By Mia Kinsey, Student Intern at Migrant Action
Migrant Action is part of the Migration Partnership – a local collaborative initiative of migration and mainstream agencies working together to achieve their shared goals; offering migrant-led infrastructure for the sustainable engagement and meaningful participation of migrant communities in mainstream activity. The partnership runs a multi-agency drop-in every Wednesday at Hope House Church, the aim of this drop in is to strengthen connections amongst the organizations involved and provide a safe space for migrant communities to seek advice and support. Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council (BMBC) are supporting this partnership through endorsement and resources, and all organizations involved support each other and those who reach out during the drop-ins for help. It was great to connect with representatives of BMBC at the event and hear about some of the great work they are doing. What we can see here is the successful implementation of motivations through collaboration to create change, ensuring effective integration amongst the community and transforming lives.
On Wednesday 1st February, the Migration Partnership organized a multi-agency and community networking event themed ‘ Navigating the Cost of Living Crisis- A local Response’. Agencies and communities discuss the rising cost-of-living and how it has disproportionately impacted parts of the community. Each focus group at the event had representatives from different organisations, allowing for diverse perspectives and ideas. Four discussion points were given, with one assigned to each table to discuss and then share at the end. The four discussion points were: the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis on services, staff and the most vulnerable in the community; what is currently available to support people, especially the most vulnerable; what more could or should be done to help, and where are the gaps; and the role of the Migration Partnership and the BMBC.
During the networking event, participants identified several sources of support for various needs. For language support, the Refugee Council, Feels Like Home, and Adult Learning were identified. For housing support, Berneslai Homes, BMBC, and MEARS were listed as resources. Health Integration, food banks, and food pantries were identified as sources for health and food support. Family centres and free school meals were suggested for parents seeking advice for children. All tables discussed the rising cost of living, and one table highlighted that food banks are receiving significantly fewer donations as fewer people can afford to give. The discussion also focused on the mental health impacts of the crisis and the resulting pressure on mental health services or organizations. These impacts contribute to pre-existing inequalities, resulting in fewer resources being available to already vulnerable communities during this time of crisis.
After a successful and informative event, it is clear that the Migration Partnership has achieved a great deal in terms of raising awareness and providing support to local migrant communities. The event encouraged many thought-provoking discussions, all of those who attended showed creativity and commitment to creating sustainable engagement amongst migrant communities. By bringing together local authority, community leaders, and migrant support organizations, Migrant Action through the partnership has created a platform for genuine collaboration, community engagement, strategic advocacy and local influencing in Barnsley.
The event successfully identified various sources of support for different needs, highlighting the importance of collaboration amongst organizations to better serve vulnerable communities. By discussing the gaps in existing support systems and suggesting possible solutions, the partnership is taking a proactive approach to addressing challenges and driving positive change. It is clear that through events like this, the partnership is able to showcase the important work being done to support migrants and highlight the challenges that they face. This is a testament to the power of collaboration and the collective effort of the partnership towards creating a more integrated and equitable community for all.