The Somali Community Parents Association (SOCOPA) was established in 2005 with the goal of helping East African refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants in Untied Kingdom understand and access essential services, including health, education, immigration, and housing.
We serve as a focal point for the community, providing practical support and leadership to enhance the lives of individuals and families.
Providing access to a range of educational and developmental opportunities
Services:
Drop in advice; English Languages; Youth Engagement; Skills Training & Employment Support; Cultural Events; Financial Support Services; Health & Education Advocacy and Digital Centre
SOCOPA supports and helps clients access services and make sure the range of services offered meet the needs of Somalis, Eat Africans and anyone building a home in Leicester.
Drop in Mon - Thurs 10am - 2:30pm
Sheeko & Shaah (Female) - Thurs 10am - 12:30pm
Sheeko & Shaah (Male) - Sun 5pm - 8pm
HIDDO - women textile
Outreach services for youth & families
Youth activities - Sat 2pm - 4pm
English Classes on Wed (10am - 1pm) & Fri 2pm - 3:45
Drop in Mon - Thurs 10am - 2:30pm
SOCOPA Continuous Participation and Running of Initiatives such as, Shaah & Sheeko, Winter Support for Elderly, Annual Cultural event and more.
I am a Somali mother raising children on my own, and I am very grateful to the SOCOPA community. In March 2025, I want to share how SOCOPA helped me when I had no knowledge or understanding of how to manage things. They supported me and my children, may Allah bless them. Despite not having a partner or income, they helped me and took care of my sick child. They are very compassionate people. I had refused all assistance until I could stand on my own feet, and they supported me with everything—especially with my child, who has special needs. They helped with my child’s school, doctor’s appointments, and the financial support he is entitled to. They filled out all the necessary forms for me, found me a place to live, and helped me get settled. Without their help, my children and I would have been homeless. I am truly grateful and pray that Allah rewards them for their work in serving the community. JazakAllah Khair
I am an asylum seeker from Yemen and I received my refugee status in January 2025. I didn’t know how to set up or access my E-visa, so I came to the SOCOPA Organisation for help. The team at SOCOPA supported me in setting up and recovering my E-visa access. When I first arrived, I was very worried and stressed, but by the time I left, I felt relieved and happy. I am truly grateful for their help. Thank you so much for assisting me with my E-visa. You were very kind and welcoming to everyone. It was really nice of you to support people like me.
I came to Britain from Algeria as an asylum seeker and was granted a residence visa on the 13th of March. After receiving my visa, I was unsure about the next steps until I found SOCOPA. The team at SOCOPA supported me for several hours, helping me with everything I needed. My mobile phone was broken, I had limited internet access, and I wasn’t familiar with computers, but they were very patient and understanding. SOCOPA helped me apply for Universal Credit and register with Leicester City Council’s Homeless Duty Team to arrange accommodation after I leave SERCO housing. They also provided me with a SIM card offering unlimited calls, texts, and 40GB of data for six months. I am truly grateful for the incredible support and guidance I received from SOCOPA during this difficult time.