Firm adds to social value portfolio with free translation for refugees
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: From left, Dawn Clayton from Ongo, Andrei Sparling and Carol Akdemir from AaGlobal Language Services, and John Kirsop and Josh Harris from Ongo
By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor
Leading language services provider AaGlobal has strengthened its social value commitment by supporting a housing project in creating welcome packs for refugees.
The company, which is based in Hull, has stepped up to help Ongo deliver vital support to help families integrate, progress and feel confident in their new community in North Lincolnshire.
AaGlobal has voluntarily translated the full welcome pack free of charge, bringing benefits for the refugees and for Ongo.
John Kirsop, Ongo’s resettlement coordinator, said: “The work AaGlobal has done, especially by translating the welcome pack for free, has saved us time, reduced stress for families and helped create real independence. It’s been invaluable.”
AaGlobal has a proud tradition of adding successful social value elements to its language services contracts across the UK. Organisations which have shared in the benefits include The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) Hull and Humber, the Maxlife Youth Project, the Northern Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA), the WISHH charity, Butterflies Memory Loss Support Group and Fitmums and Friends.
The welcome packs produced for refugees moving into Ongo’s properties are available in Dari, Pashto and Arabic and include vital information such as emergency contacts, local services and guidance to help families begin building safe, independent lives.
AaGlobal’s wider commitment to social value also includes offering training opportunities for refugees interested in becoming translators.
On more than 160 occasions since April 2025 Ongo has relied on AaGlobal for on-demand three‑way calls and video interpretation during GP appointments, school meetings, and other key interactions.
Ongo said the support goes beyond language, helping families integrate, progress and feel confident in their new community and ensuring they fully understand important information, especially around healthcare, education, housing and legal matters.
John added: “Accurate translation makes an enormous difference for the families we support. It gives them a point of access and a level playing field where they can understand their rights, responsibilities and the services available to them.
Andrei Sparling, managing director at AaGlobal, said: “We’re very happy to help new tenants settle into the area by translating documents that truly matter. Social value is incredibly important to us, and everyone at AaGlobal contributes ideas for how we can make a difference.”
Josh Harris, Ongo’s social value specialist, added: “When suppliers tender to work with us, they make commitments about the social value they’ll bring to our communities. It’s important we work closely with them to make those promises into outcomes.
“AaGlobal has been fantastic to work with, and this project is a brilliant example of meaningful social impact. There’s lots more to come with other companies too.”