Newsletters and Bulletins for the Refugee Sector
MRSN Newsletter – August 2011
The Manchester Refugee Support Network’s (MRSN’s) Newsletter features the latest news of relevance to refugee communities as well as funding and training opportunities for RCOs. The August issue includes articles about The Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) equality impact assessment on English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and information on where to go for support now that the Immigration Advisory Service (IAS) has gone into administration. The newsletter is Bi-monthly and free to all RCOs and refugee supporting agencies, if you would like to receive an electronic newsletter please contact the Community Development Team on 0161 202 8915 or email belay@mrsn.org.uk.
Click here to read the newsletter.
TRIO Asylum Bulletin –July 2011
The 6th issue of the TRIO Asylum Bulletin includes a summary of the 2011 quarter 1 asylum statistics; and a study on informal economic activities of refugees with clear recommendations on how their lives can be improved. Information is also included about some of the campaigns currently underway in the Refugee and Asylum Sector.
Click here to read the bulletin.
Policy Issues
NRPF Network
The No Recourse to Public Funds Network (NRPF) is a network of local authorities focusing on the statutory response to people with care needs who have no recourse to public funds (NRPF).
‘No recourse to public funds’ refers to people who are subject to immigration control and have no entitlement to welfare benefits, UK Border Agency support or public housing. However, social services departments may have a duty to provide services (including accommodation) to people with NRPF who meet thresholds for support under community care or human rights legislation.”
See: http://www.islington.gov.uk/community/equalitydiversity/refugees_migrants/nrpf_network/default.asp
Refugees, migrants and the Equality Act 2010: a briefing for public authorities
This briefing from the Equality & Diversity Forum is intended to provide clear information about the rights of refugees and migrants that will help authorities to meet the needs of these individuals.
Research about Refugee and Asylum Seeker Communities
Listen and try to understand: refugees’ stories of loss, exile and rebuilding
This is a collection of stories from the lives of eight refugees living in north east England, which is now available in hard copy. Describing experiences they most want others to hear and understand, the participants answer some very difficult questions: When do you decide it’s too dangerous to stay and you have to leave? What are your priorities once you’ve found refuge? How do you set about rebuilding your life? What, and who, do you leave behind? And where is home now? Community workers, teachers, trainers, faith leaders, academics, students, health workers, policymakers will find these stories useful in their work. For a hard copy: (86 pages, A4 ring-bound, free of charge) contact mandy.jetter@durham.ac.uk (before end August 2011), or amanda.jetter@btinternet.com (from end August 2011).
Support Services for Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Information and Advice
Immigration Advisory Service
Following the announcement that the Immigration Advisory Service has into administration, guidance can be found on IAS’s website with instructions about where to send letters to ask for an adjournment or extension.
See: http://www.iasuk.org/home.aspx
South Manchester Law Centre
Following Immigration Advisory Service going into administration, many Manchester residents are now without legal representation in their asylum and immigration cases. In many cases, people have appeal deadlines or actual appeal hearings. South Manchester Law Centre is currently prioritising former IAS clients with imminent appeals, or cases which require immediate action. If you are approached by an IAS client, please phone the Law Centre on 0161 225 5111, 2 – 4.30pm Monday to Friday and 10am 1pm Tuesday and ask to speak to a caseworker. Drop in advice sessions continue every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am -12:30pm.
ESOL Provision for Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Community Development Initiative – English for New Settlers
English for New Settlers is a 3 year project, offering free English courses to adults who are not eligible for mainstream learning. The courses are organised by Community Development Initiative (CDI) & are located in a number of centres in Old Trafford & neighbouring areas.
Click here for further information about the ‘English for New Settlers’ project, & click here to read the latest Community Development Initiative newsletter.
