A few quotes from the report published today: “When assessed as a whole, the evidence of discriminatory, sensational or unbalanced reporting in relation to ethnic minorities, immigrants and/or asylum seekers, is concerning.” “[The conclusion that] Muslims, migrants, asylum seekers and gypsies/travellers … targets of press hostility and/or xenophobia in the press, was supported by the … Continue reading
Volunteer wanted to help with on-line database
For many years LASSN has produced a Directory of Services in Leedsfor Asylum Seekers and refugees – see http://lassn.org.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/directory-of-services-4th-ed.pdf As we approach our 5th edition we’d like to turn the directory into an online resource. We have recently updated our website to use WordPress.org so now have the capabilities we need. The problem is that … Continue reading
Refugees, capitalism and the British State – what should we do?
Tom Vickers, Senior Research Assistant at Northumbria University, will speak about his new book, ‘Refugees, Capitalism and the British State: Implications for social workers, volunteers and activists’ (Ashgate: 2012). Peter Richardson, Director of Leeds Asylum Seekers Support Network (LASSN) will give a brief overview of the situation in Leeds. The focus of Tom’s book is twofold: to … Continue reading
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Campaign to end destitution
Still Human Still Here is a coalition of over 50 organisations that are campaigning to end the destitution of thousands of refused asylum seekers in the UK.
Campaign for free legal aid
Justice for All began 18 months ago to campaign for free legal advice, to ensure everyone is treated fairly under the law. We are still a long way from that goal, but during an extremely difficult time almost 4,000 of us working together have made a real and lasting difference.
Great sources of information to help asylum seekers
Immigration Law Practitioner’s Association On this page you will find the most recent Update and most recent Information Sheets provided by ILPA’s Information Service. The Service provides information of interest in immigration, asylum and nationality law, policy and practice, and is designed for non-lawyers (although many lawyers also use the information). Updates set out on one page a very … Continue reading
Pregnant women, children and people with disabilities among those living on less than 77p a day
We have all heard stories or know of people who can’t afford a hot meal every day. This is a problem for both British born and refugee people. At least we Brits are able to claim benefits but many refugees can’t unless they agree to return to the country they have fled from in fear … Continue reading
Grow Your Tenner
From time to time, the value of a donation you make to us will be matched if you donate through Localgiving.com. They double the value of a donation at no extra cost to you. Last year, this scheme enabled our supporters to raise an additional £1,827 for our work. Contact Richie if you want to be … Continue reading
Refugees, Capitalism and the British State: Implications for social workers, volunteers and activists
I’ve been sent a review copy of Tom Vickers book. It’s an academic book and therefore expensively out of the reach of most readers . I’m hoping that by reviewing it I’ll be able to pull out some of the lessons we need to hear as activists and volunteers. I must admit I started by glancing at … Continue reading
Catherine – my new job #7
Two match-ups today! Very satisfying indeed. The first was with a sister and brother-in-law in Beeston who have similar levels of English. Again we spent a lovely 45 minutes drinking tea, eating biscuits (this is becoming a definite perk of the job!) and chatting. The volunteer’s family are from a neighbouring country so there was … Continue reading
Amazing volunteers
What amazing volunteers we have. Shirley has been a volunteer befriender with us for 10 years. In that time she has supported 11 asylum seekers and is still befriending today. I’m preparing for LASSN agm on 12th October. This year is our 10th anniversary of becoming a registered charity. As I look at the list … Continue reading
Catherine – my new job #6
I had a fascinating meeting with Mary at Refugee Action Leeds today. I had also been aware that they were involved in Assisted Voluntary Return but learning the detail of the project was really interesting. I think it’s a shame that so many people are sceptical about AVR as this is a great scheme that is … Continue reading
Catherine – my new job #5
I did my first match-up today, what a lovely and satisfying experience! This was part of a new idea started by Dave – matching male volunteers with a husband and wife. I met the volunteer outside and we had a quick chat, mainly about how tricky the flat was to find! We were warmly welcomed … Continue reading
Catherine – my new job #4
I’m settling in well as English at Home Manager and really enjoying it, especially getting to meet and speak to some of the amazing English at Home volunteers. I come from a work background of ESOL teaching and public/voluntary sector administration and a volunteer background of project management, volunteer coordinating and campaigning so I’ll certainly … Continue reading
Catherine – my new job #3
I met my first volunteer today. She had already been trained and was ready to be matched up to a student. I was completely inspired by her. She works full time but is so willing to take several hours out of her week to prepare and teach a student. This really made me reflect on … Continue reading
Catherine – my new job #2
I called LeedsCityCollege today to enquire about an EaH student’s application. It was quite illuminating! They have merged their ESOL application process across the whole college. This is a good thing and will save a lot of multiple applications and student confusion. However, this process seemed to be being managed by one (rather stressed) administrator. … Continue reading
Women’s Asylum Charter
Concerned that women asylum seekers are not getting fair treatment? Check out The Charter of Rights of Women Seeking Asylum.
Befriending
Volunteer Befrienders build trust by forging a relationship by meeting up for a few hours each week for at least six months. Asylum seekers and refugees typically need help with settling in Leeds, integrating into the local community, accessing services and overcoming emotional stress caused by past trauma and the asylum process. Read more about … Continue reading