tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75867001066156657262024-03-13T01:42:45.270+00:00press gangwe are a group of friendly people who discuss the action and promotion of positive media for refugees and asylum seekers.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7586700106615665726.post-78069554811821083912014-02-06T12:55:00.004+00:002014-02-06T12:57:03.815+00:00Press Gang has set up a new website - One World Leeds<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.oneworldleeds.org/"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguump2OA9gmUuP2R3HiDt1SrhIvBVYL-M87Ri4XUhGNR7r2gyHzqrZOgW4b66xyqhEwi4NECKCPNy8ISz9ByJNNbPiD-i40UnxD37kvbGnkztemDNQIoAxjpKGPwELdVbBhS9h2mlaXh8/s1600/Screenshot+2014-02-06+12.53.41.png" height="320" title="One World Leeds" width="400" />
<br />
Please see our new website www.oneworldleeds.org</a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02659392167517563768noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7586700106615665726.post-77555947292666177482014-01-10T17:37:00.002+00:002014-01-10T17:43:16.466+00:00Damning report on G4S and Serco ignored in bid to vilify asylum seekers<o:p> </o:p>Today the National Audit Office published a report about the <a href="http://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/10287-001-accommodation-for-asylum-seekers-Book.pdf">Compass Contract for the provision of accommodation for asylum seekers</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Home Office <a href="http://www.nao.org.uk/press-releases/compass-contracts-provision-accomodation-asylum-seekers/">press release</a> highlighted how G4S and Serco struggled to get contracts up and running, which resulted in poor performance, delays and additional costs for the Home Office.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The 8-page <a href="http://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/10287-001.Executive-Summary.pdf">executive summary</a> concludes by mentioning:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Unresolved issues one year on</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">The challenge of transition to the new contract</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">The struggle to establish supply chains resulting in poor performance, delays and additional costs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">providers still failing to meet some of their Key Performance Indicators,</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Transition to these new Compass contracts had devastating impact on the lives of people in Leeds. For example, one family were told they were being moved on a particular day. They packed their bags and waited on their suitcases until finally at around 5pm a council officer went out of his way to contact the G4S subcontractor and discovered that their move had been cancelled.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Working with asylum seekers influences my perspective and means that when I read reports like this I am filtering the information and looking for evidence that backs up my personal opinion.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Charlie Booker in his <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b03pqphh/Charlie_Brookers_Weekly_Wipe_Series_2_Episode_1/">BBC2 Weekly Wipe</a> highlighted how people’s personal opinions can be so set that they disbelieve the facts or have wildly inaccurate opinions (see the interviews 3 min 22 seconds in).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Much of this inaccuracy comes from media reporting and especially from headlines, which means that the ethos of a newspaper and the journalist perspective (or spin) on a story have a huge impact.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first headline of the day was surprising</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;">
0:01 <b>'Destitute' asylum seekers had iPads and luxury goods, says report by government auditors</b> - <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/10561239/Destitute-asylum-seekers-had-iPads-and-luxury-goods-says-report-by-government-auditors.html">Telegraph</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This headline came from paragraph 3.20 at the end of the report:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
During the fieldwork for our investigation, we visited a sample of properties used to house asylum seekers. In some of these, it was clear that the occupants may have a level of income above that expected of someone receiving the minimum level of support under section 4 or section 95 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. There is a risk that individuals or families may be occupying properties to which they are not entitled, thus taking resources away from those more in need. Where housing officers see signs of wealth on their regular inspections, indicating that the occupant may have a higher level of income, they have a contractual duty to report this to the relevant authorities in the Department within one working day</blockquote>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s no mention of iPads but David Barrett the Telegraph reporter got extra information from the Press Office at the National Audit office. I also phoned the Press Office and was told that investigators saw “iPads, televisions, push bikes and mobiles.” They visited 10 houses in the North West, Yorkshire and Humber and London and in at least 1 house in each region they saw at least one of these items. The press officer stressed to me that this was a “very minor part of the report” and that “the sample was very small.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mobiles are essential to all asylum seekers. They provide the only way for people to keep in contact with their solicitor to pursue their legal case. <a href="http://www.pafras.org.uk/">Pafras</a> a local charity in Leeds collects old mobiles to give to destitute asylum seekers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.lassn.org.uk/">Leeds Asylum Seekers’ Support Network</a>, another charity has had many asylum seekers volunteer. One had a push bike given to him so that he could get to the office to do his voluntary work. He had no cash for bus fares as he lived on £35.39 per week in supermarket vouchers.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That only leaves the television as the “luxury goods”.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next batch of headlines were as follows:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt;">
0:02 G4S and Serco failing to house asylum seekers properly, says watchdog – <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/jan/10/g4s-serco-asylum-seekers-government?">The Guardian</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt;">
0:03 G4S and Serco censured on asylum housing – FT.com</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt;">
1:52 The 'destitute' asylum seekers with luxury TVs and iPads: Checks at taxpayer-funded properties find 10% have 'signs of wealth' – <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2536865/Luxury-TVs-iPads-asylum-seeker-houses-Checks-taxpayer-funded-properties-10-signs-wealth.html">Daily Mail</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt;">
1:20 Concerns over asylum seeker housing - <a href="http://www.itv.com/news/update/2014-01-10/concerns-over-asylum-seeker-housing/">ITV</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt;">
1:22 Concern over asylum seeker housing – <a href="http://www.times-series.co.uk/news/national/news/10927771.Concern_over_asylum_seeker_housing/">The Times</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt;">
1:23 Concern over asylum seeker housing – <a href="http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/national/concern-over-asylum-seeker-housing-1-6364269">The Star</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt;">
1:29 Some refugees taking homes 'from those more in need' - <a href="http://www.itv.com/news/update/2014-01-10/some-refugees-taking-homes-from-those-more-in-need/">ITV</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt;">
2:27 G4S and Serco 'struggled' to provide asylum housing - <a href="http://www.itv.com/news/update/2014-01-10/g4s-and-serco-struggled-to-provide-asylum-housing/?">ITV</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt;">
2:38 Some asylum seekers in housing 'to which they are not entitled' - <a href="http://www.itv.com/news/story/2014-01-10/asylum-seekers-destitute-housing-row/">ITV</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt;">
2:41 Firms 'place asylum seekers in sub-standard housing' - <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-25674108">BBC</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt;">
2:47 Govt aiming to recover £7m from G4S and Serco - <a href="http://www.itv.com/news/update/2014-01-10/govt-aiming-to-recover-7m-from-g4s-and-serco/?">ITV</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt;">
3:15 Serco: Asylum seeker housing 'challenging' - <a href="http://www.itv.com/news/update/2014-01-10/serco-asylum-seeker-housing-challenging/?">ITV</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt;">
4:05 NAO slams G4S and Serco over asylum housing failings – <a href="http://www.publicfinance.co.uk/news/2014/01/nao-slams-g4s-and-serco-over-asylum-housing-failings/?">Public Finance</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt;">
8:47 Asylum seekers in Britain are being housed in publicly-funded accommodation despite earning a wealthy income – <a href="http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/morning-news-headlines-january-10-6490170?">Wales Online</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt;">
8:49 am Serco shares fall on bungled accommodation for asylum seekers – <a href="http://www.cityam.com/blog/1389343760/serco-shares-fall-bungled-accommodation-asylum-seekers?">City A.M</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt;">
10:15 Benefits Asylum Seekers Have TVs And Ipads – <a href="http://news.sky.com/story/1193106/benefits-asylum-seekers-have-tvs-and-ipads">Sky News</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt;">
10:25 G4S and Serco could pay government £4 million over failures in asylum seeker housing contracts – <a href="http://www.supplymanagement.com/news/2014/g4s-and-serco-could-pay-government-ps4-million-over-failures-in-asylum-seeker-housing?">Supply Management</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt;">
10:34 G4S and Serco heavily criticised for asylum housing conditions – <a href="http://www.politics.co.uk/news/2014/01/10/g4s-and-serco-heavily-criticised-for-asylum-housing-conditio?">politics.co.uk</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Out of the eighteen headlines, 37% have a negative focus on asylum seekers rather than focussing on the poor performance of the private contractors or the extra public money spent. No wonder the public don’t believe the facts on asylum.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02659392167517563768noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7586700106615665726.post-78113301476632647412014-01-01T23:40:00.000+00:002014-01-02T09:45:00.336+00:00Leeds No Borders Celebrates International Migrant Day<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The United Nations adopted the ‘<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Convention_on_the_Protection_of_the_Rights_of_All_Migrant_Workers_and_Members_of_Their_Families" target="_blank">International Convention onthe Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of TheirFamilies</a>’ on the 18th December 1990. To celebrate the 10th anniversary in 2000
the General Assembly declared the 18th December <a href="http://www.un.org/en/events/migrantsday/" target="_blank">International Migrant Day</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This year’s message from Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary
General, was to: "...make migration work for the benefit of migrants and
countries alike. We owe this to the millions of migrants who, through their
courage, vitality and dreams, help make our societies more prosperous,
resilient and diverse."<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqaa0aTZt8tdvSo-BJYiwJxhzFxMejlxgtb4WSgtvCS9FGbC1b5Uae0w2qzr4v9Jd8a9OLwPQG1YpLwRrOyGAnlBw1a3hQcWwd96lwKYaJ7DJy-8pbYo7HBrN-aetVUM-OLM2LveIZU3HJ/s1600/1213-Migration-Graphic-SG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqaa0aTZt8tdvSo-BJYiwJxhzFxMejlxgtb4WSgtvCS9FGbC1b5Uae0w2qzr4v9Jd8a9OLwPQG1YpLwRrOyGAnlBw1a3hQcWwd96lwKYaJ7DJy-8pbYo7HBrN-aetVUM-OLM2LveIZU3HJ/s320/1213-Migration-Graphic-SG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">To mark the day the recently re-formed Leeds No Borders
group, led by Kate and Manuel, organized an open mic at Wharf Chambers: an
evening of short films, poetry, sharing stories and music where everyone was
invited to perform. There was even dinner, a delicious vegetarian meal of
pumpkin curry, rice and dahl.</span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The night started with a screening of a short film about the
migrant situation at the Calais Border on the other side of the English
Channel. It showed the terrible situations of migrants in Calais, living in
single layer tents that offer no protections against the bitter cold of the
Channel. The film was followed with a short talk by Kamel from Syria who just
last October, after crossing Europe, was living in Calais in those same conditions,
identifying many of the people showed in the film as his friends. A film to
make us not forget that there are people living in appalling conditions in an
internal border of two of the richest countries in Europe, a reality of life
that many of us would think impossible right on our doorstep. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Leeds No Borders did not forget all those migrants imprisoned
inside the several detention centers around the country. There was a table with
Christmas cards, on which everyone was welcomed to write a message which would
then be delivered to those who had to spend Christmas in detention centers. On
the laptop people could read about the campaign to stop the deportation of
Florence, who has been living in Leeds since 2002, and how to help campaign to
stop her deportation to Zimbabwe. Happily she was not deported, but is still
detained in Yarl's Wood women's detention center. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZBqw6GgXF3Dv5ocCuLx7Cw0qZuA7m_HZ4Spp7eE7Hgg1MtkEUT9hD7ojyvSFydGLCwZIiHmURenRpyxPmrc_mnHeVcxCZQRQOI5DbeC9iiQsAThtldPfy46Obso9mzhHKY_rrNNt5CVk/s1600/migration_is_not_a_crime_stencil-2555px1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZBqw6GgXF3Dv5ocCuLx7Cw0qZuA7m_HZ4Spp7eE7Hgg1MtkEUT9hD7ojyvSFydGLCwZIiHmURenRpyxPmrc_mnHeVcxCZQRQOI5DbeC9iiQsAThtldPfy46Obso9mzhHKY_rrNNt5CVk/s320/migration_is_not_a_crime_stencil-2555px1.png" width="207" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The event itself
continued with people performing and a special mention must go to the Women
Asylum Seeker Choir, who delighted the audience with poems, spoken word and
some great acapela performances. Each of their pieces aims at raising awareness
of the situation of migrants, as in the poem <i>‘Brown Envelope’</i> with its powerful
imagery of waiting daily for a piece of paper that will decide the future. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It was an extraordinarily
successful night with many of those attending saying that it was the first time
that they had properly danced since arriving in Leeds.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #062850; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So successful that it will become a regular event held at
<a href="http://www.wharfchambers.org/" target="_blank">Wharf Chambers</a>, the next one on Tuesday 28th January. More details on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/261881883961190/" target="_blank">event Facebook page</a>. A highly recommended social to add to the diary. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Leeds No Borders meet
regularly and their next meeting is Tuesday 9th January.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Read more about them
on their blog and Facebook page: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://leedsnoborders.wordpress.com/">http://leedsnoborders.wordpress.com/</a></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/noborders.leeds">http://www.facebook.com/noborders.leeds</a></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Check out the social
media response to International Migrant Day at <a href="http://storify.com/un/celebrate-international-migrants-day-with-iamamigr" target="_blank">#IAmAMigrant</a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Rodolfo Barradas</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7586700106615665726.post-38592918939792601482013-12-22T17:02:00.001+00:002013-12-22T17:02:28.193+00:00PAFRAS and CreAtive AspIRer: Clash of the Arts Fashion Show<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">On Saturday the 14<sup>th</sup> December
people made their way out of the cold to come to the West Yorkshire Playhouse
for the Clash of the Arts Fashion Show; a collaboration between PAFRAS and Leeds
youth enterprise CreAtive AspIRer. Since 2003 PAFRAS (Positive Action for
Refugees and Asylum Seekers) has been working in Leeds as the main provider of direct
support for asylum seekers. They are a charity that offers a valuable service
to people who are often the most invisible within society; running drop in
sessions, mental health services and distributing food parcels. Yet as PAFRAS director Christine Majid made
clear in her speech, the work of the charity has become increasingly pressed as
funding cuts take their toll while changes to government policy since 2005 have
made destitution an increasingly common fate for asylum seekers. In October
2013 due to lack of funding PAFRAS was forced to close one of their weekly drop
in sessions. However despite all the pressures on the charity from the current
economic climate, the Clash of the Arts fashion show was an evening of
celebration; celebration of talent, of CreAtive AspIRer’s young people and of
the work of PAFRAS itself.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">CreAtive AspIRer’s achievement of their aim
to inspire youth talent and responsibility within the community </span><span lang="EN-US">w</span><span lang="EN-CA">as evident
through their ability to put on such an amazing show. Hosted by </span><span lang="EN-US">Alisha Musungo, Miss Face of the
Globe and Zimbabwe UK</span><span lang="EN-CA">, the evening was an incredible display
of creativity, dance and musical talent. The models strode confidently down the catwalk
showing off clothes created by four young Leeds based designers. Bright colours
and patterns were a theme of all the collections. The work of Siobhan Thomas featured
jewel coloured dresses for the women and colourful sportswear for the men,
including an eye-catching feather headdress style hood. A collection called
‘Breaking Walls’ inspired by PAFRAS itself showcased huge headbands, brown leather
capes and bold zigzagging patterns in vibrant blues and greens. Meanwhile
designs by Norma, director of Olando Tailors, brought a taste of sophisticated
eveningwear with her collection of cream silk dresses. As the models changed their outfits, the
audience was entertained by the improvising of the band and the energetic
fluidity of dance group Y.G.T. (Young Gifted and Talented) whose passion shone
through individual and group dances.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This event was a wonderful chance for people
to come together for a night of entertainment. Yet as CreAtive AspIRer’s
director Talent Charura reminded everyone, it was also to raise awareness and
donations for PAFRAS. A final speech by Christine Majid ended the night,
denouncing racism across the city and encouraging continued pressure on the
government for positive action for asylum seekers. As the audience stood
holding hands through the band’s final number, Bob Marley’s ‘One Love’, the
evening ended on a message of unity, compassion and determination to fight
social injustices<a href="" name="_GoBack"></a> in the local community. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Erin Rooney</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA"> </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7586700106615665726.post-44988345870071938592013-12-13T12:05:00.001+00:002013-12-13T12:05:52.886+00:00Free Radio Training for Refugees and Asylum Seekers<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 28pt;">Radio in a day<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 26pt;">Saturday 25<sup style="font-size: 0.83em;">th</sup> January<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 26pt;">One Community Centre<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 26pt;">10.00 – 4.00</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 26pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; direction: ltr; font-family: arial, sans-serif, verdana, 'bitstream vera sans'; font-size: 11px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px;">
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px;">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Join Leeds Press Gang for a fantastic </span><span style="font-weight: bolder;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">free</span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> training day (equivalent courses charge £90)<br />that will equip you to get involved with community radio and produce your own radio shows.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: bolder;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Book now – only five spaces remaining for refugees and asylum seekers</span></span><span style="font-weight: bolder;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br />If you are interested please email Hannah at <a href="mailto:pressgangleeds@hotmail.com" style="color: purple;" target="_blank">pressgangleeds@hotmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">The training will be led by <span style="font-weight: bolder;">Judith Weymont</span>, former South Leeds Community Radio Station Manager. Judith worked briefly in education before joining BBC Radio Leeds in the 1970s, and was part of the team that set up Manchester's Radio Piccadilly. She then spent 25 years as a producer/director with Yorkshire Television and Channel 4, heading up the Media Unit for the NUM in South Africa and producing radio and television documentaries in Zambia<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-weight: bolder;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Press Gang</span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> is a Leeds based group of people dedicated to the action and promotion of positive stories about asylum seekers and refugees. Acting to counteract misinformation, prejudice and negativity in the press, we work with both exiled journalists and activists to help change this imbalance. It is supported by Leeds Refugee Forum, Leeds Asylum Seekers Support Network, RETAS, Pafras, Solace, Refugee Council, Refugee Action, British Red Cross, Abigail Housing, and the Manuel Bravo Project.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7586700106615665726.post-90264480422466750312013-12-09T15:16:00.001+00:002013-12-09T15:18:48.654+00:00Refugees in Focus.<div class="MsoNormal">
H<span style="font-family: inherit;">uman Rights Week at Leeds University does an outstanding
job every year of raising awareness of a huge array of issues that endanger the
basic rights of people worldwide. The week of non-stop events is led by the
Leeds University Union’s </span>(LUU) Amnesty International Society but is successful
in uniting a diverse set of groups, emphasising the diversity of rights we are
fighting to protect.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">On Thursday 28<sup>th</sup> November Human Rights Week
brought us ‘Refugees in Focus’, an event co-hosted by Leeds Friends of Syria,
LUU Revolutionary Socialists, Leeds Student Action for Refugees, and No Borders
Leeds, an eclectic set of groups which served to further stress the
broad-reaching scope of the week’s events.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">The evening was split into two
parts with a break in the middle to give a chance for the audience and the
speakers to mingle, a nice touch which helped break down any artificial
barriers and create an inclusive atmosphere. The first part gave the audience a
chance to listen to different experiences from a refugee and an asylum seeker
living here in Leeds. Nisreen Al-Zaraee, who was a student at York University
when the war started in Syria, was at pains to explain that her experience of
claiming asylum was not representative of the asylum procedures most people go
through. Despite feeling that she is lucky in being one of the only 0.1 per
cent of over 2.5 million externally displaced Syrians registered as a refugee
in the UK, she still felt like she was “treated like a suspect” throughout the
asylum process. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Nisreen’s situation, in which she
was able to claim asylum relatively quickly while living with a friend, is in
stark contrast to so many others, who may find they rely on charities such as <a href="http://www.networkleeds.com/Groups/135104/Network_Leeds/Associated_Sites/Abigail_Housing/Abigail_Housing.aspx">Abigail
Housing</a> and volunteers working with projects such as <a href="http://lassn.org.uk/short-stop/">Grace Hosting</a>. During the process
asylum seekers are not allowed to work and many have to rely on as little as £5
a day for food and transport before an initial decision is made. This can
sometimes take up to a year and it is hard to imagine making ends meet on so
little for so long while at the same time not knowing where you will sleep
tomorrow night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">The second part of the evening
focused on the range of charities that provide services to asylums seekers and
refugees in Leeds. I was impressed to learn of charities such York Street Health
Practice which provides an enormous number of services including counselling,
visiting teams, immigration solicitors, and housing teams. At the same time
however, there was a running theme when any charity was mentioned: increased
strain and budget cuts. Major charities such as the <a href="http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/latest/news/3831_government_funding_for_asylum_advice_mixed_news_for_the_refugee_council">Refugee
Council received heavy cuts</a>, meaning they have had to reduce the number of
services available. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Throughout the event, it was
stressed by the LUU Revolutionary Socialist that they wanted to see concrete
action develop. This may not have happened in the way they envisaged but with
the number of charities mentioned, the range of groups involved in the event
and signup sheets available, they can be sure that the majority of people in
the room that night will have felt inspired to get involved and help out with
those who need our support.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><b>Adam Leake</b></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7586700106615665726.post-50934860098976518832013-12-04T09:23:00.000+00:002013-12-06T21:56:03.038+00:00Love is a Human Right<div class="MsoNormal">
Love is a Human Right. But a right that we all enjoy? Not even close. Imagine if you were told you couldn't love someone because it was a crime, for gay Ugandans this is the world in which they live.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the 7<sup>th</sup> of February 2012 an Anti-Homosexuality bill was brought once again to the Ugandan Parliament. The bill makes any homosexual activity a crime punishable by long-term imprisonment or even death. It also states that anyone who knows of any homosexual activities going on is also to be punished with three years in prison. Parents are expected to report children; teachers are expected to report students. Unfortunately, but maybe not unexpectedly, the basis of the anti-homosexual laws originate from British rule during the colonial period- one of those laws they just never got round to eradicating. Ugandan newspapers have sparked campaigns of hate selling newspapers by promising to name and shame homosexuals, encouraging Ugandans to take the law into their own hands.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last Monday I attended a talk entitled <i>Love is a Human right </i>which was put on by the Amnesty International
at Leeds University and LUU LGBT. The talk gave an incredible insight into the
plight of the gay and lesbian community in Uganda. It was the first event to
kick off Human Rights week. The evening opened with a short film, <i>Call me Kuchu,</i> in which key figures in
Uganda were documented trying to combat state discrimination against
homosexuals. What was remarkable about the events documented was they continued
insistence by government officials that homosexuality was inherently
‘un-African’. The film itself is well
worth a watch if you want to get a better idea of the turbulent situation
there. You can watch the trailer below: <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/M1m020Mp39E?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first speaker at the event was Kevin Ward, a former schoolteacher
in Uganda who taught religious studies to university students. Kevin who is
originally from the UK, had lived in Uganda for almost ten years, he had become
fully immersed in the culture and had many friends and respected colleagues
there. “I found being in Africa a liberating experience” he said, Kevin
explained that whilst there was still stigma about being openly gay in Britain,
Uganda offered a place where he was free to have close relationships with men,
without causing gossip. Whilst Ugandans were not supportive of homosexuals,
Kevin argued that the situation was one of acceptance. The situation became
volatile though, when religious preachers from America organised a tour of
Uganda preaching homophobic hatred and connecting it with religion. When Kevin
was found to be gay, his colleagues and friends turned on him, he was fired
from his job at the school and forced to start afresh.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The second speaker was Quentin Bashem, a Kenyan student at
the university of Leeds. Quentin explained that the un-African perception of
homosexuality goes beyond Uganda and is embedded in the culture and society of
Kenyan also. Although there are no laws that make being gay illegal in Kenya,
Quentin explained that he had a friend at school that was discriminated against
because of his sexuality. Quentin, always being a liberal thinker promised that
when he returned to Kenya he would be sure to speak more openly and
supportively of the gay community in Kenya, in order to try and change the
prejudices felt amongst the younger population in general.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The situation in Uganda and Kenya are not isolated cases,
even here at home, homophobia is rife. Gay Ugandans, fearful of imprisonment
and even their lives have fled Uganda, some have tried to seek asylum in the
UK, but Kevin argues the immigration office doesn't take their fears seriously
enough. If we can learn to accept each other and love one another, the world
will be a better place. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>After all, Love is a Human Right. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hannah Martin</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7586700106615665726.post-22852366341665179412013-11-29T13:27:00.000+00:002013-12-06T22:22:21.868+00:00Syria’s Lost Generation: What hope for children born in war? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Children are the future, a common knowledge. With the conflict in Syria raging on, humans right violations and atrocities continue to be committed on a daily basis. Children have become the most vulnerable victims, with their future lives being dramatically implicated upon. On Wednesday evening I went to a talk organised by Leeds Friends of Syria, LUU Save the Children and ONE LEEDS society. Salli Martlew from the high profile international Save the Children and Dr Ayman Al Jundi from the smaller grassroots charity Syria Relief talked both of the immense atrocities and what is being done for those who can’t help themselves.</div>
<br />
The facts are horrific. 11,420 children have been killed. 7 million people, 1/3 of the population have been displaced, a figure larger than the populations of many of the neighbouring countries! In both Lebanon and Jordan 1 in 4 people are Syrian, an astounding figure and half of the refugees are innocent children. Over 2000 schools have been bombed and only in 1 in 10 now receive ‘formal’ education. The figures continue on a mind numbing scale, as do the stories. Hope for children in the war may seem diminished when concentrating on these figures. Below is a heart-wrenching video of what kids have become accustomed to dealing with:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/s47TZf0Mddw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
However, positivity can come through from the actions ordinary people, in a country as far removed as our own, have taken. Save the Children are working on two fronts: to provide practical support and to give a voice to those who don’t have one; and to let the perpetrators know the world is watching. However, Save the Children are somewhat up against a wall since aid is still not allowed to cross the border into Syria. This means 2/3 of their work is concentrated in some of the largest refugee camps the world has ever seen. The continued denial of humanitarian access across the borders is baffling. However this is where the beauty of small grassroots organisation and collaboration really comes to play.<br />
<br />
Syria Relief became an officially registered charity in 2011 and has raised £4.5 million so far, of which 92% has been spent inside Syria!! This has happened because the founders and trustees are well respected Syrians based in the UK, thus can cross the border and are part of a whole network that large international charities could not dream of. The strength of the small charities is not necessarily the funds they can raise but their ability to deliver and get in. By collaborating and presenting project proposals to larger charities who have the money, the two can work together to make a real, fundamental difference to many Syrians both inside and out of the country. Syria Relief has established new schools, set up social programmes including orphan support and provided food and food security through sanitising water. Their aim is to not only help immediately, but to set up sustainable efforts. One such is craft workshops organised for women refugees in Jordan. The items they make are sold abroad and then Syria Relief channels the money back to them ensuring those women involved and their families have essentially their own money to live on.<br />
<br />
The achievements of a grassroots charity are astounding and inspiring. The ‘lost generation’ of Syria is a heartbreaking subject and awareness still needs to be raised. However the talk showed how successful and important collaboration and the simple actions we take can be. Check out the links below for more, including a petition to get parliament to help get aid into Syria!!<br />
<ul>
<li>One of the major hindrances of humanitarian aid is that they are simply not allowed in. Below is a petition to get the issue discussed in British parliament, in the hope they will advocate humanitarian corridors into Syria, amongst other things: <a href="http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/56597">http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/56597</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Ellie Goulding has produced a song for Syria with Save the Children. Download to donate to Save the Children! The video is harrowing - will make you re think all the news headlines that are easy to drown out! </li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/tI1GR78A6yg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>For more information: <a href="http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/about-us/emergencies/syria-appeal">http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/about-us/emergencies/syria-appeal</a></li>
<li>Really recommend looking at this <a href="http://syriarelief.org.uk/syriarelief/" target="_blank">syriarelief.org.uk</a> - really interesting!</li>
</ul>
Jessica PapworthUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7586700106615665726.post-84384711477167155432013-11-25T22:23:00.001+00:002013-12-06T21:47:01.936+00:00Leeds Friends of Syria - 'Give it a Go' Event<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Leeds Friends of Syria, in Thursday 21st November, hosted a 'Give it a Go' event to welcome old and new faces to the society.</span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Leeds Friends of S</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">yria is a society, at the University of Leeds, which was founded as a direct response to the violence and human rights violations taking place in Syria. They seek to contribute to international efforts to stop violence and provide humanitarian aid to those in need. The group is primarily based at the University of Leeds but is open to all thos</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">e who share their goals and values, in the Leeds area and beyond.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">The Leeds Friends of Syria GIAG was also an opportunity to fundraise for 'Hand in Hand for Syria', a charity which the group regularly fundraises for. Also the event was a great opportunity to sample traditional Syrian food which was kindly provided by the society's Syrian members.</span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Christine Gilmore is the society's President and Hannah Dudley is the Treasurer. Hannah and Alice Hale ran the Leeds Friends of Syria and welcomed both old and new members. </span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieC34IC-39_ARzjmSml-osJ-pvsMAgL0ia7dsIscUz9rWNJMgPCV76LNP2m_bviwxqkO0hjsB2IduIq6lnaVoeBXg_xT5ClegE9QaVOiikF6GzrE3rtRBSTriq0tkD6kPRw_aBb3-TBS-W/s1600/IMGP9450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieC34IC-39_ARzjmSml-osJ-pvsMAgL0ia7dsIscUz9rWNJMgPCV76LNP2m_bviwxqkO0hjsB2IduIq6lnaVoeBXg_xT5ClegE9QaVOiikF6GzrE3rtRBSTriq0tkD6kPRw_aBb3-TBS-W/s320/IMGP9450.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2ApHTRqjkAx1A3oR0KI086mlahe_reLFCAcQwhTu2DVfG7FeB0pc5a3twzmhQ9QfwXVS-eP5IvLWx5Jw-bwORLfP8WuXwGXgiu-npogBo-X0klUn0r5h85GoBoSoRaYXQwJZHa0C9lKY/s1600/IMGP9445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2ApHTRqjkAx1A3oR0KI086mlahe_reLFCAcQwhTu2DVfG7FeB0pc5a3twzmhQ9QfwXVS-eP5IvLWx5Jw-bwORLfP8WuXwGXgiu-npogBo-X0klUn0r5h85GoBoSoRaYXQwJZHa0C9lKY/s320/IMGP9445.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2B85gUbHPHFURGrPinyFzYDDafkM68ENvhDiseFi7QIGaz2n_RfFn0cBWYajloCjflzNIY4NJWTa3-nFsjKOw4JMVDlrTQgQsc2qzP_uPEP_G5o2UB-2q9o9dDeYII3tBpQBHgGuRdwe/s1600/IMGP9446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2B85gUbHPHFURGrPinyFzYDDafkM68ENvhDiseFi7QIGaz2n_RfFn0cBWYajloCjflzNIY4NJWTa3-nFsjKOw4JMVDlrTQgQsc2qzP_uPEP_G5o2UB-2q9o9dDeYII3tBpQBHgGuRdwe/s320/IMGP9446.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #783f04; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">'Leeds Friends of Syria' will be hosting a number of events this week to mark Human Rights Week (Monday 25th - Friday 29th November) - details are below: </span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: white;">Wednesday 27th November</b></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">10am-4pm: Stitch for Syria and Letters of Love for Syria <span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" xsscleaned="font-family:Arial;color:rgb(18,55,202)"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/200029520181170" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xsscleaned="font-family:Arial;color:rgb(18,55,202)">https://www.facebook.com/events/</span></a><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/659871160710053" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">659871160710053</a></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">6pm-7:30pm: Syria's Lost Generation: What hope for children born in war? <span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" xsscleaned="font-family:Arial;color:rgb(18,55,202)"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/200029520181170" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/events/200029520181170</a></span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">5pm-9pm: Refugee in Focus <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/458670944241629" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xsscleaned="font-family:Arial;color:rgb(18,55,202)">https://www.facebook.com/events/458670944241629</span></a></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Follow them on Twitter @LeedsForSyria</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7586700106615665726.post-77431233845344176312013-11-18T15:31:00.000+00:002013-12-05T11:48:55.671+00:00Review of 'Suitcase': 75th Anniversary of Kindertransport <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2gsxsFb2n0snElEbadf-_jY6-8fyAlQzY4YNt1hVoBZH4pagnNuInRFUMEfobRWiQvgAm6LUUYWwkF9ML7ur-5rPGyi4hJSYsi_RBwsxNwCm6aqWfGOLHPTpKRzbDSSBllAB3k7MtNQT/s1600/Audience+greeted+at+Sheffield+Station..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2gsxsFb2n0snElEbadf-_jY6-8fyAlQzY4YNt1hVoBZH4pagnNuInRFUMEfobRWiQvgAm6LUUYWwkF9ML7ur-5rPGyi4hJSYsi_RBwsxNwCm6aqWfGOLHPTpKRzbDSSBllAB3k7MtNQT/s320/Audience+greeted+at+Sheffield+Station..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">75 years ago, following urgent appeals from Quaker
groups, Jewish and non-Jewish organisations, the British government agreed to
take part in the emergency evacuation of Jewish children up to the age of seventeen
from those countries under immediate threat from the rising Nazi Party.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Set in train stations around the country, ‘Suitcase’
invites the audience to witness the experiences of those involved in
Kindertransport, from the children arriving and the foster parents awaiting
their arrival to those fundraising on their behalf.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The audience are welcomed to the event as if they
themselves were refugees being welcomed by a group of volunteers and musicians,
establishing an atmosphere of excitement and anxiousness. Slowly, from among
the audience, the children appear and we are introduced to a range of
attitudes: There are the older siblings, desperately trying to fill the shoes
of their absent parents; the younger children excited by the journey and not
quite aware of the severity of the situation; and the ever-optimistic child who
believes that all will be well when mummy gets here…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Throughout the play the audience is ushered to different
parts of the station to see and take part in a number of vignettes. Some are
light hearted, poking fun at the British lack of awareness for cultural
differences. Other scenes, however, are far more heart wrenching and I was not
surprised to see many of the audience wiping their eyes upon the separation of
a little boy from his older sister. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Despite being set in 1938, the audience will have noticed
that the disturbing language of one scene in particular was all too familiar.
Just as we hear and see the spread of casual racism and scaremongering from
populist politicians today, ‘Suitcase’ did well to show that similar attitudes are
ever-present. Even with Jewish persecution on the continent being common
knowledge, there were some that were keen to spread the words of Oswald Mosely
and truly believed that “there is no room” or that the new arrivals would take
our jobs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Overall, the play achieved what it set out to do: to
educate. Hopefully, the audience, about a quarter of which were school
children, left Sheffield Station in a reflective mood: proud that the UK was
involved in Kindertransport, proud that the UK is still seen as a place of
refuge for those who need it, and questioning of those who, when faced with
people fleeing unimaginable horrors, can simply shake their head and say there
is no room.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Adam Leake </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">For those who have been unable to see 'Suitcase', the show is still touring on the following dates:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Leeds Central: 19/11/13</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Manchester Piccadilly: 21/11/13</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Liverpool Lime Street: 22/11/13</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Bristol Temple Meads: 25/11/13</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Southampton Central: 27/11/13</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Harwich International: 29/11/13</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Liverpool Street Station, London: 2/12/13</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">For more information please visit: www.suitcase1938.org</span></span><br />
<br />
Image Sources:<br />
<br />
1) Taken by Press Gang</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7586700106615665726.post-70879391680230690832013-10-25T13:38:00.005+01:002013-10-25T16:33:04.610+01:00Human Trafficking and Modern Day Slavery in India<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Interview with Dave Skivington by Press Gang Member, Howard (Part 1)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dytdEto88BJhvEdSVZW1Y8K8nAUDJpr0ZMZ4aW_UHnPPJAT7FHKlnHzQp0OU31NK57peDrW-rmwGFSne1nDHw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In a recent interview with David Skivington, author of the
novel <i>Scar Tissue</i>, he recalled that
inspiration for his book came from the disturbing experience he had while
travelling in India at the age of 18. David recalled that while he and a friend
were walking down the street in Calcutta they “were approached by a man [who
was] basically offering us young girls for sex.” Shocked and upset by the
event, David went on to research the extent to which human trafficking was
prevalent in India. The results of his findings inspired him to put pen to
paper in the form of <i>Scar Tissue</i>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although the event that moved David to write <i>Scar Tissue</i> may be upsetting, it should
not come as a surprise. A recent study by the Australian-based rights groups <a href="http://www.globalslaveryindex.org/country/india/">Walk Free</a> found
that just under half of the 30 million people enslaved in the world are in
India. It should be noted that although not all of the men, women and children
enslaved are done so for the purpose of sexual exploitation, this does not make
their condition any less horrific. Many of these modern day slaves are born
into debt bondage and because of this, or due to the persistence of the caste
hierarchy, they are forced to work tirelessly in unsafe conditions in mills,
factories and kilns from an early age. Many are coerced through means of sexual
violence. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is widely recognised by both the Indian government and
international observers that, while it may not be the only form of enslavement,
the trafficking of persons in India for sexual exploitation is widespread. The
practice is not only limited to Indian nationals but there are also large
numbers of Nepali and Bangladeshi women and children trafficked as India
increasingly becomes a destination for trafficked persons as well as a source. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Indian government has a number of measures in place to
try and tackle the issue including the Immoral Traffic Prevention Act, the
National Advisory Committee to Combat Trafficking, and nation-wide Anti Human Trafficking
Units. Despite these measures, it would seem that the prevention of trafficking
is limited and the conviction rate of those responsible is poor. Indeed, the
United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime reports that in 2008, out of the 8512
people against whom prosecution for trafficking in persons commenced, only 1565
were convicted. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The United States’ Department of State ‘Trafficking in
Persons Report 2013’ observes that although the Indian government is making
significant efforts to ensure the problem of human trafficking is recognised
and tackled, it still does not comply with minimum standards for the
elimination of trafficking. While actions such as the establishment of Anti
Human Trafficking Units are commended for being steps in the right direction,
they are at the same time criticised for being inefficient, negligent and, at
times, existing on paper only. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These figures, and the overall assessment of human
trafficking in India, are deeply disturbing. Facts and figures, however, can
only go so far in opening people’s eyes to the grotesque nature of the
situation. It is for that reason that books such as David Skivington’s ‘<i>Scar Tissue’</i> serve such a vital purpose.
Despite being fiction, it is often the case that the story told is not too far
removed from the truth. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a truth that everyone should be aware of.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Review of David Skivington’s <i>Scar Tissue </i>coming soon.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For more information on the issue of human trafficking and
global slavery see:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.globalslaveryindex.org/">http://www.globalslaveryindex.org/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Adam Leake</b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7586700106615665726.post-61182335075031920212013-10-24T13:40:00.000+01:002013-10-24T13:47:41.144+01:00The great British property scandalMark Harper the immigration minister was one of the panellist on BBC Question Time last week. (<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b03dy8wl/Question_Time_17_10_2013/">http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b03dy8wl/Question_Time_17_10_2013/</a>) so obviously immigration issues were on the agenda.<br />
<br />
"Massive effect on public services... housing."<br />
<br />
"We cannot take any more... we are full."<br />
<br />
"Pressures on public services... housing... immigration."<br />
<br />
In many people's mind the problem of housing shortage and immigration are clearly linked and it therefore becomes all too easy to blame migrants.<br />
<br />
But that's dodging the issue. Just for a moment put the immigration issue on one side and simply consider housing.<br />
<br />
One of the most devastating impacts of the housing shortage is homelessness. There are 75,000 homeless people in the UK, but for each homeless person there are almost ten empty houses - with an estimated 710,000 empty houses in the UK. (<a href="http://www.emptyhomes.com/statistics-2/empty-homes-statistice-201112/">http://www.emptyhomes.com/statistics-2/empty-homes-statistice-201112/</a>). How many more are effectively empty because they are second homes?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bristol.ac.uk/sps/people/person/alex-d-marsh/overview.html" target="_blank">Professor Alex Marsh</a> in his personal blog earlier this year highlighted the lack of effective housing policy in what he called, "<a href="http://www.alexsarchives.org/aggressive-intolerance-as-a-substitute-for-aggressive-housing-policy/#more-6177" target="_blank">Aggressive intolerance as a substitute for aggressive housing policy?</a>"<br />
<br />
He goes on to highlight that, "overall... immigration is not the key driver of dwelling population imbalance" and notes that credible evidence seemingly has little impact on the immigration debate.<br />
<br />
I worry that as we creep nearer to an election politicians will utilise safer, simplistic arguments around immigration rather than be brave enough to challenge the public by debating the real issues and causes for concern such as inequality, unemployment, housing, education and health.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02659392167517563768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7586700106615665726.post-40633415741464000512013-10-21T10:31:00.000+01:002013-10-25T13:40:37.355+01:00Immigration Bill 2013/14<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The Immigration Bill 2013/14
is now available to view on the Home Office website. The Bill aims to make it
much more difficult for migrants to settle in the UK with the changes seriously
affecting the social and legal rights of asylum seekers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Part one of the Bill, as
well as Schedules one and two, enlarges state powers to search individuals and
premises, as well as record, use and retain biometrics. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Part two of the Bill amends
the right of appeal, drastically reducing the number of appeal rights that
currently exist, form seventeen to four. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Under the new Bill an appeal
case will only be possible if it involves a human rights claim; where someone
says that they need humanitarian or asylum protection; where such protection
has been provoked and where someone has the right to remain under EU law. The
four categories of appeal do not account for situations where there has been a
factual error which has led to the decision.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Time-limited immigration
status under the bill will have to make a contribution to the National Health
Service, a subject which has been heavily criticised. The Charity Doctors of
the World UK have condemned the new laws relating to the access to the NHS as “unethical”,
with the danger of penalising those who are most vulnerable. DOTW, while acknowledging
that it may make sense for groups like tourists to contribute to health costs,
they have stated that there is no economic argument to impose such a levy on
these vulnerable groups.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Landlords under the new bill
will be liable to a civil penalty of up to £3000 if they rent their premises to
residents who do not have legal status. The bill essentially is turning
landlords into immigration officers when they are not trained to deal with the
complexities of the system, with over 400 types of documentation. Surely the
measure to have landlords check the immigration status of residents will just
create circumstances where they look to not to rent to anyone who is not
British to avoid the risk of being held liable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Part four introduces
stricter investigations into “sham marriages” and civil partnerships and extend
powers for information to be shared by, and with, registration officials. Marriages
and civil partnerships will be referred to the Home Office to be investigated. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The proposed Immigration
Bill 2013/14 will make the UK a much more hostile environment for migrants, a
situation which liberty director Shami Chakrabarti has described as a “race
relations nightmare waiting to happen”. The changes that the Bill plans to
impose are not just “nasty” but also is lacking in ethical or financial
justifications. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">On the 22<sup>nd</sup>
October 2013 there will be a protest against the New Immigration Bill opposite
the House of Commons in London at 10:30am. This protest is scheduled for the
day of the Bill’s second reading in the House of Commons, and is a
demonstration against the infringement on the social and legal rights of
migrants. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Hannah Conway</b></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7586700106615665726.post-73974646301885916412013-10-18T13:24:00.001+01:002013-10-25T13:40:48.183+01:00An Integral Role<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The recent Immigration Bill has called into question what role refugees and asylum seekers have in the UK. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The impact that refugees and asylum seekers have had on British culture
and public life is often seen through a negative light but the success of
Olympians, such as Mo Farah who was originally an asylum seeker from
Somalia, who came over to Britain is testament to what allowing refugees to
enrich civil life can bring. One of Leeds most famous exports to the world
was started by refugees. Marks and Spencer’s started by Michael Marks a
Jewish refugee from Russia and Thomas Spencer a cashier from
Yorkshire. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">However, there is a negative perception surrounding asylum seekers and
refugees in the UK. A sizable proportion of public opinion appears to favour a
harsher approach towards asylum seekers and refugees. In my opinion this is
because asylum seekers are not allowed to work. The Refugee, Education,
Training and advice service in Leeds says that the unemployment of refugees is
six times higher than the UK average. Especially amongst politicians on the
right-wing of the spectrum the opinion seems to be that immigrants are taking
“British jobs”; this is a mistruth. According to the charity Refugee
Education Training Advice Service 55% of asylum seekers who arrive in the city
do not speak any English, and there are fears that there is a lack of
integration from refugees and fears of isolation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Interviews . . . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Solomon arrived in the UK eight years ago from Eritrea after tensions
with its larger neighbour Ethiopia escalated into
war. Solomon says that Eritrea his garage was very busy as he
said: “I would maybe 200 customers every day back in Eritrea but at my garage
in Leeds I see only 3 or 4 people a day. Sometimes I do not see anybody”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">However, despite the lack of customers Solomon seems full of hope about
the future and says he is happy in the UK. He said: “I like the UK apart from
the weather as it is too cold here. But now that I’m working it does not feel
as bad as when I did not have a job. It’s a quiet garage at the
moment but I have only had it since January. When people her about it they will
come. I am very happy at my
work”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">It took Solomon eight years before he was able to own a business.
Considering his experience of 25 years of ownership of a garage in Eritrea it
is hard not to feel that his expertise was wasted during those eight
years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Jack Elliot. </b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7586700106615665726.post-85429957005910395662013-09-04T12:08:00.002+01:002013-09-04T13:44:12.291+01:00Volunteering opportunities<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -42.55pt; margin-right: -38.8pt; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Black"; font-size: 36.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">DON'T BELIEVE THE
TYPE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -42.55pt; margin-right: -38.8pt; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 28.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Do
you want to work in journalism? <br />
</span><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Press Gang is recruiting volunteers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -42.55pt; margin-right: -38.8pt; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">to
tell the real stories of asylum seekers and refugees<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Leeds Asylum Seeker
Support Network (LASSN) launched Leeds Press Gang in November 2008. The group
is made up of volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds including refugees,
local workers, students and activists. The aim of the group is to challenge the
negative perceptions members of the public have regarding asylum seekers and
refugees through sharing positive stories.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We currently have three
exciting volunteering opportunities for October 2013 - May 2014<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal">Coordinator (1 - 2 days per week) </li>
</ol>
<ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal">Editor (approx 5 hours per week) </li>
</ol>
<ol start="3" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal">Reporter ( 3 - 5 hours per month)<o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<h2>
What’s involved</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 18.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Bi-monthly
meetings to plan our press strategy<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 18.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Interviewing,
researching, writing and editing<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 18.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Writing
press releases, magazine articles and blog pieces<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 18.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Empowering
asylum seekers and refugees to talk with the media<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 18.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->It’s
important you build up a relationship with us, with the asylum seekers and
refugees, and with the media – therefore we are looking for people who are
going to stick with us for at least six months<o:p></o:p></div>
<h2>
What we provide</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 16.95pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 17.0pt; text-indent: -16.95pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->An opportunity to gain valuable journalistic
experience<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 16.95pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 17.0pt; text-indent: -16.95pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Briefings about
asylum issues<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 16.95pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 17.0pt; text-indent: -16.95pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->A chance to work
alongside exiled journalist from around the world<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 16.95pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 17.0pt; text-indent: -16.95pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->and meetings with some
amazing people!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.85pt;">
<br /></div>
<h2>
What next</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 38.85pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 38.85pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Find
out more <a href="http://pressgangleeds.blogspot.co.uk/p/current-oppoortunities.html">http://pressgangleeds.blogspot.co.uk/p/current-oppoortunities.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 20.85pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 38.85pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 38.85pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Please
contact us by 1st October<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02659392167517563768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7586700106615665726.post-76428056106653290102013-08-22T09:53:00.000+01:002013-10-21T16:12:13.869+01:00Detained indefinitely<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve never been locked up or held against my will, but today
I will be visiting people who are locked up without limit. Under the Terrorism Act the police can hold suspected terrorists without charge for up to 14 days.
The people I’m visiting are also held without charge under UK/European
immigration detention legislation. I’m visiting two women who have both been in
detention for around 50 days but there are many people who have been detained
for over a year under the same powers. A <a href="http://pressgangleeds.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/locked-up-without-limit.html">Freedom
of Information</a> request revealed that as of December 2012, 10 people had been
locked up solely under the immigration act for over two and a half years each
(the longest was 4.4 years and between them they had clocked
up a mind-numbing 32 years behind bars).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m nervous about my visit. I’ve had to send my personal
details in advance and I’m expecting to be searched, photographed and
fingerprinted before I’m allowed through the gates. But the people I’m visiting
have not committed a crime, have not been charged with any offence, are not
waiting to come to trial and pose no threat to <st1:country-region w:st="on">Britain</st1:country-region>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Under the powers of the Immigration Act, the government can detain people
indefinitely (<a href="http://www.migrantsrights.org.uk/migration-pulse/2011/indefinite-immigration-detention-or-absurdities-incompatible-policy-legal-inter">see
Jonas Bochet's article</a> about history and consequences of indefinite
detention.) In theory detention should only be used to aid deportation but the
experience of many asylum seekers is that detention is used arbitrarily as
standard practice often without any rational explanation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember the time when a friend from church was detained.
Police and immigration officials arrived at her house in <st1:place w:st="on">Leeds</st1:place>
very early in the morning and hammered away at her door. When she answered she
was swiftly bundled into a waiting van without even being allowed to change
from her pyjamas.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She was released two days later, once it was pointed out to
the authorities that they had made a mistake and detained her despite her ongoing
asylum application. She was lucky that no one else had been assigned her room
in the shared house in <st1:place w:st="on">Leeds</st1:place> so she was able
to return to the same place. Many people come out of detention and end up in a
new town or city away from any community or support they have built up while in
the <st1:place w:st="on">UK</st1:place>.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My friend returned to Leeds with additional emotional scars
caused not by her experiences of persecution in Africa but by her treatment
here in the <st1:country-region w:st="on">UK</st1:country-region>.
Her room and house had now become infused with an extra layer of fear. She
would wake, startled with her heart pounding every time a car pulled up and she
would jerk awake at any unexplained noise in the night.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her situation has now improved. She’s been granted refugee
status and is busy working at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Leeds</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype></st1:place> having just completed
a degree.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I arrive at Yarl’s Wood in the company of Heather from <a href="http://www.ywbefrienders.org/">Yarl’s Wood Befrienders</a>. It’s striking
that wherever you get asylum seekers you always get support groups and
charities springing up ready to mitigate the appalling situations many people
face. It clearly demonstrates how many people in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Britain</st1:country-region> believe in justice and
value our society for our positive Human Rights.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWyY8H01EL1xIlE6XlJIrfFDrBkVntfRiWW0HgKNPDei3FSo5ZybmVJFxlCZtSCGEB_JRl-PPZMp7Zt8K4dH1POq0SMnKBYMMnF0xznoUDg7F9G_T7wo5ZlycxZ5Qup68vMfcqIPmoPw/s1600/Yarl's+Wood+-+extreme+sports.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWyY8H01EL1xIlE6XlJIrfFDrBkVntfRiWW0HgKNPDei3FSo5ZybmVJFxlCZtSCGEB_JRl-PPZMp7Zt8K4dH1POq0SMnKBYMMnF0xznoUDg7F9G_T7wo5ZlycxZ5Qup68vMfcqIPmoPw/s320/Yarl's+Wood+-+extreme+sports.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) Google street view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Immigration Removal Centre (or Immigration Detention
Centre as the signs still calls it) is on a business estate a very short
marathon length from <st1:city w:st="on">Bedford</st1:city>
along <st1:street w:st="on">Paula Radcliffe Way</st1:street>.
There's not much nearby apart from Milton Ernest, a small thatch-cottaged
village. It’s not an easy place to get to. Serco, the private company who hold
the detention contract with the home office, do provide a bus to the station
every two hours. Yarl’s Wood is sign-posted from the main roads in a rather unusual manner. The sign points to Yarl’s Wood
I.D.C. and then has two brown boxes underneath highlight the facilities of <i>Indoor Sky Diving</i> and <i>Indoor Surfing</i> making it look like an
I.D.C. is a place of extreme sport rather than captivity.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are some incredibly ugly and uninviting buildings
hiding behind tall fences topped with barbed wire. They're not the detention centre but the Skydiving site and
the Red Bull racing team. The Immigration Removal Centre itself is much more
attractive with half-brick, half yellow walls and a light grey low-pitched
roof giving it the appearance of a modern office block.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Entering the buildings is not such a welcoming experience
despite the staff being polite and helpful.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I meekly follow my minder who knows the system. First stop
is the visitor’s reception where I am photographed, have my finger prints scanned
and my ID checked. I also have to leave all my belongings apart from coins in a
locker before I can proceed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We then walk across the visitor’s centre. I’m still expecting
high walls and barbed wire but that’s all hidden around away from visitor's
sensibilities. We walk along a short corridor and press a button to alert the
guards to our arrival. The door opens and my minder enters. I attempt to follow
but am shooed back and told to wait. Moments later the door opens and I’m
allowed in. The guard explains that only one person is allowed in at a time to
preserve their dignity while being searched. She then searches me and my finger
print is scanned again before I’m allowed through the air lock type doors.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The visitors centre itself is a light spacious room that has
perhaps been consciously designed to look like a Starbuck’s café. There are
large windows on one side looking out onto a small garden with bright murals
that attempt to hide the size and blankness of the walls. There are low
armchairs sprinkled around coffee tables and in one corner there are vending
machines where visitors can treat themselves or the detainee – which explains
why I should have kept hold of my coins.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m meeting two women detained under the immigration act.
Their cases are different but I quickly discover two things they have in
common. Despite it being mid-afternoon neither woman has eaten and both of them
talked about difficulties sleeping.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first woman is a couple of months pregnant and it cannot be good for her health to be incarcerated with so little self-determination.
She described in limited English how sad she was. I only saw one smile from
her, which ironically was when she talked about <st1:place w:st="on">Gujarat</st1:place>
food, before continuing to comment on how the meals provided were not appetising. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The befriender told me that many pregnant women have real
difficulties with food and sleep. Meal times are set and don’t take account of
the difficulties caused by morning sickness and don’t provide the flexibility
for women to eat when they need rather than when they’re told.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The second women I met spent much of the time with her hands
clenched on either side of her neck. Again the smiles were few and mostly
reserved for when she talked about how much difference a visit makes to her. She
described how, “In the dinner hall you see people crying - you cry. How can you
eat?”<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Those tears are caused by desperation and depression and previously
she has been "on watch" - with someone keeping her in constant sight
because of fears of self-harm. This week she is due to present her appeal before
a judge but has no solicitor to represent her and no medical report to provide
evidence of the physical persecution she has suffered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I cannot imagine how hard it must be for her to be confined
with so much hanging over her. She’d
spent the previous night working on paperwork to fax to the court this morning.
She’d expected to sleep for a few hours in the morning but was called for a
medical appointment. Having waited in the medical wing for over an hour she was
finally informed that the appointment had been cancelled because the medic was
off sick – which they could have told her when she first arrived.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5m1FZfbJrbe1UyoX46upKBTCjw_kayv0EmpULcySiAvkb2CCKrtaCZbiC604klMiTxV_LPgzD4AJAHEpjiH7pdB6h2wwmMCVO8esG31tug3bnZsJoRw6lG5X7d5Yk0XV3t0ZIRsC1Ls/s1600/Yarl's+Wood.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5m1FZfbJrbe1UyoX46upKBTCjw_kayv0EmpULcySiAvkb2CCKrtaCZbiC604klMiTxV_LPgzD4AJAHEpjiH7pdB6h2wwmMCVO8esG31tug3bnZsJoRw6lG5X7d5Yk0XV3t0ZIRsC1Ls/s320/Yarl's+Wood.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) Google maps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I’d expected to be intimidated by high walls, barbed wire
and a security check that is more onerous than when visiting a prison. The five-metre, razor-topped walls of Yarl’s Wood are safely hidden behind the friendly front face of the
building and polite and efficient attitude of staff to me as a visitor.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What I had forgotten about was the impact of meeting people living
in such devastating captivity. I met two women who had no control over their
lives, who had little hope and were totally isolated with the Yarl’s Wood
Befriender as their only visitor. One of them explained that during her asylum
claim no one believed her and that meeting the Befriender made such a
difference and gave her hope.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve been working with asylum seekers for over six years and
I am still astonished by had badly we treat them and how much they are vilified
by the press and by politicians. My experience today has only deepened my
concern about how the <st1:country-region w:st="on">UK</st1:country-region>
treats people who come here looking for protection. I long for the day when
politicians are brave enough stand up to immigration and take a lead on
promoting British values of fairness and concern for those in need.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you live near one of the UKs twelve Immigration Removal Centres
(Bedford, Gatwick, Heathrow, Strathaven, Hampshire, South Lanarkshire, Oxfordshire,
<st1:city w:st="on">Lincolnshire</st1:city>, <st1:city w:st="on">Dover</st1:city>,
Antrim, <st1:city w:st="on">Manchester)</st1:city><span style="background: white; color: #212121; font-family: Arial; font-size: 5.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>why not consider volunteering. If you live near <st1:place w:st="on">Leeds</st1:place> then come and join us at <a href="http://www.lassn.org.uk/">Leeds Asylum Seekers’ Support Network</a> and
perhaps you can be the person who brings hope.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02659392167517563768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7586700106615665726.post-63751332915863798962013-07-31T16:18:00.001+01:002013-07-31T16:18:55.277+01:00Submissions wanted for next edition of One Planet Leeds magazine<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDP9sBwnKW9KF0WCuB2w4rE8ItVy8l5MR2L_mP_EYA8359-lGtLMlDINqRIFaxCMbxsOTz1rL-S7zQj0BVdA3FfBBb5_AiOwfWnZNjhWwofJOoXRKLIfGWf-qarJb0r4bdTU6Bjxy1W70/s1600/OnePlanetLeeds.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDP9sBwnKW9KF0WCuB2w4rE8ItVy8l5MR2L_mP_EYA8359-lGtLMlDINqRIFaxCMbxsOTz1rL-S7zQj0BVdA3FfBBb5_AiOwfWnZNjhWwofJOoXRKLIfGWf-qarJb0r4bdTU6Bjxy1W70/s400/OnePlanetLeeds.png" width="256" /></a>We are looking for submissions of articles of 500 words or less. Our target audience is people who don't know much about asylum issues and may not really be all that interested. Therefore we want strong personal stories, creative pieces such as stories or poems, and good public interest links such as sport, arts, food or current events.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We work with people with incredible experiences both in
their country of origin and here in the <st1:country-region w:st="on">UK</st1:country-region>.
We know that people who listen to their stories are often changed by
what they hear. We also know that most
people have very confused or ill-informed opinions of what seeking asylum
really means. So we challenge the myths
and untruths perpetrated by the media.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Any links to <st1:place w:st="on">Leeds</st1:place> are
obviously a bonus but not essential. Articles written by people with direct experience
of claiming asylum are particularly welcome.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One Planet Leeds has a circulation of over 1,000 readers and
is produced both as an online pdf and as a printed magazine. Articles may also
be used for this Blog.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One Planet Leeds is produced by LASSN with support from 8
charities in <st1:place w:st="on">Leeds</st1:place>. We regret we cannot
provide any payment for articles.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you have an article idea please email
pressgangleeds(at)hotmail.com by 1 October 2013.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02659392167517563768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7586700106615665726.post-25284740721334758062013-07-15T15:17:00.001+01:002013-07-15T15:19:22.525+01:00<a href="http://lassn.org.uk/category/projects/press-gang/newsletter/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYQKK5utk-UHfOBdf2krdf72Su66glKpx2cUeve3o8vcmk4QHHfblZg28_yVh34zXP8IXa_YzRm5E7RmlWK612erS6hMCZVkRxBCcBRrcfgz97MCPIpdJoBJeWNWXqXvNStX0cMXv0KA/s1600/One-Planet-Leeds-summer-2013.png" /></a>One Planet Leeds, the Press Gang magazine, summer edition is available here:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lassn.org.uk/category/projects/press-gang/newsletter/">http://lassn.org.uk/category/projects/press-gang/newsletter/</a><br />
<br />
This edition includes:<br />
<ul border: 0px; color: #b29d85; font-family: Ubuntu, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px 0px 1.615em 1.231em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Theatre</span><ul style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 1.231em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Refugee boy</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">To walk in your shows</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Football – A shared sense of belonging</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Media – Mispeceptions</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Experience – The kindness of strangers</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Music – United Voices</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Women – Refugee Group</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Books – Scar Tissue</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Volunteering – interpreters needed</li>
</ul>
<a href="http://lassn.org.uk/category/projects/press-gang/newsletter/"></a><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02659392167517563768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7586700106615665726.post-70127078753507435042013-06-24T14:58:00.000+01:002013-06-24T15:01:14.814+01:00Could Mark Harper, MP, the Minister for Immigration live on £35.39 per week?<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59937401@N07/5929558175/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHd4mDDqgPHDWtIvKGbPhrzjhR5PS_izAKgXW0dKcXAccerR1jiINz1_L7h6_LxYKxc-JqGUnT4eMPywe5wnZUlE1sw4f8ie47Iq19lK1O-j0tUxrtV99_Eo1JqAEZmQXx5hp-H8tZ5CU/s1600/Coins.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;">Almost half-a-million people signed the <a href="http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/iain-duncan-smith-iain-duncan-smith-to-live-on-53-a-week" target="_blank">change.org petition</a> calling for Iain Duncan Smith, the current Work and Pensions Secretary, to prove his claim of being able to live on £53 a week.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;">He’d have it easy compared with the 2,068</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: x-small;">[1]</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;"> asylum seekers living on just £35.39 per week support from the Home Office under section 4 of the 1999 Immigration and Asylum Act. To make things even harder these people are not given any cash but a piece of plastic, called an Azure card, that can only be spent in a limited range of shops and if they don’t spend every penny it’s wiped off the card each week.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;">According to research</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: x-small;">[2]</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;"> from the Centre for Research in Social Policy (CRSP) at Loughborough University, the minimum income standard for a single person is £262.25. But that includes rent, council tax, gas and electricity, which the Home Office pays directly. It also includes petrol and £5 per week on cigarettes but Asylum seekers are prohibited from buying petrol, cigarettes or alcohol on their Azure card. The weekly amount also includes things like insurance and motoring expenses that asylum seekers certainly don’t have.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;">If we strip things back to the very basics then according to the research the minimum income required for a single person per week is £80.76 and I haven’t included anything for the bus fair for the required trip to report to Home Office each week or month:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;">· £48.25 food</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;">· £11.55 household goods – kitchen cleaning and bathroom</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;">· £11.65 personal goods – toiletries and health care</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;">· £9.31 clothes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;">It may be possible to manage on less than this for a short while – but I was shocked by <a href="http://www.markharper.org/" target="_blank">Mark Harper</a>’s reply to my letter expressing my concern.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;">“We do not think the value of cash and non-cash support is ungenerous…” Mark Harper MP in personal letter, May 2013</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;">If £35.39 per week is generous then I’d like to see Mark Harper rise to the challenge of living on it for even one week. Perhaps he could donate the amount he’d save to our charity so that we can support people with the mental and physical difficulties caused by their desperate situation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;">Peter Richardson</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;"><i>Peter Richardson</i> is Director of <a href="http://lassn.org.uk/" target="_blank">Leeds Asylum Seekers’ Support Network</a>, a small charity in Leeds where over 250 volunteers support around 700 asylum seekers and refugees each year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;">------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;">[1] Number of asylum seekers on Section 4 support at the end of March 2013. Source: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration-statistics-january-to-march-2013/immigration-statistics-january-to-march-2013#asylum-1">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration-statistics-january-to-march-2013/immigration-statistics-january-to-march-2013#asylum-1</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;">[2] <a href="http://www.minimumincomestandard.org/">http://www.minimumincomestandard.org/</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02659392167517563768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7586700106615665726.post-17686605577277655912013-06-24T04:32:00.000+01:002013-07-01T00:49:44.731+01:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">BHI Media Workshop<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-88OZGOpVfGg/Uce1zSOkEzI/AAAAAAAAADY/nc46NvbeoLQ/s1600/BHI+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-88OZGOpVfGg/Uce1zSOkEzI/AAAAAAAAADY/nc46NvbeoLQ/s320/BHI+1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Black Health Initiative (BHI) led a media workshop
during Refugee Week ran by Richard Smith and organised by Ali Mahgoub from the
Leeds Refugee Forum at One Community Centre. The workshop raised awareness of
various health issues through an innovative by using rap, music and
poetry.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Richard a former DJ used music as a backdrop and used his
bubbly personality to make everyone feel comfortable and free to express themselves. There
was a brief talk about how there are many health issues which people are
unaware of and not willing to discuss, one being prostate cancer which is a
killer in the Black community, yet there a few people who are willing to discuss
this. We were then asked to write a short piece about health or whatever we wanted to talk about. There were a variety of different styles of performances and
topics. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PY9FtW4rO6k/UdDBDtktNiI/AAAAAAAAAEo/nXcwygTZfnA/s421/BHI+Media.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PY9FtW4rO6k/UdDBDtktNiI/AAAAAAAAAEo/nXcwygTZfnA/s400/BHI+Media.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bilal Awali a 16 year old student at Mount St Mary’s rapped
about street crime and the negative impact it has he says “I have seen it a
couple of times and wanted to talk about it, the event has made me want to
carry on performing and learn more about health, so I will definitely read more
on the issues.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rachael McGarry a volunteer at Refugee Action is currently
working on a project for young people
which aims to get them involved in sports and more activities. Rachael
performed a piece on women and the way they are portrayed in the media. Rachael
says “You can’t really talk about health so open but it is important to
talk about especially with refugees who don’t know the country.The event has opened my eyes about health, particularly in the black community. ”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was also a rhyme on health by Solomon who works with
people who are challenged financially at the One Community Centre who said “It
is important to reach people who are struggling financially; debt can cause
mental health for many people. Richard has been inspirational and shown me how music
can be relaxing; I will definitely try the method, especially with people I work
with. We are planning a stall for the Debt Free Project next month in Lincoln
Green and will use music as I have seen how relaxing it is.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was unaware I would have to perform but after being put on
the spot I decided to be a good sport and quickly jotted something down and
performed a extremely short piece titled:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">‘Change’</u></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Knowledge is power
and power can bring change,</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Change can lead to
positivity and make the world a better place.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Change starts with
you so stand up and take your place!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ali says “The forum tries to do joint events, to work with
disadvantaged groups, by organising these events we can let people have access
and see what there is on offer. Refugee week is a celebration but also the best
way to put on different events to raise and bring awareness.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Throughout the workshop there was an emphasis on the
importance of health problems and the need to talk about it. If anyone ever
feels like there is something wrong they should talk about it with family,
friends and get checked out as it is the only way to get better and from
getting worse. Richard’s final message is simple “Your health is your wealth,
the better you look after yourself, and the better you will be.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the workshop came to an end there was delicious food
available for everyone to enjoy.<br />
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WCfiZStra18/UdDDs8YP6OI/AAAAAAAAAFE/OTCT5txbFtE/s305/BHI+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WCfiZStra18/UdDDs8YP6OI/AAAAAAAAAFE/OTCT5txbFtE/s305/BHI+2.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: red;">BHI is extending a warm invitation to men within the city to attend the Men's Health Dialogue on Thursday 27th June 2013, at Tiger 11 Hillside Beeston Leeds. There is a mini bus shuttle which will be going from the BHI office. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z6iOpqpfSPU/Uce4EWPZy3I/AAAAAAAAAEA/FLTy4pn-y0I/s1600/998668_392678300843540_1670080261_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z6iOpqpfSPU/Uce4EWPZy3I/AAAAAAAAAEA/FLTy4pn-y0I/s640/998668_392678300843540_1670080261_n.jpg" width="449" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: red;">BHI are also seeking people from the Black and Ethnic Minority community, who are living with lung cancer. If you can help or know someone who could call them on 0113 307 0300 for further information.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hTDy_hPYVDY/Uce44X99umI/AAAAAAAAAEI/OuEE4Q1u3jQ/s1600/1000811_390614991058918_1154276780_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hTDy_hPYVDY/Uce44X99umI/AAAAAAAAAEI/OuEE4Q1u3jQ/s400/1000811_390614991058918_1154276780_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7586700106615665726.post-81286614281522494552013-06-24T03:36:00.000+01:002013-06-24T03:36:12.344+01:00<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Together for Leeds Conference<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Motivation Progress, Good Mental Health</span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2wY5YAPiNj8/Ucern_xJhfI/AAAAAAAAADI/3CX8J2hO3Ak/s1600/motivation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2wY5YAPiNj8/Ucern_xJhfI/AAAAAAAAADI/3CX8J2hO3Ak/s320/motivation.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Divine Charura, a Senior Lecturer at Leeds
Metropolitan University in Counselling and Psychotherapy, led</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">the open
discussion on Motivation Progress, Good Mental Health at the Together for Leeds
Conference. Divine is a graduate member of the British Psychological society
and also works as a UKCP registered adult</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">psychotherapist with experience in
the voluntary sector and within the NHS.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He has years of various work experience in
diverse psychiatric/clinical and therapeutic settings in the UK and abroad.
Divine also has years of working as an individual and group supervisor and has
written and presented papers and book chapters on different topics including
Transcultural Psychology, Supervision, Addiction, Love, Family Work, Working
with Young People, Trauma, Psychopathology and other complex mental health
diagnoses. His background makes him an extremely knowledge individual to lead a
discussion on such an important issue.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Feeling motivated is crucial to
having good mental health, as when people become de-motivated they become
trapped in a constant negative despair. This workshop was extremely insightful
and showed the importance of feeling motivated.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The question ‘How to motivate refugees’ got
people passionate right away. The first point mentioned by the group was the
importance of integration, which members of the group did not agree with. Some raised
the issue of there being a divide in communities as people only stick to people
from their own cultures which leads to people not being able to integrate into
other communities. However others felt when refugees come into a country, not
knowing anyone and not being able to speak the language it is important to
surround themselves with familiarity as it builds up confidence and a form of
belonging.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As the
debate went back and forth, in the end there was a common ground, in the problem
that lies within housing. Refugees do not have control over where they are
placed and therefore end up wherever they are housed. This may either lead them
to being placed in a community with no other cultures or areas where there are
predominately similar ethnic groups, which means they might be less inclined to
socialise with other people and in turn miss out on opportunities such as
learning the language, the countries customs and being able to integrate into the work force.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Another
major issue with housing is that families with children have limited options of
schools they can attend. A disadvantage of this is that sometimes the children
can get labeled and by not having people from their own country in the same
area it can lead to a disconnection to their roots as they have no one to
relate to. One member of the group said his son goes to a school where there
are no other children from his country and doesn’t want to speak his mother
tongue.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The recommended solutions to both these
important issues raised by the group were that there needs to be better control
over housing by ensuring that communities and areas become more culturally
integrated. This will not only lead to more cultural integration but it will also allow people who have misconceptions of refugees to understand more about them.
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There was also a general agreement within the
group that the media plays a big part in the de-motivation of refugees. The
majority of media portrayal is negative, which leads to not only the public
having a negative perception of refugees but also refugees of themselves. When Divine
asked how many negative portrayals the group has seen nearly all of the participants
raised their hand and when he asked how many positive stories they have heard
or seen hardly anyone raised their hand. The media is extremely influential and
when there are constant negativity portrayals being shown people will start to
believe them. A participant of the discussion said “everyone has a vision when
they leave their country but de-motivation starts at the airport and from there
on, there are constant beating downs of your character”. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Another issue raised was the lack of support for those suffering from depression from health care practitioners. One participant felt that the current methods and dismissal the health care offers is not supportive. A solution to this problem by participants were the need for more practical and active classes being offered and there being better ways of communicating those to the refugee community.</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The discussion could have carried on all day
on how to motivate people and the various barriers there are to overcome those
issues, however as the session was only 30 minutes long this was not possible. Discussing
that there is a problem and the passion that the participants showed for the
topic is a step forward. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you have anything to add to the discussion
that took place and have suggestions on how to improve those, please do comment
below and voice your opinion.<o:p></o:p></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7586700106615665726.post-84476253969565275602013-06-22T02:02:00.000+01:002013-06-22T02:02:24.854+01:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Migration
Partnership<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Together For Leeds
Conference<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FaxBaVm1teA/UcTsJd3bv8I/AAAAAAAAABo/quaQtn36qZs/s1600/confernce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FaxBaVm1teA/UcTsJd3bv8I/AAAAAAAAABo/quaQtn36qZs/s640/confernce.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 9pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Cameroon
Dance Troupe Councillor
Gruen</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;">Tuesday the 18</span><sup style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-align: center;">th </sup><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;">June
saw refugee organisations, council members, volunteers, refugees and migrants come
together to discuss working with migrant communities, the issues they face and
how to overcome those issues.</span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">After a brief introduction, the conference started off with a
welcome from Bishop John Packer and an introduction of City of Sanctuary a
short film by Roger Nyantou, a national trustee of the City of Sanctuary
movement and Deputy Director of RETAS. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There were four workshops available split into two half an hour
sessions. The workshops allowed people to learn more about refugee children led
by the Children’s Society, Migrant English led by University of Leeds, Question
and Answers on the Welfare Reform by the Welfare Rights Unit and PAFRAS who
held a session on Destitution. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The children workshop discussed the All-Party Parliamentary Group
on Outcomes for Asylum Seeking Children, supported by the Children’s Society
and fed back its findings to Parliament in March 2013. The workshop also
covered the findings of the inquiry and how people can practically support
children in Leeds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Migrant English session
set a conversation to develop a dynamic resource containing information about
English language classes for adult migrants in Leeds and there was also an
exploration of both migrant English students and their teachers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Welfare Reform workshop hosted by Sean Kelly who has spent the
last two years advising on Welfare Reform went through the recent changes that
have been introduced to welfare benefits including housing benefits, council
tax and other social security benefits since the end of 2010. Participants also
got information on the changes and questions were answered for people who work
with migrants from a range of perspectives including destitute, asylum, and
economic migrants. Participants also raised interesting issues on the change
such as the effect it may have on people in abusive relationship as the abuser
might the only one receiving benefits which gives them financial power and why
the Equality Diverse Act hasn’t been assessed by the coroner. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The workshop also informed attendees how refugees have full access to public funds and therefore the
benefit changes apply to them as to any other claimant. Until the decision is
decided in their favour Asylum Seekers have very limited, if not any, access to
the benefit system. The migrant group who will be most likely to be affected by these cuts are EEA nationals as the government attempts to limit their qualification for
benefits while at the same time facing European Union court challenges on
grounds of discrimination in limiting EEA national’s rights to benefits. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lastly the workshop on destitution explored the needs and
challenges of working with destitute asylees in Leeds. The workshop was based
on the “Still Human, Still Here” campaign, the participants of the workshop
looked at how to provide practical support for destitute people in Leeds as
well as the wider context of destitution in the UK.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">After a quick lunch where people got a chance to network and trade
information on the sessions they attended, the Cameroon Dance Troupe held an
energetic dance which went down a treat and raised everybody’s spirits. </span>There were also a lot
of displays at the conference for people to enjoy, these included artwork by Lawnswood High School,
Highfield Primary School and Hatim Hassan who bought items from his own home to
display.</div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TKm5VTW7ClE/UcT3QhQLykI/AAAAAAAAAC4/AgWfoyc6XCo/s1600/art+display.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TKm5VTW7ClE/UcT3QhQLykI/AAAAAAAAAC4/AgWfoyc6XCo/s640/art+display.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">To ensure everyone got the most out of the conference there were
two open space workshops where people who wanted to lead a discussion on a
topic they were passionate about got an opportunity to run those. Some of these
discussions included ‘Save Legal Aid’, ‘Motivation Progress Good Mental Health’
and ‘Integrating Migrants into Society’. Jennifer Brown a support worker in the
Mental Health sector said “These sessions have opened my eyes to the issues
that migrants face and it’s got me thinking about what to do to help reduce these
issues and stigma’s surrounding people”.</span></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zg9m-TFrtWg/UcTzttb81PI/AAAAAAAAACY/EVwL1cluzQE/s1600/conference+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zg9m-TFrtWg/UcTzttb81PI/AAAAAAAAACY/EVwL1cluzQE/s640/conference+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">To wind the day the down everyone sat in a big circle and passed
the microphone around to get a chance to say how they felt the day went and
what they’ve learned. Aman Kefley from Eritrea who works at York Street Health
Practise said “It was very interesting, especially because we were talking
about our own issues. We spoke about us, and for us.”</span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There was then a question and answer session with Councillor Gruen,
Deputy Leader and Leeds City Council. Councillor Gruen said “I know you’ve
talked about Migrant English- and how we can be very practical here in Leeds
about making sure we have the best provision possible(despite, and you will
have to indulge my political bias here, the best efforts of this Government to
restrict access to it, whilst insisting migrants should speak a level of
English that most native speakers would struggle with) I really do think this
is an important issue- though- and speaks to so much of the migrant agenda- but
if we can crack it here in Leeds- and I don’t see why we can’t- we could make a
massive contribution to the migration debate nationally.” He also spoke on destitution and said
“Through the excellent deputation that took place to Council in April- we will
be discussing this at Executive Board in July to look at how we as a city can
take action to protect people when they are at their most vulnerable”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Rachael Loftus, who manages the Leeds migration partnership and
also played a big role in organising the event, closed the conference saying
“I’d like to first acknowledge the fantastic work that is being done in the
migrant third sector in Leeds- not just during Refugee Week- but week in and
week out.” She further stated “Obviously, we can’t get away from the fact that
we are in a tough economic climate. And that this climate is ideal for
spreading half-truths, lies and miss-understandings throughout the media- and
in this climate- it’s all too easy to make refugees, asylum seekers and
migrants the scapegoat. But I’m greatly encouraged by seeing here today: people
who are countering those messages: challenging the stereotypes and contributing
and leading in all aspects of the city’s life”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The conference ended with a flag of all the countries around the
world being lifted up by the attendees. It was a perfect ending to the day
showing how united everyone was and came together for such a great cause.</span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QixjVFbXSyY/UcTxVaKA0FI/AAAAAAAAACI/R36rhw2Z_i0/s1600/world.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QixjVFbXSyY/UcTxVaKA0FI/AAAAAAAAACI/R36rhw2Z_i0/s640/world.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7586700106615665726.post-77818781774021444982013-06-17T23:58:00.003+01:002013-06-17T23:59:11.037+01:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Life in Britain
Citizenship Session<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z74qnGcMBHA/Ub-RYjw5ijI/AAAAAAAAABQ/XNcsxRORU2E/s1600/Compton+Library.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z74qnGcMBHA/Ub-RYjw5ijI/AAAAAAAAABQ/XNcsxRORU2E/s400/Compton+Library.2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Libraries in Leeds are taking part in Refugee Week 2013 by
holding two Life in Britain Citizenship drop in introductory taster sessions. The first one happened today at Compton Road
Library and the next one will be held this Wednesday 19<sup>th</sup> at
Dewsbury Road Library at 10.30 till 12.00.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The free Life in Britain Citizenship taster session is aimed
at people who have recently moved to the UK. It is a self-learning course
available with practise tests. The sessions allow people to learn more about
the Britain citizenship programme and to help them prepare for the test. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is extremely easy to book the course, if you are interested you just have to
sign up to the library, become a member for free and a librarian will
introduce you to the course, help you register and also give a tour of the library. Once you become a member you can book the course online or
even do it from home. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bernadette Azari who runs the drop in sessions says “I have had people tell me they wish they knew about the Life in Britain course and
came to the library earlier on. I recall one student who failed the course five
times and they said they learned more in 10 minutes than they have on their
own.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Compton Road Library is a part of The Compton Centre which
brings various services under one roof, making it easier to get in contact with
a variety of services. The Compton Centre is the base for the NHS and Leeds
City Council, including the library and the Welfare Rights Unit. The main
services provided by their fully trained staff include adult social care, council
benefits and tax, library services with internet and a selection of books with
a variety of languages, East North Homes Leeds and many more. All of their services
are free and confidential.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Zahir Ahmed Area Development Librarian who mainly focuses on
ensuring there is equality and diversity in the city wide libraries says “The
library services are here to help people integrate into society in particular
welcoming refugees into our libraries. We are very happy to be working with
relevant organisations like Refugee Education Training Advice Service (RETAS) and
children centres to accommodate refugees.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A_0--tIyBvI/Ub-RsHSSWWI/AAAAAAAAABY/Wmmg13o-kag/s1600/Compton+Library.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A_0--tIyBvI/Ub-RsHSSWWI/AAAAAAAAABY/Wmmg13o-kag/s320/Compton+Library.3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Librarian Damian Fennel with the poetry display refugees have
written.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7586700106615665726.post-38834522921053717992013-06-17T23:26:00.000+01:002013-06-17T23:26:50.434+01:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Stories From Around the
World<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-514nPH8FL2Y/Ub-MSpF9chI/AAAAAAAAABA/B-rH7QzubZk/s1600/Compton+Library.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="387" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-514nPH8FL2Y/Ub-MSpF9chI/AAAAAAAAABA/B-rH7QzubZk/s400/Compton+Library.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Compton Road Library held a unique celebration today for
Refugee Week by incorporating storytelling and rhymes from around the world and
activities for children.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The session started off with Lorraine Lee the Children’s
Development Librarian reading from the book Fatou Fetch the Water written by
Neil Griffiths. The story was made to be interactive by having a Fatuo doll and
asking the kids to pick the fruit off the storyboard and putting them in his
basket, which not only the kids enjoyed doing but also the parents! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The children also got to sing classic nursery rhymes ‘If you’re
happy and you know it…’ and ‘Eensie Weensie Spider’ using different musical
instruments. The session was also educational with the children colouring in
different exotic fruits and being asked to draw what they would they put in an
empty suitcase if they were moving or going on holiday. The session ended with
the children running around with big smiles on their faces, bursting the
bubbles from the bubble blower machine.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The library holds a free story time session at 10.30am every
Friday for children under the age of 5. The sessions are fun, interactive and
designed to share stories in a relaxed friendly atmosphere. It is also a great
opportunity to meet other parents and carers. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lorraine said “The library is a fantastic tool with great
resources. By brining children to these story times it makes it easier for them
to develop their learning skills before even going to school. It is important
to celebrate Refugee Week because it is all about celebrating cultures that is
why we had stories from other cultures.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For more information on the story time sessions held at
Compton Road Library contact the friendly helpful team:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><b>The Compton
Centre <br />
Harehills Lane<br />
Leeds<br />
LS9 7BG<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><b>Telephone: </b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><b>0113 336 7790</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7586700106615665726.post-49217841159964515182013-06-17T16:08:00.001+01:002013-06-17T16:08:47.275+01:00
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter">
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0">
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1">
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1">
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0">
</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas>
<v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit">
</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></span></v:shapetype><v:shape alt="Description: F:\DCIM\100CANON\IMG_1084.JPG" id="Picture_x0020_9" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 206.25pt; left: 0px; margin-left: 74.25pt; margin-top: 38.25pt; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; text-align: left; visibility: visible; width: 276.75pt; z-index: -251658240;" type="#_x0000_t75"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<v:imagedata cropleft="2505f" cropright="3021f" o:title="IMG_1084" src="file:///C:\Users\c3252963\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg">
<w:wrap type="tight">
</w:wrap></v:imagedata></span></v:shape><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">United
Voices</span></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Qh-KAza9-8/Ub8ln-jCq3I/AAAAAAAAAAo/bhSfd2IbI0Y/s1600/Asmarina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Qh-KAza9-8/Ub8ln-jCq3I/AAAAAAAAAAo/bhSfd2IbI0Y/s400/Asmarina.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Members of Asmarina Voices have faced difficult times yet have
fantastic uplifting attitudes and show that through their smiles and singing
their hearts out every Friday. Asmarina means “united” in Eritrean and that’s
exactly what you will get from the women, even after only spending such a short
amount of time with them you can immediately see the beautiful souls these
strong women possess. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Asmarina Voices Women’s singing Group was part of the Welcoming
the World programme for West Yorkshire Playhouse’s production of Refugee Boy
and received funding from the Home Office to promote wider engagement with the region’s
refugees and asylum seekers. The singing group has continued to flourish with
women from all over the world coming together, forgetting their troubles and belting
out songs.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The group comes together every Friday from 1pm-2pm and runs until
the 19<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> July. They are currently in preparation for their
performance for the Wonderful Women of the World at the West Yorkshire Playhouse
on Friday 21<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup> June at 10.30am-2.30pm as part of 2013’s Refugee
Week. Asmarina Voices will be performing Taylor Swift’s Safe & Sound and We
Are Family by Sister Sledge.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">West Yorkshire Playhouse, alongside with the Refugee’s Council’s
Health Befriending Network and the women’s group in Leeds, offer weekly singing
sessions for refugee and asylum seeking women with professional artist and
musician Sophie Jennings who leads the choir. Sophie says “My idea is to have
fun on a Friday and I always feel happy when I leave. Some of these women only
come to this during their free time, so I want to continue encouraging them to
come and have some time for themselves. The songs we sing have not got too many
words so there is no language barrier and it makes the sessions relaxing.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shreena Gobey a Youth and Community work student at Leeds
Metropolitan University did her placement at West Yorkshire Playhouse and
currently helps with the voices singing group. Shreena says “The group is open
to everyone; it doesn’t matter if you can’t sing it’s all about enjoying music
and having a bit of a social.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0