Tuesday, 18 October 2011

Advice E-Newsletter , August 2011

Employment

Guidance on employing refugees and asylum seekers

The Refugee Council welcomes the publication of crucial new guidance on employing refugees and asylum seekers by the UK Border Agency. The booklet, Guidance for employers on illegal working: refugees and asylum seekers, gives employers clear information on the documentation checks they need to carry out when recruiting refugees and asylum seekers, and also includes details of the employment rights of refugees, the bespoke documentation they are issued with in place of a national passport, and how refugees differ from other foreign nationals in the UK.

Immigration and Asylum:

New multilingual telephone advice service begins
From Monday 20 June 2011, the Refugee Council will start operating the free and confidential Own-Language Telephone Advice Service (OLTAS). We will no longer provide a ‘drop in’ service and our current telephone advice will be transferred to OLTAS. This service is already successfully operating in our Birmingham office
Limited leave creates barriers for those wanting to rebuild their lives
Refugee Council publishes briefing on applying for indefinite leave

Finance

Social Fund
1. The Social Fund (SF) is a scheme to help people with needs which are difficult to meet from regular income. It is made up of two distinct parts:
  • a regulated scheme which provides entitlement to maternity, funeral, cold weather and winter fuel payments for people who satisfy certain qualifying conditions
  • a discretionary scheme under which people may be eligible in certain circumstances for a:
  • Community Care Grant (CCG) - to meet, or help to meet, a need for community care
  • Budgeting Loan (BL) - to meet, or help to meet, an intermittent expense
  • Crisis Loan (CL) - to meet, or help to meet, an immediate short term need
2. This guide deals with discretionary payments only.

Benefits

Incapacity Benefit

Incapacity Benefit (IB) is the main benefit paid to people who cannot work as a result of a health condition or disability

Budget 2011 - benefits and tax credits

The Chancellor confirmed that Child Tax Credit is to increase by £255 for low income families. Also, find out about the changes to benefit and tax credits that will come into force from the beginning of April announced in the June 2010 Budget.

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.

Impact of changes to Local Housing Allowance from 2011


Budget June 2010 - benefits and tax credits
The Budget announced changes to payments and the way you claim Child Benefit, Child and Working Tax Credit, Disability Living Allowance and Housing Benefit. Child Benefit is frozen for three years. If you're a lone parent you're encouraged to return to work once your children are in school.

Changes affecting Housing Benefit, Local Housing Allowance, and Council Tax Benefit

The government has changed some of the rules which apply to Housing Benefit (including Local Housing Allowance) and Council Tax Benefit. More details are listed below. Most of the changes take effect from April 2011, although some people who already get benefit may not be affected straight away. Some of the changes limit or reduce the amount of benefit that the council can pay. If you get Housing Benefit, or are thinking of applying for it, or moving home, you need to consider these changes to LHA before you renew or make a new tenancy agreement with a private landlord.
In addition, the government has also announced proposals for major changes to the welfare benefits system in later years. These will affect most other benefits and allowances as well as those mentioned above.

Benefits: Welfare Reform Bill 2011

On 16 February 2011 the Welfare Reform Bill was introduced to Parliament. The Bill legislates for the biggest change to the welfare system for over 60 years. It introduces a wide range of reforms that will deliver the commitment made in the Coalition Agreement and the Queen’s Speech to make the benefits and tax credits systems fairer and simpler by:
• creating the right incentives to get more people into work by ensuring work always pays
• protecting the most vulnerable in our society
• delivering fairness to those claiming benefit and to the taxpay


Advice Guides:

Working with Black and Minority Ethnic Communities: A guide for Stop Smoking Service managers
Information for Black and minority ethnic voluntary and community organisations
Asian Women, Domestic Violence and Mental Health A Toolkit for Health Professionals

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.
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.
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: 
‘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:
Grants
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Consumer rights
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
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.
Advice Guides:
Guide to BME cancer resources January 2011
Caring for Black and Minority Ethnic Children and Young People
A Guide for Foster Carers
Information for Black and minority ethnic voluntary and community organisations
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
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
About Legal Aid
Legal aid information leaflets
A Step-by-Step Guide to Legal Aid

Advice E-Newsletter , February 2011

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is a benefit for people who have a limited capability for work because of a health condition or disability. ESA was introduced in October 2008 and replaces Incapacity Benefit and Income Support paid on incapacity grounds for new customers.
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
Housing:
Finding a place to live – your council and housing association options
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.
Benefits:
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.
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.
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
Immigration and Asylum
How do I apply for naturalisation as a British citizen?
To apply for naturalisation, you should use application form AN. Before you apply, you should ensure that you have read the section on eligibility. You must be aged 18 or over to apply for naturalisation. http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/britishcitizenship/applying/applicationtypes/naturalisation/
What is the habitual residence test?
Health:
Exploring the Attitudes and Behaviours of Bangladeshi, Indian and Jamaican Young People in Relation to Reproductive and Sexual Health
ETHNICITY AND HEALTH
Black and minority ethnic (BME) groups generally have worse health than the overall population, although some BME groups fare much worse than others, and patterns vary from one health condition to the next. Evidence suggests that the poorer socio-economic position of BME groups is the main factor driving ethnic health inequalities. Several policies have aimed to tackle health inequalities in recent years, although to date, ethnicity has not been a consistent focus. This POSTnote reviews the evidence on ethnic health inequalities, the causes and policy options.
Improving mental health support for refugee communities – an advocacy approach
The Refugee and asylum-seeker mental health advocacy project was developed to build a better understanding of the mental health concerns of refugees and asylum-seekers in England and to use these data to improve their ability to find pathways to appropriate mental health support. The core approach was to work with advocates from refugee community organisations to develop a robust form of mental health advocacy. This form of advocacy includes not only focused support for individuals, but also advocacy for the community as a whole. In the community function the aim was to create a dialogue with the community on issues of mental health (including stigma) and to engage with primary care trusts and other provider agencies to develop community-focused services
A civilised society Mental health provision for refugees and asylum-seekers in England and Wales
Inside Outside: Improving Mental Health Services for Black and Minority Ethnic Communities in England
This document sets out proposals for reforming the service experience and service outcome of people from black and minority ethnic groups who experience mental ill health and who come into contact with mental health services, as users or carers. The plans set out in this document also aim to improve the overall mental health of people from black and minority ethnic groups living in England. The main focus for change is the pervasive ethnic inequality that currently exists within mental health services. The central objective of this initiative is to reduce and eventually eradicate such disparities and, by doing so, make mental health services appropriate for and relevant to a multicultural society.
http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/@dh/@en/documents/digitalasset/dh_4019452.pdf

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.