SHARE NETWORK CONFERENCE Brussels, 22 nd October 2013

Transcription

1 SHARE NETWORK CONFERENCE Brussels, 22 nd October 2013 A brief reflection on the British Refugee Council s approach to Community development & Volunteering

2 Talking points 1. The fundamental importance of community development in the Refugee Council s resettlement model: 2. The role of the Gateway Refugee Communities Forum in strengthening refugee Communities and enabling peer support among resettled refugees: 3. The essential benefits of volunteering to the resettled refugees, the resettlement programme, the host community and the individual volunteer.

3 Community development in the Refugee Council s resettlement approach. 1. Bridges social integration 2. Promotes solidarity of others 3. Enables active role play in their new community 4. Creates feeling and sense of belonging 5. Allow work and put something back into the community that refugees live

4 Refugees preparing for arrivals Engage the host community, agencies, local groups and neighbours in the resettlement process 1. Before Arrivals 2. On arrival 3. Local orientations 4. Neighbour introduction 5. Multi-agencies meeting

5 Engage and involve the individual refugee and group into their resettlement process Training Empowering through: Training Certificates Information Social Interactions

6 The the Gateway Refugee Communities Forum We Supports resettled refugees to develop and run their own communities and activity groups. As a result, resettled refugees have established and running their own community organizations. This is the Liberian organisation in Sheffield

7 How and why was the the Gateway Refugee Communities Forum set up? 1. The Gateway Refugee Communities Forum was set up in September For Refugee Council: The aims for setting up a Forum was: a) to provide a setting for refugees to channel their energies and skills b) contribute to the positive integration of individuals and groups

8 When I set the the Gateway Refugee Communities Forum set up, as a resettled Refugee, it was all about: 1. bringing together the cross section of Gateway refugees 2. welcoming and providing peer support to new arrivals to share our experiences 3. addressing common issues, raising awareness of issues facing us and others 4. celebrating successes and contributions we were making and continue to make in our new home 5. building relationships across the cultural divides in the city that many now call home.

9 Gateway approach to volunteering It is inclusive: Involving the wider community and previously resettled refugees with a diverse background and expertise. Tasks descriptions: Volunteer roles are developed in response to the needs of individuals and group of clients We continue to expand the use of volunteers and the range of tasks in which they are involved.

10 Recruitment, Training and Supervision 1. Advertisement 2. Application: 3. Interviews 4. CRB/DBS 5. Induction/ Training 6. Supporting and Supervising volunteers

11 What are the benefits of volunteering? 1. Benefit to the resettlement Programme Volunteers helping at event 2. Benefit to the volunteers

12 What are the benefits of volunteering? 1. Benefit to the refugees: 2. Benefit to the local community: Volunteers meeting

13 DO NOT JUST BE SPECTATORS BE PARTAKERS Our experience of taking part in Gateway has been overwhelmingly positive, and we have benefited culturally and socially from the arrival of these individuals and families (Cllr Jan Wilson Leader of Sheffield City Council 2008)

14 For further information Contact: Akoi Bazzie (Community Development & Volunteer Coordinator) SHEFFIELD Frowynke Siegers (Community Development & Volunteer Coordinator) HULL THANK YOU