The Basis Project team were thrilled with the energy and enthusiasm, particularly from RCO speakers, workshop leads and participants at our national conference on Tuesday 24 January.

Around 250 delegates from RCOs, funders and second tier organisations come together to look at practical ways forward for Refugee Community Organisations.

Donna Covey, Chief Executive of Refugee Council opened the day and talked about the challenges facing refugees and those supporting them whilst recognising the valuable work RCOs do to raise awareness and support vulnerable refugees.

Elizabeth Balgobin, Chair of Voice for change gave her analysis of the current climate including the Big Society and the impact on BME organisations, and Micheline Safi Ngogo of Light Project International and Refugee Council trustee Sirak Berhe of Investing in People and culture shared their inspirational stories of responding to challenges on the ground.

Delegates chose from a wide range of workshops from commissioning to social media. The incredible Women Asylum Seekers Together (Manchester) choir moved the crowd with songs about their experiences, and the day finished with closing remarks from Yvonne Cass , Refugee Council Vice Chair and co-founder of Migrant and Refugee Community Organisation.