Refugee and Asylum Seeker Consultation Responses, Yorkshire and Humber

Transcription

1 Refugee and Asylum Seeker Consultation Responses, Yorkshire and Humber Supporting Document for: Finding Sanctuary, Enriching Yorkshire and Humber: Integration Strategy for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Yorkshire and Humber ( ) October 2009 Dave Brown Yorkshire and Humber Regional Migration Partnership

2 Dave Brown Refugee Integration Manager Yorkshire and Humber Regional Migration Partnership (YHRMP) 2nd Floor, St. George House 40 Great George Street, Leeds, LS1 3DL Tel: Fax: Website: The Refugee Integration Programme at YHRMP is funded by Yorkshire Forward Yorkshire and Humber Regional Migration Partnership October 2009 Acknowledgements Thanks to all the refugees and asylum seekers who responded to the consultation, those who helped them and the different organisations across the region who distributed the questionnaires. Thanks also to Ije Ume-Ezeoke and Marie Padmore- Wood, whose hard work was crucial at different stages of the strategy consultation. 2

3 Contents Summary 4 1. Introduction 4 2. Methods 5 3. About the Respondents 6 4. Integration 9 5. Your Life in the UK Housing Local Community Health Education Employment Volunteering Support Organisations Refugee Communities Any Other Comments Conclusion 56 Appendix 1. Consultation Document 57 3

4 Summary The refugee and asylum seeker consultation in the Yorkshire and Humber region in 2008 was the largest consultation of its type in the UK with 303 questionnaire responses, covering roughly 1% of all refugees and asylum seekers in the region. The consultation contained 30 questions on subjects relating to integration. The majority of respondents had an understanding of the term integration and thought that they were integrated. The best things about life in the UK are related to the reasons for fleeing their countries of origin including being given protection, safety, freedom and human rights. The biggest difficulties in the UK are mainly related to their immigration status, right to work and the English Language. Most respondents were positive about their local community and neighbours although a third have been the victim of discrimination, harassment or racism. Refuges and asylum seekers were generally pleased with the support that they have received from various organisations, had positive experiences of health and education, but more mixed experiences of housing. However, there were significant negative experiences and the restrictions on accessing English Language and Higher Education were seen as significant barriers to integration. Respondents carried out a range of work in the countries of origin, and have wide aspirations for work in the UK. However, very few have been employed in the UK and these jobs do not reflect the skills, experiences and aspirations of the respondents. Refugees and asylum seekers are grateful for being given protection in the UK and want to get on with their lives through working, contributing to society and integrating. In order to do this they want to receive refugee status, be able to support themselves, learn English, mix with local communities and be accepted. Status of respondents was significant to some questions illustrating different needs, entitlements and priorities, but in other questions status was insignificant. The consultation has provided a large amount of information and a solid evidence base for developing: Finding Sanctuary, Enriching Yorkshire and Humber: Integration Strategy for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Yorkshire and Humber Introduction This document is a summary of a consultation with refugees and asylum seekers in It is one part of the consultation for the strategy launched in June 2009, Finding Sanctuary, Enriching Yorkshire and Humber: Integration Strategy for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Yorkshire and Humber (YHRMP). Other elements of the consultation included refugee focus groups, consultation with organisations and a culture and integration consultation. The final strategy, action plan and further information can be found on the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Migration Partnership (YHRMP) website The consultation was a questionnaire with questions about a range of issues relating to the integration of refugees and asylum seekers. The consultation was open to any refugee, asylum seeker or refused asylum seeker in the Yorkshire and Humber region. This document provides a summary of the responses to the consultation received from refugees and asylum seekers. The responses to each question have been analysed and summarised with quotations throughout. 4

5 2. Methods 2.1 About the questionnaire The refugee and asylum seekers consultation was a four-sided questionnaire (see Appendix 2). The questionnaire contained 30 questions under 10 themed headings (Integration, Your life in the UK, Housing, Local Community, Health, Education, Employment, Volunteering, Support organisations, Refugee communities). There was also a space for Any Other Comments (see Appendix 1) and a section called About You with questions about the respondent. The front page was an introduction in English and 10 other languages, and the remainder of the document was in English only. The full document wasn t translated fully into other languages mainly due to the high and unaffordable estimated cost of translating all of the questionnaire and the responses. There were also foreseen difficulties of distributing different documents, and ensuring the correct number of each in different locations. 2.2 Distribution of questionnaires 2,600 questionnaires were printed and distributed directly to 40 organisations across Yorkshire and Humber (Y&H). These organisations included Local Authority Asylum Teams, Voluntary and Community Organisations, Asylum Health Teams, Refugee Community Organisations, Forums and other organisations. Each distributed questionnaire had a freepost envelope attached for respondents to return the document. The questionnaire was also available to download from the refugee access website, and was circulated via networks to organisations and individuals in the region. 2.3 Consultation Period The refugee and asylum seeker consultation began on the 15 th August and had a closing date of the 19 th September In order to enhance participation, responses were accepted until 31 st December Data analysis The responses were each given a number (e.g. RAS 1, RAS 2, RAS 3 etc) to provide confidentiality and anonymity for individual respondents and each questionnaire response received was typed up onto a database. The responses to each question were analysed. This document provides a summary of the data analysis for each question in the questionnaire. Due to rounding-up some percentages in tables may not add up exactly to 100%. In some sections the answer given by respondents fits into more than one category and therefore the total percentages may exceed 100%. There are quotations from more than two thirds of respondents throughout this document, which have been chosen to illustrate the questionnaire responses received. Care has been taken to ensure that, as far as possible, no information has been included that could lead to identification of individual respondents. 5

6 3. About the Respondents 3.1 Number of responses There were 303 responses to the consultation received, all of which were the distributed printed copies. This represents a 12% response rate of the total questionnaires distributed to organisations. However, this is likely to be an underestimate of the proportion of refugees and asylum seekers who responded having seen the questionnaire, as it is possible that not all of the 2,600 questionnaires were given out. Responses are likely to have been proportionally fewer from refugees and asylum seekers who do not access organisations or who do not have proficient English. The responses represent roughly 1% of all refugees and asylum seekers in Yorkshire and Humber 1. We believe that this is the largest consultation with refugees and asylum seekers of its type in the UK to date. 3.2 Status of respondents Around one fifth of respondents were refugees, nearly two thirds were asylum seekers and a small proportion were refused asylum seekers. 2 Table 1 Status of respondents Status Number of % of respondents respondents Refugee Asylum Seeker Refused Asylum Seeker 22 7 Unknown/ no response All Respondents Chart 1 Status of respondents Status of respondents Refugee Asylum Seeker Refused Asylum Seeker Unknown/ No Response 1 For an estimate of refugee numbers, see Finding Sanctuary, Enriching Yorkshire and Humber: Integration Strategy for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Yorkshire and Humber (YHRMP). 2 The term destitute/refused asylum seeker was used in the consultation to refer to refused asylum seekers, and throughout this document they are referred to as refused asylum seekers. 6

7 3.3 Gender of respondents 56% of respondents were male, 37% female. Table 2 Gender of respondents Gender Number of % of respondents respondents Female Male Unknown/ no response 22 7 All Respondents Age of respondents Respondents were from a range of different age groups (see below). Table 3 Age of respondents Age Number of % of respondents respondents Under Unknown/ No response All Respondents Chart 2 Age of respondents 140 Age of respondents Under No resopnse Age 7

8 3.5 Area that respondents live Respondents were spread across the asylum seeker dispersal areas of Y&H, although it is not proportionate to the total refugee and asylum seeker distribution across the region. The areas with the highest number of responses were Leeds (105), Bradford (52), Sheffield (34) and Calderdale (30). The asylum dispersal areas with the smallest number of responses were Doncaster (0) and Barnsley (1). The distribution of responses by sub-region of Y&H was: West Yorkshire (70%), South Yorkshire (14%), Humber (4%), North Yorkshire (<1%). Table 4 Area that respondents live Area Number of % of respondents respondents Barnsley 1 <1 Bradford Calderdale Doncaster 0 0 Hull 11 4 Kirklees 14 5 Leeds Rotherham 8 3 Sheffield Wakefield 11 4 Other Y&H 1 <1 Outside Y&H 1 <1 Unknown/ no response All Respondents Chart 3 Area that respondents live Y&H sub-region South Yorkshire West Yorkshire Humber North Yorkshire Outside Y&H No resopnse 8

9 4. Integration 4.1 What does integration mean to you? This first question led to a variety of responses, which showed certain key themes and ideas. 86% people gave an answer to the question and 14% gave no response. The most common description of integration was mixing (18%). Community was mentioned by 15% of respondents, and society by 11%. Other responses included cultures (9%), difference (8%), being a part of something (8%), fitting in (6%), acceptance (3%). 8% said that they did not know what integration means. Mixing with others (RAS 2) Inclusion, fitting in and adapting (RAS 3) It means being part of the community or society I am living in, in all respect doing things like a normal person and not being treated differently because of my status (RAS 28) It means learning and adapting my way of life to the culture of the people around me. It entails accepting the people, their views and living in peace and harmony (RAS 32) Meaningless because it is talked about a lot but never really put into practice (RAS 34) Learning a language, being able to work and be able to live an ordinary life (RAS 39) Bringing people together (RAS 41) It means when I say we, I mean those who live in the UK (RAS 47) To be active, work, pay tax, learn English and many other things (RAS 66) Fitting in to society or the community I live in (RAS 70) Integration means diversity, respecting the difference and valuing it (RAS 85) It means mixing with people from different walks of life (RAS 121) When I feel happy this means integration to me (RAS 130) Integration means to me to feel a part of society (RAS 141) To belong in this country (RAS 162) To be involved and feel welcome in the community (RAS 178) Knowing the society I have come to live with. Its culture and day to day living, from comedy to business (RAS 189) Integration means to study the language English, to work, to fulfil the laws established in the country (RAS 252) Mixing, living together harmoniously (RAS 284) 9

10 4.2 Do you think that you are integrated? Nearly three fifths of respondents (58%) thought that they were integrated, 11% thought that they were integrated to some extent, 17% thought that they were not integrated and 3% didn t know if they were integrated. The proportion of refugees and asylum seekers who thought they were integrated was similar. A lower proportion of refused asylum seekers than other statuses thought that they were integrated. There was little difference between female and male respondents. Table 5 Do you think that you are integrated? Respondent Status and Gender % of respondents To Some Don t No Yes No Extent know Response All Respondents Refugees Asylum Seekers Refused Asylum Seekers Unknown Status Female Male Unknown Gender Yes I feel that my experience of integration is improving all the time (RAS 16) No because I have no status (RAS 17) Not exactly because I am still labelled a refugee (RAS 35) Not really, I ll be better when I can speak good English (RAS 38) No because I am not happy, I am stressed and depressed with the situation I am in (RAS 52) No because I cannot work pay tax and participate (RAS 66) Yes but I don't think its enough (RAS 96) Absolutely yes (RAS 102) Yes I am because I have been in the UK for the past 6 years, I have attended college, community events and I have friends as well (RAS 120) Not yet because I m still suffering - homeless since 2005 (RAS 136) Yes I feel part of the community (RAS 145) I believe I am integrated as I am interacting very well with my neighbours (RAS 153) 10

11 To a certain degree but not fully (RAS 154) No because I still have language barriers and restrictions to work (RAS 184) Yes I am integrated because I am able to mix and interact with different people as well as using services with them (RAS 221) Yes as I fought my way through by breaking first of all the language barrier, I went to college through the years and volunteering ever since I came to the UK. That helps my integration (RAS 225) I think I have in many ways socially and that one senses a sense of belonging sometimes (RAS 228) I don t think that I have integrated, not at all because I am not given equal opportunities (RAS 256) I get on with everybody around me but I m not part of a community (RAS 301) 11

12 5. Your Life in the UK 5.1 What are the best things for you about your life in the UK? Over half of all respondents (51%) identified the best things about their life in the UK as related to their reasons for fleeing their country of origin including receiving safety, security, protection, peace, living without fear or the associated treatment in this country such as freedom, human rights, equal rights and democracy. Education was the second most frequent answer (14%) and the people in the UK was the third (8%) There are some differences in responses by status. The responses did not differ significantly by gender. 99% of total respondents answered this question. Table 6 What are the best things for you about your life in the UK? Respondent status (%) All Respondents Refugees Asylum Refused Unknown Asylum Seekers Status Seekers Safety, security, protection, peace, living without fear, freedom, human rights, democracy Education People Housing and Support Health Standard of Life Status, citizenship English Language Family Work Opportunity, hope Culture, community Acceptance, hospitality Organisation s support Better for women Participating, volunteering Transport Better for children Everything Nothing Other responses Don t know No response Freedom and no fear of being killed (RAS 10) I feel that I am a human being here (RAS 25) I wake up and I am alive, I have my children around me and I am free (RAS 29) 12

13 I have peace of mind at least to an extent, away from home. My neighbours are friendly (RAS 32) I have learned English at college and can write and speak it now. I could not do it when I first came here 8 years ago so I am very happy about it. I have learned a lot abut life in the UK and I have a family that I love so much here (RAS 40) The best thing to do is to feel that there is hope to start a new life (RAS 47) Protection (RAS 49) When I am college, I make new friends and learn about the culture (RAS 73) Nothing at all only that I am safe from my enemies (RAS 93) The best thing for me in the UK is saving my life and getting the opportunity to continue my studies (RAS 102) The best thing for me in the UK is saving my baby (RAS 111) Good life care in hospitals, education, affordable daily life to everyone on all basis from food, work and life in general (RAS 112) The best thing is the protection brought to me since 2000 when I came into this country (RAS 114) Safe from persecution back home (RAS 152) That I was welcomed well (RAS 181) Here in the UK for the first time in my life I feel safe. Where I came from I didn t have that, it means a lot to me and my future is here in the UK (RAS 214) Open and free way of life - the sky is the limit for those who are ambitious and hard working (RAS 216) I have no good experience during my life in the UK, and I have been full of stress and got health problems (RAS 219) The best thing about my life here is that I managed to escape from the torture that was in my country and I am here, where you assisted me with accommodation and food as I am not allowed to work (RAS 221) Having a roof over my head, to sleep and wake up in one piece and having people supporting and helping me all the way (RAS 224) That I am able to settle down and be part of the community and be very useful to the economy of the country (RAS 228) Living in peace, equal opportunities, and all people are same under umbrella of law and free opinion (RAS 275) Being alive, freedom and looking after my family without fear (RAS 279) 13

14 5.2 What are the biggest difficulties for you living in the UK? Roughly half of all respondents (49%) identified their biggest difficulties as being related to the asylum system including waiting for a decision upon their asylum status, restrictions on their right to work and the asylum process/ Home Office. This answer differed significantly by status of respondent (refugees 7%, asylum seekers 58%, refused asylum seekers 91%). English Language was the second highest response, particularly higher for refugees. The other most frequent responses for refugees, but not for other statuses were: new culture and community, finding employment and no difficulties. The responses did not differ significantly by gender. 99% of total respondents answered this question. Table 7 What are the biggest difficulties for you living in the UK Respondent Status (%) All Respon Refugees Asylum Refused Unknown Asylum Seekers Status dents Seekers Immigration status/ right to work English Language Separation from/ missing family and friends Asylum Process/ Home Office Financial/ money/ cost of living New culture and community Forced dependency/ loss of dignity Homelessness Isolation/ lonely Lack of human rights/ freedom Accessing Education Stress/ depression Stigma/ discrimination Housing Weather Finding employment Health Not accepted/ excluded Travel Childcare < Everything Nothing/ no difficulties Other Don t know No response Is when I have been trafficked to this country (RAS 12) Being victimised by the UK system and members of the community around me because of being a failed asylum seeker (RAS 27) 14

15 I have to work twice as hard, I have to work more than 17 hours a day if I need to give my wife and children a life of an acceptable standard (RAS 28) I do not feel that I am a complete being, I feel inadequate because I cannot use my wisdom, knowledge and skills (RAS 29) The struggle continues even after you have gained Refugee Status (RAS 30) I live under fear of deportation, separation between my and my family (RAS 31) I hate not doing anything, like working because I am a dynamic and active person (RAS 32) Human rights, I didn t get this. I came here for protection from persecution. I didn t come here to this country for benefits. I want the right to work whilst I am here, I have been waiting for 3 years for the Home Office to grant me the right to remain tin this country (RAS 37) I can't work to get the life I deserve (RAS 71) I have no support-money and will have no home this time tomorrow (RAS 78) The weather and the discrimination from a few people (RAS 91) I have been in this country for almost 3 years without being allowed to do anything, just staying behind doors like a blind man in prison (RAS 93) The difficulty for living in UK is the English Language at the moment (RAS 104) Not being able to work and provide for my family (RAS 135) I don t think that there are difficulties, we can't overcome because we are determined to make every effort to proceed our lives here (RAS 137) Loneliness and nobody asking me where are you going? (RAS 147) Being dependent. In my culture a man has to look after themselves and family. Living on support while I'm not disabled is unbearable. I hate being an object of pity (RAS 154) Being any asylum seeker, anytime people are talking the way they talk about asylum seekers it is like they are not human beings (RAS 173) I have no house, no job, no life and no food or money (RAS 193) Language and the weather (RAS 194) Not knowing what is to happen with my life next. For 6 years I am still not knowing, am I to stay here or not? (RAS 215) I miss my family (RAS 241) I've been to detention for 3 months but I'm not a criminal just have immigration problems (RAS 293) 15

16 5.3 What could be done to improve your life in the UK? The most frequent answer to this question was similar to the previous question (see section 5.2). Nearly half (49%) said receiving a positive decision on their asylum claim or the right to work, which differed significantly by status of respondent (refugees 5%, asylum seekers 62%, refused asylum seekers 73%). The second highest answer (and related to the first) was for respondents to be able to support themselves and be independent. Access to education was the third highest answer given (14%) followed by English Language. A notable answer from refugee respondents only was that nearly a quarter of refugees said finding a job. The responses did not differ significantly by gender. 87% of total respondents answered this question Table 8 What could be done to improve your life in the UK? Respondent Status (%) All Respon Refugees Asylum Refused Asylum Seekers dents Seekers Unknown Status Immigration status/ right to work Support self, independence, dignity Education English Language Be treated same as others, equal rights Finding job Housing / financial support Meet people, make friends, closer to local community Integration, learning about society More help from organisations Contribute / pay tax Passport/ travel Raise awareness of issues for refugees, asylum seekers Family Reunion Health Nothing/ no improvements Other Don t know No response Finding more organisations that will address the needs and problems of asylum seekers and refugees (RAS 27) Advise the public and the service providers that we are human beings, that some of us indeed were once important or responsible people where we came from and we need to be helped to regain our self-esteem (RAS 28) I want to be valued. I want to be able to reach those heights that I am capable of reaching (RAS 29) 16

17 I need to live a life, I am losing out and will not be able to capture a lot of things that are passing me by (RAS 34) Not to be in limbo for so many years without an answer from the Home Office about my Asylum case (RAS 41) Any kind of training whether if its language courses or learning some social ethics, and of course professional training would definitely improve my life in the UK and make integration possible to achieve (RAS 47) Allow me to work and I can contribute towards tax an be able to look after myself and my family (RAS 52) Allow us to work and access to higher education (RAS 64) Work, participate in the development of Yorkshire by paying tax (RAS 66) By encouraging the media and British public to deal with refugees and asylum seekers and also change their negative opinions (RAS 91) If I could be allowed to take up further education to university level or at least to be allowed to work as I have been out of work for years (RAS 120) Being allowed to work and not relying on handouts or benefits. Being granted to live here without having to wait this long. (RAS 121) At the moment I need to learn English, after that I need to work (RAS 125) Please, if I should be allowed to work and contribute to the economy. I feel I am wasting away, I want to be useful to myself (RAS 134) I could be allowed to look after myself as my case is being looked into. It would give me a sense of belonging as I would contribute to the society that has looked after me when my country threatened my life (RAS 154) I just want my case to be accepted then I will have a life and a future (RAS 191) At least have a chance to learn new skills while waiting for a decision on my claim (RAS 224) To be granted refugee status or any form of leave to remain in the UK would be a big step (RAS 233) 17

18 5.4 If you have a problem who would you ask for help? One third of respondents (33%) said that they would ask for help from the voluntary/ community sector including predominantly refugee specific organisations but also mainstream voluntary/ community sector organisations. Nearly a fifth (19%) mentioned their local Asylum Team or Housing Provider, and 14% would ask Friends and Family. A range of other people and organisations were also mentioned (see table below). Table 9 If you have a problem who would you ask for help? % of respondents Voluntary/ Community Sector 33 Asylum Teams/ Housing Providers 19 Friends and Family 14 Churches 6 Solicitor/ Lawyer 6 Police 5 Home Office/ UKBA 4 No-one/ just self 4 Health Services 3 Education Providers (e.g. teachers/ college) 2 Refugee Community Organisations 2 Social Services 1 God <1 MP <1 18

19 6. Housing 6.1 What has been your experience of housing? Overall, there was a very mixed response to the question about experiences of housing (see table below) and had more negative responses (34%) than any other issue within the consultation questionnaire. Refused asylum seekers, some of whom do not have any housing, were more negative than people with other statuses. Asylum seekers were slightly more positive than refugees. Females had more positive experiences of housing than males. The most common specific negative housing experiences mentioned were: homeless/rough sleeping (9%), standard of housing (8%), waiting/applying (4%) sharing with other people (4%), area (3%), overcrowding (2%), lack of choice (2%). Table 10 What has been your experience of housing? Respondent Status and Gender % of respondents Mixed/ No Positive Negative Other Neutral Response All Respondents Refugees Asylum Seekers Refused Asylum Seekers Unknown Status Female Male Unknown Gender Living with people I do not know not easy (RAS 2) It has been really big problem for me as I have been living rough in the street for years (RAS 8) Staying in terrible and unfurnished houses and dealing with accommodation providers who never look after their properties (RAS 27) I feel I have been imprisoned, there is no freedom of movement (RAS 39) I am happy about my house because it has been adapted for disabled people (RAS 50) It was ok until recently, now I am in constant fear of being removed from the house (RAS 55) Bad, lots of houses are in an area with crime and drugs (RAS 88) To find a house in [local area] is very difficult and it took me about a year to get a council house (RAS 110) 19

20 They make sure my house is of a good standard (RAS 117) Three times without shelter and living expenses (RAS 143) I have been properly housed, I appreciate that (RAS 154) Terrible, indescribable (RAS 165) Good but we are still facing some difficulties, washing machine is not provided and house have mouses (RAS 184) I don t feel secure in that house and all the facilities are old and broken, beside I don t have shower and a lot of problems with bathroom (RAS 219) One of the best experiences ever (RAS 220 This is very good housing and all the basic things in life are provided (RAS 221) I have no friend at all since you moved me to [local area]. I am isolated (RAS 236) Perfect (RAS 287) So-so actually, some place very bad but sometimes good (RAS 300) Awful, I am housed on a 3rd floor flat, with a child and there is no lift service, and I live in a 1 bedroom with a male child (RAS 303) 6.2 What would improve your housing situation? Two thirds of all respondents made suggestions about what would improve their housing situation, with the highest answers being housing standards, having their own house and status/ permission to work. One in eleven were happy or satisfied, and a quarter said they don t know or gave no response. Table 11 What would improve your housing situation? (%) All Respon Refugees Asylum Refused Unknown Asylum Seekers Status dents Seekers Housing standards, cleanliness, furniture, carpets, appliances, decorating Have own house/ not sharing Status/ permission to work Not be homeless/ any house Change the area they live Bigger house/ not overcrowding Repairs, responding to problems, enforcement of standards Choice in housing situation A garden Permanent housing Quiet Priority for refugees in allocation

21 Other Satisfied/ Happy Don t know No response Getting my own house, not sharing with others (RAS 3) Don t talk about it. I have 8 years experience, there is nothing for me (RAS 9) To understand my rights in housing (RAS 11) To be able to live where we want in a house that is clean (RAS 16) I think its ok as it is (RAS 60) Changing things like the carpets and furniture, as it is dirty (RAS 93) Take more care of people and try to make sure the accommodation is furnished to the needs of the people (RAS 119) Suitable place for my family (3 of is living in one bedroom) (RAS 149) Deal more seriously with our housing problems and help us to solve (RAS 173) At the moment everything is ok, and also the monthly visits that are being done by the support team keeps everything in good condition (RAS 221) At least propose me a house based on my case (health issues) instead of saying that the policy is for me to bid and for me to go private rent (RAS 225) If I am being free and allowed to work which will make us live in a better house of our choice (RAS 231) At least to have a choice of where I want to live and being able to move when I want to move (RAS 233) I live, eat, sleep and cook in one room it would be nice to have another room (RAS 265) Slightly bigger house with garden (RAS 274) Now I'm living with my friend and they are over crowded because they are supporting me (RAS 285) Now I m homeless I need help finding somewhere to live (RAS 286) 21

22 7. Local Community 7.1 Do you like the local area where you live? More than two thirds (70%) said that they like the area where they live. The responses were more positive for asylum seekers than refugees, and the most negative responses were from refused asylum seekers. Females were slightly more positive about their local area than males. Table 12 Do you like the local area where you live? Respondent Status and Gender % of respondents Mixed/ No Positive Negative Other Neutral Response All Respondents Refugees Asylum Seekers Refused Asylum Seekers Unknown Status Female Male Unknown Gender Yes because it is not far to the city centre (RAS 6) Yes the general area is ok but I am placed on the margins (RAS 30) No because my local area is silent, you can't make relationships. All the people are busy. Only I have a library in my local area sometimes I will read a book in there (RAS 37) Yes I like it in [area] where I live (RAS 58) I like the people but still feel lonely as there is no [nationality] people in the area (RAS 79) Not really (RAS 115) Its so so (RAS 144) Yes because everybody seems to welcome me (RAS 181) Its not that bad, besides people shouting racist words, but I don t mind probably they don t want foreigners (RAS 191) I don t like the area but have no choice on where I want to live (RAS 233) 22

23 7.2 Do you get on with your neighbours? Two thirds of respondents (66%) said that they get on with their neighbours, 11% gave mixed or neutral responses and 16% gave a negative response. Positive responses were significantly lower for refused asylum seekers. There was no significant difference between females and males. Table 13 Do you get on with your neighbours? Respondent Status and Gender % of respondents Mixed/ No Positive Negative Other Neutral Response All Respondents Refugees Asylum Seekers Refused Asylum Seekers Unknown Status Female Male Unknown Gender Not next door but the others are good (RAS 14) We smile at each other and say hello. One day I had no water in my house, I approached my neighbours who were very helpful (RAS 35) Yes I get on well with my neighbours (RAS 116) Not for me and my husband, but yes for sons (RAS 137) Yes but I feel not really close to everyone as it is seldom we chat with one another (RAS 143) I don t know them, I have never got a chance to meet them (RAS 168) I get on well with my neighbours (RAS 214) I feel isolated, I live in a flat (RAS 259) Sort of, children are disrespectful (RAS 277) Yes (RAS 280) Yes, I do (RAS 284) No they are not very friendly and I have experienced racial abuse (RAS 291) Absolutely fine (RAS 298) I just know seeing my neighbours they don t talk to me and my child (RAS 303) 23

24 7.3 Do you have many British friends? Nearly two thirds (62%) said that they have British friends. The majority of respondents gave yes or no answers to the question, with some giving numerical answers ranging from 1 to 15, and also answers such as none, some, few, many. A higher proportion of asylum seekers replied positively in comparison with either refugees or refused asylum seekers. Females gave more positive responses to the question than males. Table 14 Do you have many British friends? Respondent Status and Gender % of respondents Yes No Other No Response All Respondents Refugees Asylum Seekers Refused Asylum Seekers Unknown Status Female Male Unknown Gender No because I don t speak English very well (RAS 1) Yes I have at least 10 English friends and many that know me (RAS 5) Yes if I can call them friends. I do talk to lots of British people when waiting for the bus, in the work place and other places (RAS 35) Yes I do have a lot and because of them my English has improved a lot (RAS 56) A few (RAS 60) Yes some of them are like brothers and sisters to me. Like a family (RAS 74) No apart from my colleagues who I work with through volunteering (RAS 79) Not yet (RAS 98) Still now I have not British friends but I hope next time I ll have British friends (RAS 99) Yes but most originally from 'my' country (RAS 171) Only one it is very hard to make friends with them (RAS 190) Yes a lot of them because we have a lot in common in the way we live and in the way we view life (RAS 221) 24

25 7.4 Have you ever been the victim of discrimination, harassment or racism? Over a third of all respondents (36%) said that they had been the victim of discrimination, harassment or racism. This figure was significantly higher for refused asylum seekers (59%). There was no significant difference between females and males. Table 15 Have you ever been the victim of discrimination, harassment or racism? Respondent Status and Gender % of respondents Yes No Other No Response All Respondents Refugees Asylum Seekers Refused Asylum Seekers Unknown Status Female Male Unknown Gender No, my stay has been very nice (RAS 5) I had some problems in my first school with some racist students (RAS 16) Yes, especially in the park when I am out to play with my son, but I get by (RAS 32) Yes occasionally (RAS 46) Yes my neighbour harassed me because of my colour (RAS 74) Not too much (RAS 100) Never (RAS 102) I have never been the victim of discrimination or racism (RAS 116) Yes it was in 2004 in [area], I d been to hospital (RAS 138) Many time, in [area] to be an asylum seeker is like a sponger. People are insulting me and some places I m not welcomed (RAS 234) Some people sometime call us fucking black asylum (RAS 302) 25

26 7.5 What could be done where you live to help refugees and other people mix better? One quarter of people suggested community centres or activities would help refugees and other people mix better. This was higher for asylum seekers (30%) than refugees (18%), and was not mentioned at all by refused asylum seekers (0%). Improving awareness of refugees and asylum seekers and their situation including positive media coverage was the next highest response (11%), with similar proportions across refugees and asylum seekers, but higher (18%) for refused asylum seekers. Table 16 What can be done where you live to help refugees and other people mix better? % of respondents Community centres/ activities 28 Awareness of refugees 12 Equal opportunities/ status/ right to work 16 More direct help for refugees 3 English Language 2 Improve local environment and crime 2 Don t distinguish refugees from others 1 Housing for destitute 1 Mixed already/ nothing additional to be done 5 Can t be mixed 2 No need/ don t want to mix 1 Other 12 Don t know 10 No response 16 To give us something to do in the community volunteering let us work (RAS 2) I don t think that anything can be done. When people hear that we are asylum seekers they don t want to mix with us (RAS 19) Events that bring people together without highlighting their status (RAS 30) Portray positive pictures of asylum seekers and refugees. Make them humans not animals (RAS 34) Have community shows and interaction where people express how they feel about different situations (RAS 41) Give any information about refugees and others to the local people RAS 42) More community centres doing different activities (RAS 52) People of different communities gather in some celebrations (RAS 55) More centres for people to meet. Help stop the media from printing out information that discriminates against us (RAS 70) 26

27 To have gatherings and possibly support sessions (RAS 71) A community centre (RAS 75) Involve them in area meetings (RAS 89) Organise the local events to help refugees and host communities talk, play and share experiences (RAS 110) Language is always a problem and if the language is solved it might help bridge the gap (RAS 111) Community projects which involves refugees and the community to help make friends and use our skills to help (RAS 134) Organise neighbourhood groups that meet occasionally so people can know each other (RAS 154) More understanding of why refugees come to live in the UK (RAS 182) More activities, more groups (RAS 242) Through community get togethers and communication (RAS 264) If the support officers would care more and not just dump people and tell us 'that we don't have a choice as asylum seekers (RAS 303) 27

28 7.6 What would most improve your life in your local community? The highest proportion of responses to this question (29%) were about interacting with the people in their local community, including responses relating to participation and interaction, being accepted and centres to meet the local community. One in seven (15%) gave answers relating to receiving status or permission to work, which was different by status (refugees 0%, asylum seekers 20% and refused asylum seekers 32%). One third (33%) don t know or gave no response. Table 17 What would most improve your life in your local community? % of respondents Participate in and interact with local community 18 Permission to work 10 Accepted by local community 6 Status 5 Safety/ security/ stability 5 Community centre 5 English Language 4 Access to education 4 Housing 3 Refugee-specific initiatives 3 Having friends and family 2 Environment/ cleaning neighbourhood 2 Parks 1 Sports 1 Health 1 Finding a job/ financial help 1 Childcare/ schools 1 Religion 1 Volunteering 1 Music 1 Transport 1 Libraries <1 Other 2 Satisfied/ nothing to be done 6 Don t know 7 No response 26 To have neighbours who are friendly (RAS 16) Having facilities where a family can meet with other families (RAS 28) People from the same country and community to socialise because it is lonely here (RAS 58) Being able to participate fully with every member of the community (RAS 69) "Having a library, community centre and 24 hours police patrol" (RAS 89) 28

29 Associating with my local community is the key to everything (RAS 93) Being granted the rights to be fully accepted to live in the UK and able to work within the town I live in and share with the local community life as all (RAS 112) To learn English so that I can interact more with people (RAS 116) To advertise and raise the issue about refugees that we were and are hard working people (RAS 130) A small park or playground for children (RAS 135) If community officers could go round our area at regular intervals so that we can express our views and problems (RAS 160) Increase and create more job opportunities (RAS 168) To have my own house and be able to take care of my family (RAS 187) "Happy, my area clean and nice" (RAS 195) "A centre to meet, share experiences" (RAS 211) To be allowed to work and be on the same level as other members of the community (RAS 233) "Get involved in various things, church, college, doing voluntary work so that I will be able to meet other people" (RAS 240) More community groups and encourage locals to mix (RAS 260) "English language, because I believe strongly that English language is the only window to go through to be connected with the society" (RAS 275) "Better transport- public transport is terrible, none on a Sunday, doesn't run late in enough" (RAS 277) 29

30 8. Health 8.1 What has been your experience of healthcare in the UK? Slightly more than half of people (55%) gave positive answers to this question, with a small proportion (13%) giving a negative response. Refused asylum seekers were less positive than other. Female respondents were slightly more positive (58%) than male respondents (54%). Table 18 What has been your experience of healthcare in the UK? Respondent Status and Gender % of respondents Mixed/ No Positive Negative Other Neutral Response All Respondents Refugees Asylum Seekers Refused Asylum Seekers Unknown Status Female Male Unknown Gender The positive experiences noted were the high standard of service and professional care, helpful and friendly staff and good treatment. The negative experiences that people mentioned were waiting times (5%), difficulties or not accessing healthcare (4%), dentists (2%), negative view of being given medication (1%) and discrimination (1%). Yes. Its been very good in my opinion (RAS 1) Excellent, good with appointments and vaccinations (RAS 14) Health access tough for asylum seekers (RAS 21) Highly professional care at all times (RAS 25) Healthcare given blatantly does not really help a person who has had traumatic experiences. It makes a person even more poorly physically and mentally (RAS 29) Being pathologised and medicalised (RAS 30) The worst experience compared toother countries. The GP does not find out what the cause is (RAS 39) Very good, apart from struggling to get a dentist (RAS 52) I need a GP as I do not have one here in [area] (RAS 65) Good service but waiting list is disappointing (RAS 106) 30

31 Health care is systematic and organised (RAS 118) Very accessible and walking distance. Brilliant and fabulous. And it actually helps with my health issues I am worried about (RAS 134) Never been registered (RAS 145) While I think the health care is excellent I would like the health care workers to treat everyone equally, they are more friendly to white people (RAS 154) UK healthcare is the best, they take care of people very well (RAS 174) Not happy, feel GPs are not listening to my needs (RAS 203) I have difficulties to access health care (RAS 232) Don t seem to understand, translators not always supplied (RAS 277) So poor. If you go to doctor they just give you anti-biotic, panadol etc (RAS 302) 8.2 What could be done to improve your experience of healthcare? The answers to this question related closely to the answers in the previous question about experience of healthcare. The highest responses were reducing waiting times, focusing on specific needs of refugees and asylum seekers, access to dentists and GPs and giving appropriate medication. The answer of giving appropriate medication was significantly higher for refused asylum seekers, producing the highest answer from any status (refugees 0%, asylum seekers 3%, refused asylum seekers 14%). Nearly a quarter of all respondents were satisfied and a third didn t know or gave no response. Table 19 What could be done to improve your experience of healthcare? (%) All Respon Refugees Asylum Refused Asylum Seekers dents Seekers Unknown Status Reduce waiting times Focus on specific needs, reduce discrimination, use interpreters Access Dentist Improve access to GP/ healthcare Giving medication appropriately Other Satisfied/ nothing needs to be done Don t know No response Sensitise health workers to the plight of people from a different background (RAS 29) 31

32 For doctors to listen carefully to what the patient is saying before prescribing medicines (RAS 40) If you make me busy with something I won't think about my problems and I will feel healthier (RAS 50) They do well. If they can improve more that will be great (RAS 86) To reduce the waiting list according to the seriousness of illness (RAS 116) Improve the appointment system. Stop giving pain killers instead of proper treatment (RAS 119) Continuing the good work (RAS 121) All I need was done for me (except medical report I request) (RAS 136) Should be faster especially with serious illness, which is why the time factor is important (RAS 137) Getting registered with a GP and a dentist (RAS 145) Needs no improvement (RAS 163) Get GP because I don t have a GP (RAS 180) I don t know much about the health care here in the UK. I would love it to know more (RAS 214) Have more dentists to reduce waiting time (RAS 233) In my experience I am happy so nothing (RAS 260) I don t know, maybe finding a dentist for people who don t have access (RAS 297) To treat us like human have some problems not as number!! (RAS 302) If surgeries would learn not to discriminate (RAS 303) 32

33 9. Education 9.1 What has been your experience of learning English language? Nearly a third of respondents (32%) gave positive responses to this question, and 12% gave a negative response. Refugee respondents gave the most positive responses and refused asylum seekers the most negative. The balance of positive and negative responses was similar between females and males. One in seven respondents (14%) previously spoke English, mainly as their first or second language in their country of origin. A quarter gave other responses, including which classes they attend and their level of English. Table 20 What has been your experience of learning English language? Respondent Status and Gender % of respondents Positive Mixed/ Previously Neutral Negative No Spoke Other Response English All Respondents Refugees Asylum Seekers Refused Asylum Seekers Unknown Status Female Male Unknown Gender One in eight of respondents stated that they were unable to access English language provision, due to insufficient classes and large waiting times (5%) and not being allowed to access English classes because of their status (3%). 7% of respondents stated that they would like to learn English but are not currently and 4% stated that they are learning English informally such as through friends. Bad. I am asylum seeker and I am not allowed to go to join college (RAS 1) Difficult to get onto college courses. I can attend conversational classes (RAS 36) It has been helpful in many ways especially communicating with people and shopping (RAS 40) I have got good experience in college but still can't speak English well (RAS 63) "My experience of learning English is good, I like the way the Teacher teaches (RAS 100) So far learned from my family and friends. After 6 years I start ESOL next week (RAS 108) There are a lot of facilities in the area (RAS 113) 33

34 Very useful and help me to integrate in the communities I have lived in (RAS 134) "Could not register in an English language course since I was not granted leave to remain, so I learn English from friends" (RAS 145) I have never been anywhere to learn English. I don t know where to go (RAS 155) I was in the waiting list about 5 months (RAS 178) When I came to the UK I was not allowed to learn English for 6 months (RAS 182) "I can speak English, but now I need to learn to write it" (RAS 189) Easy to learn (RAS 192) I had no problems because I could speak, read and understand English from my home country (RAS 220) "Language barrier is the worst thing. Being unable to express your feelings towards others, so learning English was the best experience. It s a new skill too" (RAS 240) Not sufficient ESOL courses and classes available (RAS 250) Very Good (RAS 263) We learnt it by ourselves. First college lost our form and then they didn't have place for us (RAS 300) 9.2 What is your experience of other education (school/college/university)? The responses to this question were 20% positive, 5% mixed or neutral responses and 15% negative. Two fifths of responses could not be categorised as either positive or negative and one fifth did not respond. Refused asylum seekers gave less positive responses than other refugees and asylum seekers. The balance of positive and negative responses was similar between females and males. Table 21 What is your experience of other education (school/college/university)? Respondent Status and Gender (%) % of respondents Mixed/ No Positive Negative Other Neutral Response All Respondents Refugees Asylum Seekers Refused Asylum Seekers Unknown Status Female Male Unknown Gender

35 One in nine respondents (11%), stated that they are unable to attend university/ college because of their status and 3% said difficulties of access. Examples of courses that respondents were studying are: Construction Management, IT/ Computers, Health and Social Care, Childcare, Mathematics, Contemporary Dance, Accounting, Access course. At high school it has been very hard work for me because I have been struggling to learn the language as well as trying to be at the same level as the other students (RAS 16) School good, college good, university- no access for asylum seekers (RAS 31) Very good actually. You could think its perfect if you do not know how to look for discrimination, but its rife (RAS 35) Good as I learn at college with different people so different behaviours and cultures. It is good for more experience and developing personal culture (RAS 42) Good (RAS 84) To get granted a loan was difficult, they told me I have to be 3 years in the UK, that s why I couldn't continue my higher education (RAS 85) I think that it is a valuable experience and I am learning a lot (RAS 116) I can not go to university because I am a failed asylum seeker (RAS 165) Excellent (RAS 169) It is very hard to find college to study (RAS 172) I was attending English class at the college but after refusal of my stay I was not allowed to attend the college (RAS 177) No visa no education (RAS 183) I'm in college, the education is good and the facilities are excellent (RAS 191) Denied access don't know why (200) Fine (RAS 201) Good education, especially for my kids, in school now (RAS 231) I'm ready to go to the university but I'm refused as I have not got leave to remain (RAS 234) My child has been refused a place for school at my nearest school so I can not afford bus fare which means she will stay home with me. She is 4years old and is supposed to be in Reception (RAS 236) Is very nice, all friendly, good teaching and helpful (RAS 257) I am enjoying my course and it is giving me a foundation for my future career (RAS 303) 35

36 10. Employment 10.1 Are you currently in paid work? Only 4% of all respondents are currently in paid work. Of the refugee respondents, 12% are currently in employment, and 88% are not currently in employment. 3 A higher proportion of males (5%) were employed than females (2%). Table 22 Are you currently in paid work? Respondent Status and Gender % of respondents Yes No No Response All Respondents Refugees Asylum Seekers Refused Asylum Seekers Unknown Status Female Male Unknown Gender Currently or previously in paid work in the UK Less than a tenth (9%), of all respondents have worked in the UK (currently or previously), which is just over twice the proportion currently in paid work. Of the refugee respondents, 17% have been in paid work in the UK (12% currently, 5% previously) and 83% have never worked in the UK. 7% of asylum seekers have worked in the UK, and none of the refused asylum seekers have worked in the UK. Similar proportions of females (8%) and males (9%) have worked in the UK. Table 23 Currently or previously in paid work in the UK Respondent Status and Gender % of respondents Yes No No Response All Respondents Refugees Asylum Seekers Refused Asylum Seekers Unknown Status Female Male Unknown Gender Asylum Seekers and Refused Asylum Seekers normally do not have permission to work (however, a few may have permission) 36

37 10.3 What do you do [current paid work]? What other work have you done in the UK? The most frequent jobs which respondents have carried out in the UK are: work in warehouse/ factory (6 respondents), care work (4), project/ support work (4), take-away/ restaurant (4) and cleaning (3). Below is the full list of current or previous paid work which respondents said that they had carried out in the UK: 4 Call centre Care assistant or general sales assistant Care work, I did nursing adaptation at [Nursing Home] and I'm registered with the Nursing council presently, but not practising Care work, Support Worker Cleaning Factory/industry work I am working as a project worker at [Refugee Organisation] I have done cleaning work I have done order picking, cleaning etc I have lived here for 13 years and I have my own company I have worked as clients assistant/ support worker for [Bank] I have worked in construction for 10 years and with [Pizza Company] I was working in Prison as waiter Interpreting research assistant support worker. Mail sorter Maintenance, building Night shift in [Supermarket] Packing Part time taxi driver Pizza shop, take away Project worker Restaurant Sales assistant Support/care work Warehouse Warehouse order picking and machine operating between before I was told to stop working by the Home Office Warehouse, Catering Work in some company Worked for a paper 4 Due to the particularly sensitive nature of this question and potential for identification, the respondent number has not been included (i.e. RAS xxx). 37

38 10.4 What work did you do in your country of origin? Three quarters of respondents worked in their country of origin, either in paid work (72%) or housewife/caring role (2%). Nearly one in ten (9%) were students either at college/university or school-age. 6% said that they were not in work including respondents who were not allowed to work. 12% gave no response. Refugees and Asylum Seekers had a wide variety of occupations and jobs in their countries of origin. The responses are grouped into areas of work in the table below. The most common work in countries of origin was teaching (8% of total respondents). The next highest are trading, shops, clerical work, health care, farming and mechanics. Table 24 What work did you do in your country of origin? Areas of Paid Work and examples of jobs cited Frequency Teacher primary and secondary school, lecturing and nursery, 23 Trading trader, sales, salesman, trader in second-hand clothes, purchasing, trade, retail, buying & selling, import & export 18 Shops/ Market shop-keeper, owned shop, managing shop, shop assistant, clothes shop, selling watches, electric shop, greengrocer, market trader 17 Clerical receptionist, personal assistant, secretarial, admin 14 Health Care nurse, mental health nurse, dentist, nutritionist, mortuary assistant, care worker, midwife 14 Farmer/ Agriculture 11 Mechanic 11 Restaurant/ Cafe chef, waiter/waitress, baker, running coffee shop 8 Engineer electronic, electrical, avionics, computers, petroleum, mechanical 7 Factory/ Other Manufacturing 7 Police/ Security/ Prison Officer 7 Tailor/ Dry Cleaning/ Designer 7 Financial/ Accountant/ Insurance accountant, investment officer, Insurance Manager Driver taxi driver, truck driver, professional driver 5 Soldier 5 Sports athlete, football, basketball, body-builder, professional football coach 5 Tourism 4 Welder 4 Arts music, painting, performing artist, drama 3 Carpenter 3 Construction 3 Electrician 3 Hairdresser/ Beauty Stylist 3 Interpreter 3 Media/ PR/ Marketing 3 NGO 3 Croupier/ Casino Cashier 2 IT 2 Jeweller 2 Painter/ Decorator 2 United Nations 2 Diplomat 1 Lawyer/ Solicitor 1 Plumber 1 Research

39 10.5 What work would you like to do in the UK? Nearly one quarter (24%) would like to work in health and social care (health, social work, care work). One ninth of respondents (11%) would like to be in skilled trades. 7% would like to work in retail, shops, cafes and restaurants, 6% would like to be teachers, 5% drivers, 4% working in IT and 4% office work. One eighth of people (12%) responded to the question by saying that they would do anything. Table 25 What work would you like to do in the UK? Areas of Paid Work and examples of jobs cited Frequency Anything 35 Skilled Trades Builder, Carpenter, Electrician, Mechanic, Painter decorator, Plumber, Tailor, Welder 34 Health Doctor, nursing, midwife, nursery nurse, podiatrist, epidemiologist, physiotherapist, dentist 32 Care Worker care worker, childcare 27 Teacher 17 Study studying, courses, university 15 Driver taxi driver, bus driver, lorry driver, delivery driver 14 Retail shops, market 14 Social Worker 13 IT 12 Community and Charity community development, housing support, work with vulnerable groups, charity work 11 Office office work, admin, secretarial 10 Self-employed 10 Factory work 8 Restaurant/ Café café, restaurant, chef, catering 7 Accountant 6 Business 6 Cleaning 6 Lawyer/ Solicitor 6 Interpreter 5 Arts art, theatre, music 4 Engineer 4 Management 3 Tourism and transport travel and tourism, cabin crew, transport planning 3 Army 2 Casino Croupier 2 Civil Service 2 Gardener 2 Geology and oil 2 Hairdressing 2 Nutritionist 2 Research 2 Security 2 Forensics 1 Housewife 1 Printing 1 Sailing 1 Sports Athlete 1 Can t work medical reasons, retirement age 3 Don t Know 10 No Response 28 39

40 10.6 What are the difficulties for you to work? Nearly two-thirds of people (61%) said that the difficulty for them was their status not allowing them to work. The second most frequent response difficulty for work was language (8%) and the next was that there is no difficulty for working (5%). Table 26 What are the difficulties for you to work? % of respondents Status Documentation, NI numbers, Home Office, etc 61 Language 8 No difficulties nothing, none 5 Health 2 Experience 1 Finding a job and getting interviews 1 Childcare 1 Homeless 1 Qualifications recognition, requalification 1 Training 1 Discrimination 1 Studying 1 Travel 1 Business start-up money <1 Caring responsibilities <1 Everything <1 References <1 Other 3 Don t Know <1 No Response 13 40

41 11. Volunteering 11.1 Are you a volunteer anywhere? One third (33%) of all respondents are currently or have previously been a volunteer. Proportionally this is similar across different statuses. A higher proportion of females volunteer than males. Four respondents mistakenly believed that they are not allowed to volunteer because of their status. Table 27 Are you a volunteer anywhere? Respondent Status and Gender % of respondents Don't No Yes Previously No Know Response All Respondents Refugees Asylum Seekers Refused Asylum Seekers Unknown Status Female Male Unknown Gender Who do you volunteer with? Of those respondents that described current or previous volunteering over half (55%) are in mainstream volunteering (i.e. organisations not specific to refugees and asylum seekers), and 45% in refugee-related volunteering (i.e. refugee organisations, RCOs). Female respondents volunteer more with mainstream organisations than males. Table 28 Who do you volunteer with? Respondent Status % of respondents Refugee Volunteering Mainstream Volunteering All Respondents Refugees Asylum Seekers Refused Asylum Seekers Unknown Status Female Male Unknown Gender

42 11.3 What is good or bad about volunteering? There were almost three times as many positive answers to the question than negative (some respondents gave both answers). Refugees were slightly more positive than asylum seekers and refused asylum seekers. Females were more positive than males. Table 29 What is good or bad about volunteering? Respondent Status and Gender % of respondents Don't No Good Bad Other Know Response All Respondents Refugees Asylum Seekers Refused Asylum Seekers Unknown Status Female Male Unknown Gender Of the positive responses about volunteering, the highest responses were helping people (32%), gaining experience (27%) and meeting people (25%). Table 30 What is good about volunteering? % of positive responses Helping People, Contributing 32 Gaining Experience and References 27 Meeting People 25 Language 11 Self-Worth 11 Learning Skills 10 Keeping Busy 7 Integration 3 The largest negative response by far was that volunteering is unpaid (72%), followed by lack of opportunities (9%) and not being valued (6%). Table 31 What is bad about volunteering? % of negative responses Not paid 72 Lack of Opportunities 9 Not Valued 6 Boring 4 Childcare issues 2 Doesn t fill spare time 2 42

43 Voluntary work is good because you do good things. Bad because you don't get paid (RAS 5) Feeling good as you are contributing to the people around you (RAS 27) Considering my circumstances, volunteering gives me a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, knowing that I am useful to an extent (RAS 32) Good, building on my skills and gaining local work experience in fields that I am educationally qualified for. Bad - I don t know whether I am valued, lip service is paid though (RAS 35) The good thing is you gain more skills and experience. The bad thing is sometimes you get boring jobs like filing everyday (RAS 56) It is good to volunteer because you get busy and you don't think much about your Asylum claim which is stressful (RAS 60) It helps me learn English (RAS 124) It is good as it promotes the values of positive participation in the community (RAS 154) Bad - no pay (RAS 163) What is good about volunteering is that you get to meet all sorts of people here in England and learn the English culture (RAS 214) You get to help other people in need and those in similar situations like yours. You also learn new things (RAS 224) Gaining more skills, experiences and knowledge are the good things. The bad things is sometimes the lack of job opportunities (RAS 225) Making friends (RAS 241) Good to get experience, mixing with others get me out the house (RAS 265) Its good, as we can help people and make them happy. Its bad that you don t get paid (RAS 297) 43

44 12. Support Organisations 12.1 What Organisations have helped you? Over half of all respondents said that refugee voluntary organisations (51%) had helped them. The next most frequent answers were Housing Providers/ LA Asylum Teams (19%), Mainstream Voluntary Sector (13%) and Home Office/NASS (13%). Table 32 What Organisations have helped you? % of respondents Refuge Voluntary Sector 51 Housing Providers/ LA Asylum teams 19 Mainstream Voluntary Community Services 13 Home Office/ NASS 13 Religious 7 Health Service 5 College/ School 3 RCOs 3 Social Services 2 Job Centre Plus/ Benefits 1 Friends <1 Sport <1 None have helped 8 No Response/ Don t Know/ Other What organisations have not been helpful? Over half of all respondents did not respond to this question (53%), and a further 23% said that no organisations were unhelpful. The most frequent responses which mentioned organisations that had not been helpful were the Refugee Voluntary Sector (7%), Home Office/ NASS (5%) and Housing Providers/ LA Asylum Teams (5%). Table 33 What Organisations have not been helpful? % of respondents Refuge Voluntary Sector 7 Home Office/ NASS 5 Housing Providers/ LA Asylum teams 5 Mainstream Voluntary Community Services 1 Legal/ Solicitors 1 Job Centre Plus/ Benefits 1 College/ School 1 Police <1 Health Service <1 RCOs <1 All unhelpful 3 None unhelpful 23 No Response/ Don t Know/ Other 53 44

45 12.3 How can organisations support you better? The most frequent suggestions for how organisations can support refugees and asylum seekers were: housing and financial support (9%), listening and understanding (8%), give status or permission to work (8%), take action and be more helpful (7%), provide information and advice (6%). One tenth of respondents said that organisations were supporting them satisfactorily and couldn t support them better. Half of respondents (51%) either gave no response or don t know Table 34 How can organisations support you better? % of respondents Housing and financial support 9 Listening and understanding 8 Give status or permission to work 8 Take action and be more helpful 7 Information and advice 6 Employment, training, skills 3 Improve integration and cohesion 3 Legal support and solicitors for asylum case 2 More resources for organisations 2 Volunteering 2 Access to education college, schools and universities 1 Childcare 1 Interpreting 1 Counselling 1 Reduce discrimination 1 Provide safety and security 1 Improve English <1 Sport <1 Reduce waiting times <1 Organisations don t support well 1 No further support needed/ satisfied with support 5 Don't know 10 No Response 41 By taking note of individual situations and not having ready made one size fits all response (RAS 29) By giving house to homeless (RAS 31) By allowing me to support myself (RAS 64) Take time to listen to us (RAS 70) By giving more information (RAS 81) Government organisations should help the refugees because they have to start their lives from the beginning (RAS 113) 45

46 "Giving training, skills and always getting in touch" (RAS 115) In case that we are desperate for help we would appreciate to be seen immediately by someone instead of waiting for a long time (RAS 116) Need more staff and better offices (RAS 159) More understanding of my background and the problem I have (RAS 183) Want more counselling (RAS 204) Maybe help to do voluntary work (RAS 211) "Loads of ways, sign post, give information, support me for the solicitor. I am in very hard time, no house, no benefits, no support, please help me" (RAS 217) Help me for work permission and better place for living (RAS 219) Always by listening carefully to our needs and signposting to some specialist agencies accordingly (RAS 225) I don't need any help from my organisation. I need a work permit and a leave to remain to support my family (RAS 234) Give my child a place to learn or please I will keep her at home because I cannot afford bus fare since I am not working (RAS 236) I think they do what they can (RAS 240) Understand my needs (RAS 245) Help me to be recognised as a refugee which contains everything I want (RAS 246) "By providing us suitable and healthy accommodation, as well as legal aid" (RAS 275) By advertising there services better, like in the libraries (RAS 291) By listening and not stereotyping or stigmatising refugees and asylum seekers (RAS 303) 46

47 13. Refugee Communities 13.1 Are you part of a refugee community organisation? Around a quarter of respondents (24%) said that they were part of a refugee community organisation (RCO). A further 9% of respondents said that they were part of an RCO but gave examples of organisations or groups that are not RCOs. Nearly half (45%) said that they were not part of an RCO. Table 35 Are you part of a refugee community organisation? % of respondents Yes with Don't Yes Non-RCO No know example All Respondents Other No Response respondents who gave examples of RCOs, but only 7 were actually RCOs and 28 (9%) weren t, which suggests potential for further misunderstanding in the other Yes answers. Other responses also suggested that some respondents misunderstood the question and it is possible that there could be both false positive answers and potentially false negatives. The answers may reflect how well respondents understood the terminology in addition to the extent of their membership of RCOs How do you think refugee community organisations help refugees? The majority of respondents did not give specific examples of how RCOs help refugees. The responses to this question are likely to contain similar misunderstandings to the question above. Table 36 How do you think refugee community organisations help refugees? % of respondents Advice, support and information 17 Social, activities, meeting people 9 Integration 3 Referring 3 Legal 3 Food, clothes, money 2 Representation 2 Housing support 1 Skills, training 1 Language 1 Listening <1 Childcare <1 Family Reunion <1 Yes generally helpful 13 No not helpful 6 Response not relevant 2 Don t know 12 No Response 36 47

48 14. Any Other Comments Nearly half (133) of the total respondents wrote comments in the final section any other comments. The full list of comments is below: I wish I could go to college because I want to improve my English (RAS 1) "Let my Lord, God Almight Bless yours" (RAS 4) "Please help me out, please I need a lot of help as destitution person. Thank God bless you." (RAS 8) I can only say thank you for helping and giving hope to me (RAS 9) [organisation] needs more resource. Sometimes I have to wait more than one hour for help (RAS 11) I thank every organisation put more effort to their services to make it better. But [organisation] are really doing well and ok (RAS 12) Thank you to [organisation] especially [individual] (RAS 13) I can say that the Home Office never listen to the refugees needs (RAS 17) Cost of living is too high and the money I receive from NASS doesn't cover this (RAS 19) If I have passport then I am good. I am always sick/ depressed if I have papers then it s good (RAS 23) "I just want to thank NASS and ask for help about my situation, if they could give us favour to become citizen, so we can be more own responsible" (RAS 26) I just feel so grateful that these organisations do exist otherwise we would not cope (RAS 27) Refugees have played a good role and continue to play a positive role in the host country. Their presence mean the UNHCR gives money to the UK. The EU gives money to the UK and a lot of local people have been employed in the service organisations for refugees. Some may actually have been on benefits but they are earning money and their status has improved (RAS 28) Enable other nationalities to set up organisations that will cater for people from their regions because equal opportunities policies do not normally work because some people argue culture (RAS 29) "I think it would be better if once one is granted refugee status, they are given all the support to them to lead a life similar to the one led by a local person of the same age, educational background and work experience from home country" (RAS 30) "Vouchers (you can't pay for bus fare with vouchers, you can t buy what you want with vouchers). It makes others such because if you're out of money, the voucher is change for 15 out of 20 depending on the mood of the person changing it." (RAS 31) 48

49 "There is so much talk about integration but nothing appears to be done in a concrete way to benefit the so called refugees. I think as an industry that is booming, a lot of employment has been created for local people but the benefits accruing to the actual refugees have dwindled. Refugees are now impoverished." (RAS 35) Thank you for all the help I have received in UK (RAS 36) I want to say about ours [nationality]. Last 3 or 4 years we cam here [UK] to claim asylum, I think Home Office 90% of us granted, 10% refused. Why? Because we in the same situation, all the world know the problem of [country]. Home Office cannot able to deport [nationality] to their country because they know about problem of [country]. Therefore we (10% of [nationality]) need the right to work while we are here and we want to grant us the right to remain in this country (RAS 37) "Refugee life in the UK is very difficult, I don t feel free. For example I can't watch TV or buy one because I have to pay for tv license and the vouchers I get are not enough for paying. The same story is for riding a bus. The vouchers are not enough (RAS 38) There is good interaction between different types of people in different walks of life. The organisation is doing a good and commendable job (RAS 41) Thanks to the organisation (RAS 45) I am thankful for what I have got (RAS 46) "I just want to say thank you, now I feel human" (RAS 48) Please I need Home Office Stay because I lost all of my family and I need protection (RAS 49) "I don't know who you are and what is your intention, I hope my answers to your questions could help you to find a solution to help me or other people like me. I am sorry if my English is not good enough to make good sentence." (RAS 50) "Arrest people who leave rubbish and spitting in lifts, its not healthy. And there is no need to give asylum seekers benefits of which people can work for themselves and support themselves" (RAS 52) Shit (RAS 53) I would really like the government to help or give papers to asylum seekers as some of us are not lazy, we can work and pay our taxes and then live a better life (RAS 56) Refugees and asylum seekers should be listened to, to be given better lives (RAS 57) "Give me stay in the UK, money and accommodation and safe life" (RAS 58) I m scared for my life and support, I spend all my nights looking for somewhere to sleep (RAS 59) 49

50 I ve got two children, my daughter is two and half years old and my son is only 2 months old. They were born in the UK and I hope we get a positive answer from the Home Office (RAS 63) I am not sure if the Home Office or the British Public are interested in asylum seekers (RAS 64) I want black people to be treated like human beings, not inhuman (RAS 65) I would like to work, pay tax and participate to the development of Yorkshire (RAS 66) If it is possible to give them work until the Home Office decide on their cases so that they don t have to beg on the street or end up committing crime because they can t look after themself (RAS 67) "About food when people are waiting, we are really suffering with hunger though you tried but I think it needs is improvement" (RAS 71) If they did the work little faster it would be better (RAS 72) Improvement of service and food department (RAS 74) "Homeless, no money for food and I have nothing. I need support and help" (RAS 76) "I have been in the UK for 6 years and can't help my mother, father or brother. I am crying for your help, please help me and my baby" (RAS 84) More awareness, training, practical integration not on paper (RAS 85) "We are human beings, some are good, some are bad. We can't change what we are. Some do well, some are destroyed. That s the world at the moment" (RAS 86) "I am a good trained nurse but my skills are not being practiced because of my status in this country. If only I am granted indefinite leave to remain here, I would practice my nursing and be off government benefits " (RAS 89) I would like this country to fell pain for the refugees and give us papers and develop this country as well (RAS 92) "I got some difficulties within the past 2 months where by they cut all the support and accommodation. I was real desperate, of everything living in room without electricity and I was told to go and find food in churches 2 times a week" (RAS 93) I would like to ask for your help to understand that my English is not very good as I am a student (RAS 100) Good and bad in all cultures/ communities (RAS 108) "The part of the [refugee organisation] I go to when I have problems is the above mentioned. I feel from my point of view it needs re-structuring, training with good 50

51 relations, attitude, phone manners and customer handling, good care of people who come in need to them. Not what I have experienced in the past two months and what is still going on" (RAS 112) Refugees are just like aliens. They are new to this country. When you go and see private people they ignore you. There are a lot of things to say (RAS 113) I will be happy if I can be fully integrated in this country as I love it and will be a useful asset (RAS 115) "I am a mother and my children go to school. The main problem is my eldest child, as I don t speak well English, I couldn't help him with his homework. I would appreciated it if he can get extra support from school as I don t feel he is at the good level" (RAS 116) I said thank you people for UK for everything you have done for me. God bless all of you (RAS 117) "I feel that my abilities, skills, experience etc. are under utilised in this country because of my immigration status. I'm also a human being who is supposed to be leading a normal life regardless of colour and background" (RAS 118) Small organisations need to be supported in order to provide full support to those in desperate situation (RAS 119) I wish I could be given my immigration status so as I can further my education and work rather than spending years depending on tax payer money for support (RAS 120) I have integrated so much into the British society that I wish to be granted my stay and look for a job so as to fend myself (RAS 121) I want learning English and I want to work as a painter and decorator (RAS 125) Yes I want to improve my English (RAS 133) I have been married (and she is 7 month pregnant) since 1 year but still I am living homeless my application for accommodation still not responded from NASS (RAS 136) Thanks a lot (RAS 137) I am asylum seeker I have no any comments at the moment because nobody accepts asylum seekers comments (RAS 138) I am delighted to know that there are refugee communities. I wish they would be more active in speeding up the process of Asylum claims (RAS 143) I have been in the UK for 5 years. I need the basic human rights that I haven't been granted so far. All my problems will be solved if I am granted leave to remain (RAS 145) Please help me to change my life (RAS 146) 51

52 "The only thing I want to say. I wish to become a refugee as everybody in this world, hope my answers are getting me something usefully for my life. Thanks" (RA 151) I would like the government to look very closely at the matter why the asylum seeker are not allowed to work (RAS 153) "I would like people who can look after themselves to be allowed to. Support should be given to those who need it, disabled, elderly and to a certain extent those who need to learn the language and culture" (RAS 154) "Thanks to the people here, now I have a house to live and I enjoy everything here. Thank you very much" (RAS 155) "I commend you for your interest in trying to better the plight of asylum seekers, my only reservations are about vouchers, I wish the issuing of the latter is degrading instead, cash restore one's dignity" (RAS 156) I think the system tries best to deliver. Needs to cut time on waiting (RAS 159) I have been here 9 years (RAS 161) I want the Home Office to help me (RAS 163) "Has lived here for 8 years, but wants Home Office to help him with documents" (RAS 164) "The immigration system of the UK sucks. No wonder why certain sections of society become radicalised and there is mistrust, anger and resentment among members of the communities" (RAS 165) Thanks (RAS 172) I don't know what I would do without them (RAS 175) "Wants to study, learn. Has asked for volunteering opportunities but caseworkers has not arranged anything" (RAS 176) "Yes being an asylum seeker with vouchers no money, living with strangers without work, life is hell. And living without permission to stay, all the time thinking about the papers to get permission and be free. As human being, hopefully my dreams will be allowed one day before I die" (RAS 177) "We come in this country because we had problems, we are not criminals. Please there are some causes we can't do because we have no visa, please help us. God bless" (RAS 178) "NHS is helping me with medication. I hardly cope with the medicines that need food before you take them, as there will be no enough money to buy the food, and the food now has gone up but the money the government gives asylum seekers is not enough, especially when you have a condition with health. For me really its very tough" (RAS 179) 52

53 My big problem is that I am not allowed to work and I hope that I work I get work paper and get a job and pay tax like everybody (RAS 180) "We come here because we have problems, we are not the criminal, so please help us get visa" (RAS 182) Yes when I get my visa I am happy to say more things (RAS 183) "I like everything about Britain that includes the food, making friends, but at the end of the day I want to stay in Britain for good so can you please help me stay here. If you can do that the I will be grateful to you forever. Thank you" (RAS 186) I love this country and I wish to live here permanently even if things go well at my country. I would like to study and start a new life here if one day they give me permanent residency (RAS 187) Thank you so much (RAS 188) "Cases just take too long to solve and wasting peoples lives. I have been here 8 years but not allowed to work and can't build a family in this uncertain situation. No women like poor people, so this affect so much. If I can have papers it would be easy for me to marry and start family" (RAS 189) "Yes I would like the Home Office to allow asylum seekers to work, give us work permit so that we can find job while we are waiting for our stay. I would like them to also try and give us stay, some of us have been waiting for so long, even some solicitors are not taking some cases they would tell you your case is not strong. So who is going to help us in our cases? So please help we are not being treated very well" (RAS 190) Well I've gone through emotional stress. I tried to take some depression tablets and they were affecting me. I have stomach pains due to stress. Every time when I start thinking about my case I get sick. Its so painful (RAS 191) "I have a daughter and I can't look after her because I don t have permission to work and I can't do anything and I need help" (RAS 193) Very happy with the housing support team at [housing provider] they really helped me (RAS 197) I would like to work and get a work permit (RAS 203) "Like to be here in this country and work. Happy with health care, education, housing in this country" (RAS 206) Allow us to work please and let us pay our taxes (RAS 211) Well as an asylum seeker I find it very hard to adjust my life because I get very little money to live by from the Home Office. I would be grateful if I can be given an opportunity to work and definitely leave to live and work because I feel I have a lot to offer (RAS 214) I wish they can be able to do more (RAS 215) 53

54 "Yes as I see I am disabled person can't walk and also no support from refugee and single person, no family. Please help me and I am sending my medical report with this and I can't speak English" (RAS 217) "I want ask for a letter from Home Office which is leave to remain to stay and work in UK" (RAS 218) Better service and facilities help me feel relaxation. I've got language problems and I can not contact with opposite sex and it s a big and main problem in UK (RAS 219) "Thanks for the opportunity, it means so much to me" (RAS 220) "Yes, nowadays things have changed to the worse for asylum seekers. They are people in need of shelter and protection. Refugee are still stereotype and jobs are not easily given to them, please find a solution to that. That will help our integration" (RAS 225) "If I get approval to work, with my past working experience I would make a better contribution to society" (RAS 226) It s a big concern for some of my colleagues who wish to improve their lives as well but the problem is child care facilities because when ones shows (RAS 228) Tired of this life. I left 2 small sisters behind. I want my decision (RAS 230) If I am granted a permit to stay in the UK in other for me and my three children to live happily in the community and then allowed me to pay my tax like any other individual (RAS 231) "I just wish that my asylum case could be resolved and considering the time I have spent in the UK, I think it would be un-fair not to be given leave to remain in the UK" (RAS 233) I need just a right like other person to support my family (RAS 234) I just want to get to the end of my waiting to accept me as a refugee and want to start my life in the UK as everyone else (RAS 237) Refugee community in [local area] very good service. I hope continues (RAS 239) "I am living in the UK for three years now and I never find a way to go back ever, because I will face a real risk so UK, is my home now. Please help me to save my life" (RAS 246) Not empathetic and lack of sympathy (RAS 247) "Being an asylum seeker is difficult. If we are given equal opportunities, right to work and put our children into creche while I attend classes, because we want to learn but nowhere to take our children and paying for it is expensive" (RAS 256) The biggest issue is the wait for my passport (RAS 257) 54

55 I would like my stay and be independent (RAS 259) Time for the whole asylum process is far too long should give decision in shorter time (RAS 260) Want to sort my life out and do more (RAS 261) Would like to thank everyone for looking after me (RAS 265) We should be allowed to have our children with us here (RAS 266) Home Office to determine outcome of asylum in reasonable time. Inability to move on because delays in decision (RAS 267) Thank you very much indeed for helping and support us (RAS 275) Just I need help regarding my situation because I'm diabetic and my home office status (RAS 281) I hope you help me get the residency and thank you for caring (RAS 282) I just want to say to Home Office please work please (RAS 283) Just that people in this country need to be educated about asylum seekers and not just learn from papers which is always negative cases. The majority are ordinary people (RAS 291) I m very sorry to see myself because I have never been to prison and never did a bad thing to this country why refuse my case (RAS 293) Yes there are loads (RAS 296) No, everything is appreciated (RAS 298) "Government should do something about refugee. I'm here about 5 years without work or anything. If I didn't apply for section 4 I'm not be able to study. So should do something, I only get benefit if I be able to work here, I don't want benefit" (RAS 299) Please give us work permission, it is about 3 years I'm in this country. But I haven't had even my first asylum interview. I'm here with my wife and my 15 months old daughter (RAS 300) Why they don't give asylum seeker a chance to prove themselves. Learning not only ESOL class because some of them been more than 5 years in UK and chance for work (RAS 302) I am utterly disgraced by how we are treated as asylum seekers, being housed in the worst houses being told we have no choice or say in what we are allocated. If there can be change in how we are treated because we are human beings, the only difference is our status (RAS 303) 55

56 15. Conclusion The refugee and asylum seeker responses to the consultation questionnaire in the Yorkshire and Humber region has presented a large amount of data and information to analyse and understand. There was a good response from refugees and asylum seekers and the consultation was supported by many organisations in the region. Refugee and asylum seeker respondents identified their best things about life in the UK as being related to the reasons for fleeing their countries of origin including being given protection, safety, freedom and human rights. The biggest difficulties in the UK were mainly related to their immigration status, right to work and the English Language. The majority of refugees and asylum seekers had an understanding of the term integration, describing it as mixing, being part of a community, fitting in and accepting different cultures. Most respondents think that they are integrated and like the local area that they live, get on with their neighbours and have British friends. However, a significant minority felt excluded and a third have been the victim of discrimination, harassment or racism. The most frequent suggestions for mixing and improving local communities were community centres and activities, obtaining refugee status or the right to work, awareness raising and acceptance of refugees and asylum seekers by local communities. Refuges and asylum seekers were generally pleased with the support that they have received from various organisations, had positive experiences of health and education, but more mixed experiences of housing. However, there were significant negative experiences and respondents saw the restrictions on accessing English Language and Higher Education as significant barriers to integration. Refugees and asylum seekers carried out a range of work in their countries of origin, and have wide aspirations for work in the UK. However, very few have been employed in the UK and these jobs do not reflect the skills, experiences and aspirations of the respondents. A third are volunteers in order to help people, gain experience and meet others. Status of respondents was significant to some responses but insignificant in others. Asylum seekers and refused asylum seekers were particularly concerned with immigration status and the right to work. Refused asylum seekers were additionally concerned with issues of homelessness and destitution. Refugees were more focused on issues of moving on with their lives, learning the English language and finding a job. Refugees and asylum seekers gave similarly positive or negative responses to many questions but refused asylum seekers were much more negative. There was not much gender difference, although females were slightly more positive. Clear themes emerged throughout the responses. Refugees and asylum seekers are grateful for being given protection in the UK and want to get on with their lives through working, contributing to society and integrating. In order to do this they want to receive refugee status, be able to support themselves, learn English, mix with local communities and be accepted. The consultation has given a large number of refugees and asylum seekers an opportunity to express views on a range of subjects affecting integration. The results of the consultation has produced interesting and useful information for service development and a solid evidence base for developing the integration strategy for refugees and asylum seekers: Finding Sanctuary, Enriching Yorkshire and Humber. 56

57 Appendix 1. Consultation Document 57

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62 Strategy Documents This document and all others for the strategy Finding Sanctuary, Enriching Yorkshire and Humber, are available on the YHRMP website: 62