Formed in 28th November 2002 and registered as a charity in 2005, Shpresa Programme (Shpresa) promotes the integration – with dignity – of the Albanian-speaking community in the UK. We provide and facilitate education and training so that our members and service users can live full and active roles within their communities.
“SHPRESA INSPIRES PEOPLE TO HELP OTHERS AFTER GETTING HELP THEMSELVES.”
Shpresa service user
We want:
- the Albanian heritage to be strengthened and valued
- prejudice and discrimination towards and within the Albanian-speaking community to end
- young Albanians to feel confident and valued, and relations between them and older members to be mutually respectful and supportive
- an end to domestic violence and abuse, with men and women thriving equally
- strong and productive links between Albania and Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Çameri and Presevo Valley.
To achieve this, we help the Albanian-speaking community in the UK to be:
- Informed – with a greater understanding of their rights and responsibilities
- Empowered – by feeling less isolated and with a strong support network, members have improved health and wellbeing (both physical and mental) and increase their skill set.
And to experience:
- A sense of belonging – through a stronger and more positive cross-cultural Albanian/British identity
- A sense of security – through their relationship with Shpresa, as we are trusted and respected by providers and policy makers; working effectively for real and lasting change.
Our Story



Why is Shpresa Needed?
In the early 1990s, many people from Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia fled persecution, with some seeking asylum in the UK. The fall of communism in Albania in 1991, and the political conflict in the Balkans (especially the war between the Serbian state and Kosovans from 1997) led to huge violations of human rights across many communities in Albania and Kosovo.

Working Together

