Latvian Community in Portsmouth CIC is more than an organisation – it is a living, growing community built by people who want to feel a connection and belonging to Latvia whilst living in the UK. Based on the South Coast of England, we bring together Latvian families, individuals and different generations through culture, language and shared experience.
It started as a small initiative but has grown into a structured community with three core pillars: a weekend school “Skoliņa Stariņš”, the choir “Koris Staro”, and a programme of cultural and well-being events and it’s constantly evolving.
A safe and welcoming place for the community
For many of their members, life in the UK can feel fragmented. Many encounter barriers in language, identity and responsibility. The organisations is a safe space where people don’t have to explain who they are. A place where children hear their native language, where adults reconnect with their roots, and where older members of the community find belonging again.
It’s all about connection
Their work is practical with a human touch. They organise celebrations, workshops, performances and gatherings, but at each event they encourage connection. People arrive as strangers and slowly become part of something that feels like home.
A focus on well-being
The organisation has a focus on emotional well-being and social resilience. Through community-led activities and shared experiences, environments are created where people feel safe to participate, express themselves and simply be present. This is especially important for those experiencing isolation, migration-related stress or cultural disconnection.
Driven by volunteers
Everything they do is driven by a small, dedicated team of volunteers who consistently show up, plan, organise and deliver often behind the scenes. Community work requires time, responsibility and persistence, and this is something the organisation takes seriously.
Into the future…
The organisation is building new partnerships and expanding their work to reach wider audiences, while staying true to its people – believing that in the end it is not just about culture, it is about belonging.
Follow this link to find out more about the Latvian Community in Portsmouth
