Special Announcement

Settlement Protection: five year reviews and indefinite leave to remain

Refugees granted refugee or humanitarian protection status after 30 August 2005 will need to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the month before their limited leave expires. The first cases of these will reach the end of their leave on August 30 2010, and it is extremely important that people submit their application before their existing leave expires.

News

UKBA pilot scheme to deport families with little notice or time

A leaked UKBA document has revealed that since the government announced the end of child detention, it has been piloting an alternative designed to deport families from the country within weeks. Refugee Council Chief Executive, Donna Covey, said “Families must be fully informed of their options throughout the asylum process… have enough time to access legal advice… [and] the welfare of children must be paramount”. Read the full Guardian article.

Asylum-seeker awarded £100,000 in compensation from Home Office

The Home Office has admitted culpability for removing a Ugandan asylum seeker while his case was still pending. John Bosco Nyombi was removed despite having an outstanding application for a judicial review at the time. The removal was branded “manifestly unlawful” last year and Nyombi has been awarded £100,000 in compensation. Read the full Independent article here.

New chair for the All Party Parliamentary Group on refugees

The Refugee Council supports the All Party Parliamentary Group on refugees, and is delighted to announce its new chair, Dr Julian Huppert, who is Liberal Democrat MP for Cambridge. For news on future meetings organised by the APPG on refugees contact parliamentary@refugeecouncil.org.uk

Mind project to improve mental health services for refugees and asylum seekers

Mind has launched a project aimed at assisting primary care trusts to improve the way they commission mental health services for refugees and asylum seekers. If you would like to know more or you have good practice to share, please contact Sile Reynolds at Mind on s.reynolds@mind.org.uk.

Funding

Ford Britain Trust (England & Wales)

Through its large grants programme this trust provides grants of between £250 to £3,000 (up to £250 through its small grants programme) for the advancement of education and other charitable purposes. Applications are accepted from those living in areas where the Ford Motor Company Limited has its present activities and a long standing association with local communities. To see where these are and for more information visit their website.

Deadline for applications: 1 September 2010

Cracking the Code (England)

This bursary Scheme from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) aims to improve governance within Third Sector infrastructure organisations. £500 is offered to improve the way that community and voluntary organisation are led and governed.

Deadline for applications: 30 September 2010

Help a London Child Fund (London)

Charities and voluntary organisations in London working with children and young people who are experiencing poverty and disadvantage; have experienced abuse, neglect, homelessness, violence or crime; and have an illness or disability are eligible to apply for funding from Capital Radio’s Help a London Child Fund.

Closing date for applications: 3 November 2010

The Co-operative Group – Community Fund (UK)

Charitable organisations and community groups can apply for grants of between £100 and £2,000 (£500 if the applicant is a newly formed group) to help them find co-operative solutions to community challenges. Groups that can demonstrate co-operative values and principles, such as self-help, equality, democracy and concern for the community, will be prioritised.

Applications can be submitted at any time.

Training and resources

Home Office commissioned research shows 20% of refugees have contact with a community organisation

Helping new refugees integrate into the UK looks at many areas affecting refugees’ lives, including English language ability, education and health. Interestingly, 20% of refugees interviewed were in contact with a community group, set up for their nationality or ethnicity, at least once a week – demonstrating the need for and reach of refugee community organisations.

Women’s Resource Centre publishes research on women’s organisations

Power and Prejudice identifies the barriers that women’s organisations face when seeking local change. It also highlights the tools which support local engagement and offers practical solutions to improve this.

Women’s Therapy Centre taster sessions

Women’s Therapy Centre provides information and taster sessions on mental health and psychotherapy to the refugee organisations. It is a free service, in a place of your choice. If you are interested in arranging a session for your clients (women only) or staff please contact Seda Sengun at s.sengun@womenstherapycentre.co.uk or on 020 7263 7860.

Writing Effective Personal Statements for Initial Teacher Training course applications
20 September 2010, 10am–1pm, Brixton, refreshments provided

This Refugees into Teaching Project training will provide advice on what to include in your application for a PGCE, SCITT, GTP or BEd course. Bob Vertes, PGCE Course Tutor at St Mary’s University, will present on how to write effective personal statements, evidencing your relevant experience and skills and more. To reserve a place, or for more information, contact Elina Makela or Susan Bryan on rit@refugeecouncil.org.uk.

Useful website: Get Legal

This free online reference and decision-making website is for charities, social enterprises and co-operative organisations. Developed by NCVO, Get Legal enables organisations and their advisors to access clear information and guidance on the most appropriate legal form and governance structure for delivering their goals.

Events

Refugee Council: Meet the funder seminar
19 August 2010, FREE

This Development Team funding seminar will give refugee community organisations (RCOs) the opportunity to talk to funders and also provide funders with the chance to promote their funding programmes, explain their selection criteria, define their funding remit and outline their funding priorities. Four charitable trusts and foundations will speak at this event including Trust for London. For more information or to book a place email karla.mclaren@refugeecouncil.org.uk

City of Sanctuary National Conference
13 September, 10.30am-4pm, Birmingham City Centre

This year’s national conference will feature inspiring stories from City of Sanctuary initiatives across the UK, including Swansea, which has recently become Wales’ first official City of Sanctuary. Guest speakers, including Dr Ibrahim Shaw from the UWE ‘Refugee & Migrant Support Hub’, will explore ways of creating ‘Universities of Sanctuary’ – opening up access to higher education for people seeking sanctuary.

Community receptions to celebrate inspiring people and groups
11 October 2010

The London Mayor is holding 11 community receptions, covering each Assembly constituency, between now and March 2012. The receptions aim to give inspiring people/groups recognition, including voluntary groups, teachers, community leaders etc. The October reception will cover the areas of Hillingdon/Ealing/Brent/Harrow, to attend or nominate email Amna.Mahmoud@london.gov.uk for more information.

Vacancies

Refugee Council Interpreter (x2)
£21,753 pro rata, 21 hours per week

The Refugee Council is recruiting a Dari/Pashtu and a Tamil Interpreter to join its Support and Advice section. The post-holder will be required to provide quality interpreting services between the Refugee Council staff and service users in accordance with the organisation’s code of conduct and other relevant policies and procedures.

Deadline for applications: 9 August 2010