Housing Care and Support, 8(4), December 2005, pp.4-8.
Publisher:
Emerald
The Government has called for a strategic approach to support services for people given refugee status, and has itself adopted a new strategy, Integration Matters. This article discusses the implications of such a strategy at local level, and the difficulties and challenges faced by local authorities and other public services setting out to deliver a strategic approach to services for refugees.
The Government has called for a strategic approach to support services for people given refugee status, and has itself adopted a new strategy, Integration Matters. This article discusses the implications of such a strategy at local level, and the difficulties and challenges faced by local authorities and other public services setting out to deliver a strategic approach to services for refugees. It argues that government policy is only partially supportive of such approaches, and that much more could be done to ensure that integrated services are in place at local level.
Subject terms:
local authorities, needs, refugees, social care provision, government policy;
chartered institute of Housing; Housing Associations' Charitable Trust
Publication year:
2009
Pagination:
44p.
Place of publication:
Coventry
Over a period of 2.5 years, with backing from the Housing Corporation and Communities and Local Government, the Opening Doors project aimed to mainstream approaches to meeting the housing needs of refugees and of other new migrant communities. Jointly managed and delivered by the Chartered Institute of Housing and hact (Housing Associations’ Charitable Trust), Opening Doors built expertise among
Over a period of 2.5 years, with backing from the Housing Corporation and Communities and Local Government, the Opening Doors project aimed to mainstream approaches to meeting the housing needs of refugees and of other new migrant communities. Jointly managed and delivered by the Chartered Institute of Housing and hact (Housing Associations’ Charitable Trust), Opening Doors built expertise among 11 housing associations and their strategic partners in 6 different areas of England. The work was aimed at providing improved services for these client groups, involving local migrant and refugee community organisations, aiding community cohesion and influencing joint working through Local Strategic Partnerships and other mechanisms. This study reports on the experience with Opening Doors, the results achieved so far and the lessons it has provided in working with new communities and in using the collaborative working methods devised. It covers: what Opening Doors set out to achieve; how the project was set up and organised; how it worked at both national and local levels; lessons for work with refugee and new migrant communities; and what the project achieved at national level. The report aims to help other social housing providers wanting to make similar service developments for refugee and migrant communities.
Secure housing is probably the most basic need for an asylum seeker or refugee - or indeed any new migrant. This practical guide takes this as its starting point. But it also argues that housing providers – well-placed to establish the necessary links between different agencies – could go further: helping people sustain their tenancies and providing or co-ordinating other kinds of support. Illustrated by nearly 50 practical examples from across the UK, this guide looks at:partnership working to deliver support services; resources - funding, staff training and information sources; developing a refugee strategy; legal entitlements to housing and benefits; and current policy developments
Secure housing is probably the most basic need for an asylum seeker or refugee - or indeed any new migrant. This practical guide takes this as its starting point. But it also argues that housing providers – well-placed to establish the necessary links between different agencies – could go further: helping people sustain their tenancies and providing or co-ordinating other kinds of support. Illustrated by nearly 50 practical examples from across the UK, this guide looks at:partnership working to deliver support services; resources - funding, staff training and information sources; developing a refugee strategy; legal entitlements to housing and benefits; and current policy developments
Subject terms:
housing, policy, refugees, social care provision, asylum seekers, benefits;
A practical guide to commissioning migrant and refugee community organisations (MRCOs) to deliver public services. The government is promoting the role of the 'third sector' in delivering public services, and wants to ensure that services meet the needs of all potential users. Many migrant or refugee-led community organisations are already delivering services in culturally-sensitive ways, and it is possible that more of these organisations could become formal public service providers. This guide reviews the commissioning process, why it should include bodies like MRCOs, what MRCOs are and what they can offer to commissioners of public services. It demonstrates how MRCOs can engage with the commissioning process, asks whether it is the right step for them to take, and suggests what changes in their organisations and capacities might be required. It explores potential commissioning opportunities for MRCOs in eight service areas, including accommodation, Supporting People services, health care and legal advice, and includes over 30 practical examples of service provision.
A practical guide to commissioning migrant and refugee community organisations (MRCOs) to deliver public services. The government is promoting the role of the 'third sector' in delivering public services, and wants to ensure that services meet the needs of all potential users. Many migrant or refugee-led community organisations are already delivering services in culturally-sensitive ways, and it is possible that more of these organisations could become formal public service providers. This guide reviews the commissioning process, why it should include bodies like MRCOs, what MRCOs are and what they can offer to commissioners of public services. It demonstrates how MRCOs can engage with the commissioning process, asks whether it is the right step for them to take, and suggests what changes in their organisations and capacities might be required. It explores potential commissioning opportunities for MRCOs in eight service areas, including accommodation, Supporting People services, health care and legal advice, and includes over 30 practical examples of service provision.
Subject terms:
housing, legal aid, public sector, refugees, social services, voluntary organisations, community care, commissioning, health care, community groups;