The 1992-95 war caused over a million of Bosnians to become expelled and dispersed around the world. Western Europe was in most cases the first and final destination of many Bosnians who fled from war atrocities. Some of them found refuge in Great Britain, which had a government programme to accept certain number of these refugees, medical evacuees and former detainees from concentration camps. The city of Birmingham welcomed more than fifty families. This number would, in the following years (1995-2004), increase up to one hundred. Bosnians found Birmingham as their new home and accommodated themselves to live permanently in their new environment. However, this new life has brought new challenges that the Bosnian community has to face.




The Bosnian Cultural Centre ­ Midlands was established in 2003 and seeks to provide practical and psychological support for people from a Bosnian ethnic background. This assistance includes a number of activities such as the improvement of social and cultural life among Bosnians through publications and events, Bosnian supplementary schools, care for the elderly and disabled, translation, interpretation, advice and counselling. Presently the organisation has no paid staff and all activities are run by volunteers. This leaflet offers basic information about our activities and planned projects for the following two years. Also, contact information is displayed for anyone wishing be involved in helping or co-operating.

Establishment of the Community Centre
The Bosnian community has many activities that are scattered throughout different places in Birmingham. There would be a significantly larger number of activities and events if this community possessed its own space, which would function as a focal point that generates a better quality of life. Therefore, our prime aim in the future is to establish the Community Centre for all activities mentioned. The effects of having a Bosnian Cultural Centre on the everyday life of various generations of the community have been examined in a separate research and could be obtained on request.



BCCM has organised a number of community events celebrating Bosnian and religious holidays, as well as days of remembrance. Members of the community of all ages have attended or taken part in them.

Developing business side within the organisation
Our aim is to create a sustainable community whose projects can be maintained by its own resources. We also intend to create more jobs for members of our community. Our vision is to obtain the necessary skills and conditions for the establishment of a design studio. Through our services and the social economy approach we would be able to help other community organisations while generating funds for own activities.