One Stop Service Asylum & Refugee Advice & Support Service: Moira McCombe and Glen Phillips, Asylum Advice & Support Workers

Refugee Integration & Resettlement Service: Lume Podrimaj, Refugee Integration & Resettlement Worker

One Stop Service Asylum & Refugee Advice & Support Service

Moira McCombe and Glen Phillips, Asylum Advice & Support Workers

Tel: 028 90 242025 (24 hours emergency enquires only)

Introduction

NICEM has been sub-contracted by the Refugee Council (UK) to provide a service, including advice and support, to destitute Asylum Seekers while they apply for assistance through the new NASS (National Asylum Support Service) provisions.

This is a free, confidential service and interpreters will be arranged as required.

Where a client seems likely to be eligible, they are assisted in the application process. Emergency full-board accommodation can be arranged where an Asylum Seeker has no other resources to draw on.
Other support includes assisting clients to access medical services, referral to legal representation, information about educational opportunities, and referral to external agencies for clothing, equipment, etc.

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Who Can Get Assistance?

Not all Asylum Seekers are eligible for support from NAAS. The main criteria are that applicants:

• have, or intend to apply for, Political Asylum
• be over 18 or part of a family group
• not have received a positive decision on their Asylum application
• be destitute and not eligible for any other supports, e.g. Social Services or the Benefits Agency.

The service makes an initial assessment to ensure the client is likely to be eligible for support under these provisions, referring on to other agencies when necessary.

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How To Get Assistance

NICEM is happy to accept referrals from any source, including:

• Direct self-referral
• Via family or friends
• Member Groups
• Independent Advice Centres
• Citizens Advice Bureaux
• Community and Voluntary Based Organisations
• Health & Social Services Departments
• Private Practice Solicitors
• Homeless Advice Agencies

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Type of Work Covered by the Service

• Initial assessment
• Discussion of support options
• Briefing clients on the NASS process and time scales involved
• Assessment of urgent needs, e.g. clothing, medical
• Applying for NASS support
• Arrangement of emergency full-board accommodation
• Liasing with NASS regarding progress of application
• Referral to legal representation for asylum applications
• Advice, assistance and support while a client is waiting for a NASS decision
• One Stop Service for Non-Nass clients, referring to Social Services and other appropriate agencies
• Referral and registration with GPs and dentists
• Arranging English language classes
• Arranging access to community groups
• Refugee resettlement and integration

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Refugee Integration & Resettlement Service

Contact:Lume Podrimaj

Refugee Integration & Resettlement Worker
Telephone:(028) 9023 8645

Integration & Resettlement Service

NICEM has been funded by the European Refugee Fund to provide an Integration and Resettlement Service for Refugees and people granted ELR.

The service will ensure the provision of information which will assist refugees, and people who have been granted Exceptional Leave to Remain, in accessing essential services, and will aim to ease the process of integration and resettlement.

Having recognised gaps in mainstream service provision, initially the service will work to establish and develop links with Statutory Providers, working to ensure that mainstream services recognise and address the needs of refugees in terms of service provision and delivery. The service will also continue to work closely with the voluntary sector to develop complimentary services.

It will also facilitate community development and capacity building within refugee community organisations, given the lack of a recognised established group in Northern Ireland at present.

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Refugee Community

The service will work in conjunction with NICEM's Capacity Building and Community Development Projects in developing a refugee community organisation, which will be equipped to deal with issues affecting refugees.

The service is part of NICEM's overall strategy to promote the mainstreaming of ethnic minority issues into Northern Ireland and to encourage the development of a harmonious and multi-cultural society, promoting a positive image of refugees in the North of Ireland and focusing on the contribution refugees have made, and continue to make, towards our society.

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Working for the Community

NICEM accepts referrals from all sources, across Northern Ireland and beyond, including direct referrals from:

• Member groups
• Independent advice centres
• Citizen's Advice Bureaux
• Community and voluntary based organisations
• Health & Social Services Trusts
• Self-referral

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Type of Work Covered by the Service

• Development of Service Provision for Refugees in Accessing:
  • Health Care
  • Education
  • Development of Language Skills
  • Training and Employment
  • Welfare Benefits
  • Housing
  • Legal Advice
  • Community Development

   

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