The whole team at Europia is delighted to share that Europia has been shortlisted for the 2025 EmpowerEU Awards in the Community Champions category. The shortlist was announced on 13 October 2025 and recognises organisations that strengthen people to people connections and improve the lives of EU citizens in the UK. The full list is available on EU Citizens UK and on the EU Delegation’s website. EU Citizens UK
Why this nomination matters
The EmpowerEU Awards spotlight practical and inclusive work that helps EU nationals feel at home in the UK. This aligns with Europia’s mission. Every week our frontline workers help people navigate the NHS services, secure housing, support with immigration, understand their rights and access benefits. Our lived experience community workers provide translated information, run confidence-building sessions and support people who are digitally excluded. We champion women-only health workshops and culturally sensitive cancer screening awareness. We also celebrate culture and heritage through arts activities that bring neighbours together and build trust.
Over the last year Europia delivered more than 2,000 advice and casework contacts. We supported 778 unique people across Greater Manchester. Activity hubs include Manchester, Salford and Oldham. Our work is guided by lived-experience leaders and a Roma Advisory Board. Partnerships with local authorities, NHS teams and specialist voluntary organisations help us reach people who are often missed. These details reflect our long-term commitment to Central and Eastern European communities, especially Roma communities, and show why this nomination is so meaningful.
Voices from our trustees
Our trustee Dizdra Noor took this opportunity to thank the team and the community members for their continued effort, “I am incredibly proud that Europia has been shortlisted for the 2025 EmpowerEU Awards. This recognition highlights the dedication of our team, volunteers, and community in empowering and supporting European nationals across Greater Manchester. It’s an honour to see our collective work celebrated at a European level.”
Our trustee Richard Harvey expressed how the UK and EU partnership is integral for the growth and prosperity with his worlds by saying, “Britain is part of Europe and Europe is part of Britain. We are supporting that.”
What we are being recognised for
- Culturally competent advice and navigation. From GP registration to screening access and hospital appointments with interpreters.
- Women’s health and wellbeing. Monthly sessions on menopause and gynaecological health with interpreters and travel support.
- Community health education. Practical workshops that build knowledge and confidence about diabetes, vaccination and healthy living.
- Volunteer development. Training and expenses that enable residents to support their neighbours and shape local services.
- Arts and heritage. Creative projects that strengthen pride, tackle stigma and connect communities across languages.
What’s next
The winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on Thursday 20 November 2025 in London, hosted at the London City hall. The welcome address will be delivered by Debbie Weekes-Bernard, London’s Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice. Whatever the outcome, being shortlisted confirms the impact of community-led and culturally competent support Europia is committed. We are grateful to every community member, volunteer, partner and funder who has travelled with us so far.
Thank you
This recognition belongs to our communities. Your courage, mutual aid and determination drive everything we do. We will continue to offer trusted advice, create safe spaces for learning and wellbeing, and celebrate culture that brings people together.
