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Community
Cohesion - Integration Programme
The dispersal of
new arrivals, asylum seekers and refugees throughout UK has created
new communities and has made many communities more diverse. While
this brings challenges to local areas and to local community
cohesion, particularly because of lack of familiarity and
understanding between new and existing communities, it can also
bring real social, cultural and economic benefits.
The Centre For Equality & Diversity under the funding regime of the
Commission For Racial Equality is providing a range of activities to
develop services to support and promote the positive integration and
long-term settlement of refugees and displaced people in the Borough
of Dudley and South West Sandwell.
Our work on Integration aims to:
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Enable
refugees and asylum seekers to achieve their full potential by
promoting equal access to local services and equal opportunities
for involvement in the community.
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We aim to
open channels for refugees and asylum seekers to have a voice in
local issues.
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Assist
Voluntary and Statutory sector organisations to ascertain the
needs of new arrivals to Dudley and surrounding areas.
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Formulate
and publish up to date information about the realities of asylum
seekers and refugees
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Publish
information that dispels commonly held myths and stereotypes of
those seeking asylum and refuge
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Seek to
address a broad range of integration issues and signposting
opportunities in: Education, Housing, Employment, Mental health,
Family support and Racial harassment
Role of Integration Officer includes:
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Provide
free, impartial and confidential advice to asylum seekers and
refugees
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One-to-one
integration needs assessments
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Provide
information about local services and activities
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Organise
integration courses
- Open
doors to volunteering, ongoing support in achieving and
promoting positive integration into the wider community
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