lewisham refugee and migrant network newsletter, october 2012
DESCRIPTION
News about our work at LRMN, including two new capacity building projects for refugee organisations in Lewisham and front-line services to asylum seekers and migrant clients.TRANSCRIPT
Lewisham Refugee and
Migrant Network
Active Voice
Capacity Development
Following a successful funding appli-
cation to Deptford Challenge Trust
LMRN have appointed a Capacity
Development Worker. Terry Adams
took up post in July and works 2.5
days per week. The objectives of his
role include supporting the develop-
ment and capacity of new migrant
groups. Specifically, the work with
them will focus on the development
of skills and competencies in organi-
sational governance, financial man-
agement, project delivery and fund-
raising. The ultimate goals are to
work with new migrant groups and
organisations in order that they are
able to play a more active and sub-
stantive role meeting their societal
needs and those of the communities
in which they live. If you need sup-
port please contact Terry on 020
8694 0323
LRMN STILL SEEKS HOME
We are still looking for an affordable,
accessible and spacious office space.
Please contact Rosario on 020 8694
0323 if you have any information.
You are all invited!
Our Annual General Meeting will take place on 30th Nov 2012
from 4.30- 6.30pm at Parker House, 144 Evelyn Street SE8 5DD
ICT and Social Media Project
We are pleased to let you know that we received a grant from City
Bridge Trust to help black, ethnic, refugee and migrant organisa-
tions in Lewisham, Southwark and Greenwich maximise the bene-
fit of ICT and social media technology. The project is for 2 years
and LRMN is the lead body. If you are interested to join the pro-
ject, please call Cristina and or Terry on 020 8694 0323.
LRMN 2012 AGM
October 2012 Issue
Warm Homes Healthy People
In partnership with Lewisham CAB and 190
Community Centre, we will be delivering
this project to mitigate the impact of cold
weather on vulnerable households in Lew-
isham. We will raise awareness on fuel
poverty, the health risks associated with
cold housing and how to access help. We
will provide benefit check, debt, financial
and other relevant advice.
A New Way of Working
With a grant from Baring Foundation,
Southwark Law Centre (lead body), LRMN
and Southwark Day Centre for Asylum
Seekers, will be developing a new service
delivery model to strengthen, maintain
and improve services in South East London
for asylum seekers and failed asylum seek-
ers who have fresh claims. The project will
test and explore new models of closer
working arrangements between the 3
charities.
Immigration
We have helped a client to successfully obtain legal aid for representation at the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal after the client was merit failed by another legal adviser. When the client came to LRMN office, there were deadlines pending. Since coming to our office, we helped to refer the client to another legal repre-sentative and helped to challenge Legal Service Commissioner withdrawal of legal aid after the client was merit failed. The client is now waiting for a judgement from the Tribunal.
We have also helped our clients to submit applications to the UK Border Agency after liaising closely with number of organ-isations, such as AFRIL, the Refuge, Lewi-sham Social Services and the LRMN's Women Project. The clients are now waiting decisions on their applications.
Keep on Smiling
We received a small amount of funding from South London and Maudsley to sup-port our Lewisham Men fit for Life project.
On 16th September, our clients, the Challenge Network young
people, our staff and volunteers had a wonderful Sunday after-
noon at Deptford Park relaxing, eating and talking to each oth-
er. We had games for both young and adults and face painting
for children.
LRMN Summer Picnic
Duncan Lewis Award
Duncan Lewis gives donation to charities every month. In
August 2012 we were nominated amongst many other chari-
ties and was chosen as the most deserving to receive their
£1000 reward. The money will be used to pay for our volun-
teers’ meal and travel costs and to pay for some of our des-
titute clients’ basic and emergency needs. We want to say
Thank You to Duncan Lewis!
ADVISORY SERVICE
-Immigration
-Social Care
-Welfare Benefits
-Housing
We are registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commission to pro-vide advice up to Level 3.
We are able to:
- conduct casework
- prepare cases in the
Immigration and Asylum Chambers (IAC) including drafting full grounds of appeal.
- represent clients at the IAC
- instruct a barrister or advocate to ap-pear at the IAC where permitted by BAR Council.
Our advisors give advice at one-to-one consultations. If we are unable to help clients, we signpost them to specialist services.
For an appointment contact -
0208 694 0323
HEALTH ACCESS PROJECT
For information and advice about access-
ing NHS treatment or relevant health
services, and help with health-related
benefits. Appointments on Mondays and
Thursdays. Contact Shepherd on
020 8694 0323
Parker House, 1st Floor
144 Evelyn Street
LONDON, SE8 5DD
Mon-Fri 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
Phone: 0208 694 0323
Fax: 0208 694 6621
www.lrmn.org.uk
ALL SERVICES ARE FREE
WOMEN’S SUPPORT SERVICES
We offer one-to-one counselling service for refugee and asylum seeking women who are suffering effects of gender-based violence and other traumas.
Appointments on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. For an appointment con-tact:
Emma Brech - 0208 694 0323 ext 231
Time To Talk’ - Lewisham Refuge Network Nurture/Health Group for Women
Providing support and education around health and self-esteem. Includes a hot lunch.
Every Wednesday 10am - 12pm.
Sewing Club
Every Thursday 10am-12pm
Knitting Club
Every Thursday 10am-12pm.
Contact Margot.
FREE CRECHE AVAILABLE
Established in 1991 Lewisham Refugee
and Migrant Network (LRMN) is a
longstanding provider of information
and advice on immigration, welfare
benefits, housing, homelessness, debt,
health and education to asylum seek-
ers, refugees and migrants in South
East London.
LRMN also provides counselling and
therapeutic support to women survivor
of domestic and gender based violence
and helps clients access medical ser-
vices.
ENGLISH AS SECOND
LANGUAGE CLASS
(ESOL for Beginners) Classes take place
every Monday, Thursday and Friday
from 1.00—3.00pm and Tuesday from
10.00—12.00pm.
MEN FIT FOR LIFE
For men to come together in a confi-
dential environment to engage and
learn new skills and share experiences.
Every Tuesday from 2.30 – 4.30pm at
Parker House. If you want to join
please contact Shepherd on
020 8694 0323
IT/COMPUTER CLASSES
Basic training in using a computer.
Learn how to operate a keyboard and
mouse, get online and set up an email
account.
Monday from 10am-12pm/1pm-
3pm/3pm-5pm and Tuesday from
10.00—2.00pm
GARDENING PROJECT for Refugees,
Asylum Seekers and Migrants
Soon to start in New Cross and Lee. If
you are interested please contact Ro-
sario on 020 8694 0323.