It’s hard to believe that Christmas 2017 is just 3 days away!
Amidst the excitement, pressures, commitment and the temptation to over indulge as we engage in celebration with loved ones, it is also a time to reflect on the year that was for Migrant Action. Two words characterise 2017 for our organisation, Challenge and Promise
Increasingly, we have witnessed more migrants presenting in vulnerable circumstances with unresolved issues and complex needs. Migrants continue to experience destitution, limited access to basic information and guidance as well as restricted access to legal advice, advocacy, healthcare and welfare. Unemployment, limited knowledge and access to services and understanding of complex UK systems constitute key barriers to integration faced by migrants. Many vulnerable migrants continue to live a fringe existence susceptible to various forms of exploitation and degradation. These and more are largely the direct effects of deliberate policy making to create a ‘hostile environment’ for migrants. With limited capacity, Migrant Action is committed to working and supporting migrants to navigate and resolve these challenges.
Amidst the challenges, 2017 has been a year of great Promise thanks to our amazing volunteers including our steering committee, supporters, funders, partners and collaborators. In solidarity with migrants, they have contributed immensely in various ways to ensure that Migrant Action is stable and continues to offer safe space and reliable pathway for assisting vulnerable migrants and those who do not fit into neat migration categories. Because of your help, we are ending 2017 much stronger as an organisation than in 2016, thank you!
On the foundations of such Promise, we look to 2018 with entrenched hope and resolve to continue to challenge the ‘hostile environment’ whilst working to empower and support vulnerable migrants. We hope that as you reflect on 2017 you would consider supporting Migrant Action’s work in whatever way yon can. And together in solidarity, together we can change the migration story and make it a positive experience for all in our great city of Leeds.
Merry Christmas! Best wishes for the season and for 2018.
Fidelis Chebe
Director
Migrant Action
