Tuesday 18 October 2011

Advice E-Newsletter , June 2011

Poverty  and social exclusion:
Information about poverty in UK
The Department for Work and Pensions has published the latest set of information about poverty in UK, Households Below Average Income: An analysis of the income distribution 1994/95 - 2008/09. The figures show that there are currently 3.9 million children in the UK growing up in poverty, a fall of 100,000 in the past year and 600,000 over the last decade.
http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/hbai/hbai_2009/pdf_files/full_hbai10.pdf
Poverty pathways: ethnic minority women's livelihoods
Ethnic minority women are amongst the poorest and most socially excluded people in the UK. Yet very little is known about their lives, or how to lift them out of poverty. Mainstream approaches simply do not see these women or their needs.
http://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/documents/Povertypathways.pdf
Joseph Rowntree Foundation Publishes Report on Poverty and Social Exclusion
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the New Policy Institute recently published their thirteenth annual ‘Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion’ report on poverty and social exclusion in the United Kingdom.  Follow this link for further information and downloads: 
http://www.jrf.org.uk/publications/monitoring-poverty-2010
‘Children in Care Councils’ Report
London Councils Publishes Research on 'Children in Care Councils' London Councils has recently published the report of research they had commissioned into ‘Children in Care Councils’, which provide opportunities for children in the care of a local authority to discuss and comment on care services.  Follow this link for further information and downloads:
http://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/policylobbying/children/incare/default.htm
Grants
http://www.turn2us.org.uk/grants_search/search_by_topic.aspx?gclid=CNy0mOae76sCFcIe4QodWXl2IA
Asylum and Immigration:
Refugee Council report on understanding why asylum seekers come to the UK
Refugee Council has commissioned a research investigating the decisions made by asylum seekers who come to the UK and examines the extent to which these decisions are a reflection of chance or choice. The research was undertaken by Professor Heaven Crawley, Director of the Centre for Migration Policy Research at the University of Swansea. To see the report go to: http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/policy/position/2010/18jan2010
Finding a place to live – your council and housing association options
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Councilandhousingassociationhomes/Findingsomewhere/DG_188604
Important changes to Housing Benefit
There are important changes to Local Housing Allowance from April 2011. These changes will affect people getting Housing Benefit, who pay rent to a private landlord.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_192415
Apply for a council home
If you’re looking for a place to live, a council property could be the answer – although you’ll probably have to wait for one. Find out who is eligible for council housing, how to apply, how councils decide who gets housing and where to get housing advice.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Councilandhousingassociationhomes/Councilhousing/DG_188701
Changes to Income Support for lone parents
Your entitlement to Income Support may stop when your child reaches a certain age, if you are only claiming it because you are a lone parent. However you may be entitled to other benefits and support.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_income/DG_175842
Benefits if you are ill or disabled – changes you need to know about
Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance and Income Support paid because of illness or disability are being phased out. If you get one of these benefits your claim will be reviewed to see if you’re capable of work or can get other benefits. Find out how your claim will be reviewed.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_188859
Lawyers urge for support for destitute asylum seekers
Applications for a judicial review have been made to The High Court, urging them to bring forward a decision on providing support for asylum seekers who are destitute. This action was taken by lawyers as asylum seekers have to travel to Liverpool to give fresh evidence on their claims. Since October last year, failed asylum seekers who want to submit fresh evidence to a claim made before 5 March 2007 must travel to Liverpool in person. They were previously able to provide their evidence by post. The High Court is said to be looking into whether the procedure is legal before a carrying out a judicial review of whether destitute people who want to make fresh claims should be given section 4 support, which gives failed asylum seekers accommodation and a small amount of financial help. The judicial review on whether the system is legal has been planned for October 2010.
To read more see: http://www.insidehousing.co.uk/news/legal/lawyers-want-court-ruling-on-section-4-support-fast-tracked/6510065.article
Asylum seekers survive on as little as £10 a week
As asylum seekers can't work or claim benefits and some have nowhere to live, their only means of survival is one £10 food voucher a week. Four failed asylum seekers tell their desperate stories.
To read more see: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/jun/16/asylum-seekers-survive-on-streets
or http://www.u.tv/News/The-asylum-seekers-who-survive-on-%C2%A310-a-week/e8d10f02-a0be-466c-8920-5a3dce035782
Consumer rights
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Consumerrights/index.htm
http://www.oft.gov.uk/consumer-advice/oft-and-cd/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/watchdog/consumer_advice/
Parenting:
Bringing Up Britain videos on BBC Three - stories from the frontline of parenthood
http://www.bbc.co.uk/parenting/
Parenting UK
Parenting UK is a national membership body for the parenting workforce, promoting parenting support, keeping you informed, sharing best practice and representing your views
http://www.parentinguk.org/
What is the Criminal Records Bureau
The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) helps employers in England and Wales make safer recruitment decisions. A number of roles, especially those involving children or vulnerable adults, are entitled to a criminal record check. Our aim is to help protect children and vulnerable adults by providing a first-class service to support organisations recruiting people into positions of trust.
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/agencies-public-bodies/crb/
Advice Guides:
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index.htm
Guide to BME cancer resources January 2011
http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Documents/HowWeCanHelp/Publications/BMEresourcesguide-January2011.pdf
Caring for Black and Minority Ethnic Children and Young People
A Guide for Foster Carers
http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/FC879103-C788-49DA-98D9-751F3C18CE25/0/Blackandethnicminorityfostering.pdf
Information for Black and minority ethnic voluntary and community organisations
http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/1281230.pdf
Guide to financial support for disabled people
There is a wide range of disability-related financial support, including benefits, tax credits, payments, grants and concessions. This is a general overview with links to detailed information
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/Introductiontofinancialsupport/DG_10020535
Childcare for a disabled child
When it comes to childcare for a disabled child, a lot of the considerations are the same as for any other child. There are a few extra things to think about, such as specialist training or a child's medical needs. Find out about different types of childcare
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/CaringForSomeone/CaringForADisabledChild/DG_10027203
About Legal Aid
http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/about_legal_aid.asp
Legal aid information leaflets
http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/public/information_leaflets.asp
A Step-by-Step Guide to Legal Aid
http://www.lawcentres.org.uk/uploads/Step_by_Step_Guide_12.08_.pdf
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Our Vision and Services

Our vision is of a society where no one should experience discrimination on the grounds of their mental health.

Mental health problems are extremely common across society, with one in four of us experiencing them in any year. Despite being so common, people from all communities will still experience discriminatory attitudes and behaviours that can prevent people from speaking out, seeking support and playing full and active roles in our communities. The impact of mental health stigma and discrimination will vary between communities as mental health has a cultural context that affects the way communities talk about the subject and engage with people who have mental health problems. In some cultures depression, for example, doesn't exist and in others an experience of a mental health problem can be attached to a sense of shame.

For the African and Caribbean communities a key issue is the overrepresentation of young African and Caribbean men in mental health services. Misconceptions and stereotypes have led to a perception that this group is more likely to pose a risk of violent behaviour and, as a result, they are more likely to be treated as inpatients and sectioned when compared to other groups. It is well documented that this has led to a fear of talking about mental health issues more openly and a fear of using mental health services. Research by the Race Equality Foundation (2011) also highlighted fears that discrimination against Black & Minority Ethnic (BME) communities and migrant service users will increase in the austerity climate and whilst commissioning arrangements change.

Our Services

· Provide information, advice, advocacy

· Represent diversity communities in Health Care services, policies and strategies

· Organise training in health and social care in collaboration with local colleges

· Provide human resources ( including interpreters) who are suitable to the diversity communities especially to break language and cultural barriers

· Provides domiciliary care and support

· Provide services such specialised support for people with mental health needs, including people who suffer from short-term memory problems, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

· Provide visits to elderly people and help them with outings and home services

· Participate in local authority and NHS consultations , research events and programmes to voice the needs of diversity communities.

· Increase access to services and rights for disadvantaged people and the most vulnerable of our society

· Help and support unemployed people to look for work, including training and job preparation

· Provide legal advice in a range of issues from on Immigration and Asylum , welfare benefits, housing, health, education, community care, and training, employment, etc.

· Provide advice and guidance, information and practical help so that our service users can access opportunities they are entitled to

· Organise training and other community learning opportunities that provide new skills, increase confidence and motivation

· Support our service users to overcome barriers to learning, employment and training

· Provide support for young people with their education, training, confidence building, employment and social needs.

Objectives of our Diversity Living Programme:

· To promote the inclusion and participation of diversity communities* in integrated care.

· To inform policy, locally and nationally, and assisting in the formulation of effective policies, strategies and good practices in integrated care in order to contribute to improved health outcomes for the people from the diversity communities (e.g. Black and minority ethnic communities) and to ensure health services are able to meet their specific needs.

· To improve the quality of life for diversity people with disability, mental health problems and their families and carers through integrated care by providing inclusive advocacy and information.

· To provide service that enable diversity groups and individuals with disability /elderly and their carers to make the right choice for themselves and have an influence on decisions made about their future.

· To promote the rights of diversity people with disability, their families and carers and make sure their rights are safe and protected.

· To promoting access to information regarding healthcare issues and to raise awareness of the needs of diversity disabled children, young people, older people and their families.

· To promote the rights of older and disabled diversity people, helping them overcome and enable them to participate in decisions about their future

· To provide support and information to those suffering the isolation and loneliness that can be associated with disability and old age

· To fight against mental health stigma in refugee, black and minority ethnic communities and ensure no one should experience discrimination on the grounds of their mental health or disability.

*Diversity communities are older people, disabled people, Black, Asian, refugees, migrants, asylum seekers and other ethnic minorities.