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Derwent Refugee Support Project

In partnership with New Deal for Communities, Refugee Action has launched a support project in Derby on a typical white working class estate with a poor history of minority integration. This innovative project aims to assist the refugee and asylum seeking families on the estate to better integrate into the community, as well as raising awareness among local people. It also aims to improve access to services in the area and to refer asylum seekers and refugees onto new opportunities.

As a major part of the project’s work, Refugee Action has supported the recently formed Derwent Zambezi Association, a refugee community organisation formed by asylum seekers, refugees and African-Caribbean residents in the area. The group has a thriving and diverse membership, including British-born local residents. Refugee Action has assisted with several of the group’s events including a cultural party attended by the Mayor of Derby, performances by the group's choir, arranging a football match with local teams and various awareness raising sessions in the area.

Refugee Action also holds weekly drop-in sessions for asylum seekers and refugees to get advice and assistance with a range of subjects. A resources room that includes internet access has been set up. A racial harassment steering group has also been established, involving a network of the police, Refugee Housing Association, the fire and ambulance service, local housing officers and NDC community safety workers. It offers joined-up action and support to deal with racial harassment.

The project has recently undergone a very positive external mid term evaluation carried out by the University of Derby and will hold a conference at the end of its funding period (2006) to disseminate good practice.

Project details

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