On 29 June, Migrant Action in collaboration with Project 17 (a London based charity) hosted advisers from statutory and voluntary sector organisations across West Yorkshire on a one day training session on the theme ‘Supporting families with No Recourse to Public Funds’. [Read more…]
Waiting in the Dark: Refugee Action Report on Asylum Decision-Making
Refugee Action has just launched a report, ‘Waiting in the dark: how the asylum system dehumanises, disempowers and damages’, as part of their #StandUpForAsylum campaign. The report exposes the human impact of Home Office failures throughout the decision-making process. In particular, it highlights that more people than ever before are waiting longer than six months for a decision on their claim which has devastating consequences for their health and wellbeing.
The report articulates bad practices, in particular around substantive interviews, and poor decision-making. People are being kept in the dark by a lack of information and legal advice, with 71% of frontline organisations reporting that it is now more difficult to refer people to immigration solicitors than six years ago. Please share the findings of the report across your networks.
Migrant Action 2016-2017
Migrant Action 2016-17: An Overview
MP’s visit
On 6th April, Stuart Andrew MP for Pudsey, Horsforth & Aireborough met with the staff and management of RETAS and Migrant Action at RETAS offices in Leeds. Stuart was keen to understand the needs and experiences of asylum seekers, refugees and other migrants and how RETAS and Migrant Action are enabling and supporting people who access their services.
The conversations with the MP captured the service model and interventions delivered by both services ranging from advice, education (ESOL), employment support, information and guidance, advocacy, facilitating integration, mentoring, access to legal advice etc. Both services provide a pathway for negotiating other forms of external support and assistance for refugees and other migrants. The discussions also highlighted the manifestations of the direct impact of government policies on different categories of migration and the implications for local service provision.
It was a positive visit and the MP reassured staff and management of his passion for local community resilience and commitment to continue supporting the work of RETAS and Migrant Action in various ways at local and governmental level.
