer
WHAT WE DO
Activities & Support
Our activities are designed to help people feel
connected, informed and supported.
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Student Support
Community information, social connections,
signposting and practical guidance for students
living and studying in the UK.