Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network

Active Voice
October 2012 Issue

Capacity Development

Following a successful funding application 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 development and capacity of new migrant groups. Specifically, the work with them will focus on the development of skills and competencies in organisational governance, financial management, project delivery and fundraising. The ultimate goals are to work with new migrant groups and You are all invited! organisations in order that they are able to play a more active and subOur Annual General Meeting will take place on 30th Nov 2012 stantive role meeting their societal from 4.30- 6.30pm at Parker House, 144 Evelyn Street SE8 5DD needs and those of the communities in which they live. If you need sup- ICT and Social Media Project port please contact Terry on 020 We are pleased to let you know that we received a grant from City 8694 0323 Bridge Trust to help black, ethnic, refugee and migrant organisaLRMN STILL SEEKS HOME tions in Lewisham, Southwark and Greenwich maximise the benefit of ICT and social media technology. The project is for 2 years We are still looking for an affordable, and LRMN is the lead body. If you are interested to join the proaccessible and spacious office space. ject, please call Cristina and or Terry on 020 8694 0323. Please contact Rosario on 020 8694 0323 if you have any information.

LRMN 2012 AGM

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 Lewisham. 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.

LRMN Summer Picnic

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 seekers who have fresh claims. The project will test and explore new models of closer working arrangements between the 3 charities.

On 16th September, our clients, the Challenge Network young people, our staff and volunteers had a wonderful Sunday afternoon at Deptford Park relaxing, eating and talking to each other. We had games for both young and adults and face painting for children.

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 representative 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 organisations, such as AFRIL, the Refuge, Lewisham Social Services and the LRMN's Women Project. The clients are now waiting decisions on their applications.

Duncan Lewis Award

Duncan Lewis gives donation to charities every month. In August 2012 we were nominated amongst many other charities and was chosen as the most deserving to receive their 1000 reward. The money will be used to pay for our volunKeep on Smiling teers meal and travel costs and to pay for some of our desWe received a small amount of funding titute clients basic and emergency needs. We want to say from South London and Maudsley to sup- Thank You to Duncan Lewis!
port our Lewisham Men fit for Life project.

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

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 seekers, 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 services. ENGLISH AS SECOND LANGUAGE CLASS (ESOL for Beginners) Classes take place every Monday, Thursday and Friday from 1.003.00pm and Tuesday from 10.0012.00pm.

ADVISORY SERVICE
-Immigration -Social Care -Welfare Benefits -Housing We are registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commission to provide 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 appear 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 WOMENS 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 contact: Emma Brech - 0208 694 0323 ext 231

MEN FIT FOR LIFE For men to come together in a confidential 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/1pm3pm/3pm-5pm and Tuesday from 10.002.00pm GARDENING PROJECT for Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Migrants Soon to start in New Cross and Lee. If you are interested please contact Rosario on 020 8694 0323.

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.

HEALTH ACCESS PROJECT For information and advice about accessing NHS treatment or relevant health services, and help with health-related benefits. Appointments on Mondays and Thursdays. Contact Shepherd on 020 8694 0323

FREE CRECHE AVAILABLE