Refugee and Migrant Strategy in Kingston Martha Earley, Public Health Principal, Lead for Health Improvement
How many refugees, asylum seekers and migrants are there in the Royal Borough of Kingston? It is very difficult to ascertain exactly how many refugees, asylum seekers and migrants there are in any geographical area due to the lack of systematic data collection for these population groups and the fact communities can be transient and move on from a particular area. However, the 2011 Census does show that 26.9% of the population of Kingston were born outside of the British Isles. This includes individuals from populations of people from the Middle East, South Korea, EU accession countries, particularly Poland, and people who identify as being of Tamil ethnic origin . Refugees and asylum seekers have also come to the borough from countries including North Korea, Iraq, Iran, (inc. Kurdish) Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, (inc. Tamil) Syria, Pakistan and Bangladesh . Refugee Action Kingston are supporting over 3,000 refugee and asylum seekers within the borough.
Food & Nutrition Information & Community Advice Safety Relocation & Integration Prosperous Welfare & Debt Lives for All: The Refugee and Migrant Strategy Mental Health & Learning English & 2016-19 Social Isolation Interpreting Support Employment & Volunteering Housing Health & Social Care
Crisis and Advocacy Service Active and Supportive Communities commission in partnership with the CCG. Provided by Refugee Action Kingston. Refugees and asylum seekers are able to get advice, information and guidance on a range of issues such as access to health services, housing, debt management, welfare claims, immigration procedures. This includes a counselling service for refugees and asylum seekers many of whom have experienced trauma in the past.
Refugee, Asylum Seeker, Migrant Health Days (Project Manager: Ellie Cooke, Community Development Officer) Every 6 months or more Opportunity to disseminate information and resources to migrants on a range of issues as well as answer questions they have. Access to primary care Early Maternity Care Sexual Health
Refugee, Asylum Seeker, Migrant Health Days Also an opportunity to introduce migrants to other services and charities such as children’s centres, screening and Mind. Feedback is also collected from attendees to inform future health days and other approaches. Find and Treat Early Years - Children’s Centres
Resettlement Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme Commitment to bring 50 displaced individuals directly from the region to resettle in Kingston. Council staff, public health and housing, liaise with the home office, CCG, DWP and community partners to deliver the scheme. Refugee Action Kingston provide an integration package to ensure migrants are able to successfully build a new life in the borough. So far the borough has welcomed 7 families (27 individuals) under the scheme.
Resettlement Community Sponsorship Home Office initiative to allow community organisations to welcome refugees and take responsibility for integration. Community Sponsorship Event, July 2017 hosted by RBK, featuring Minister for Immigration and Mayor of Brockville, Canada. Positive engagement from residents and local organisations. Offering support to local organisations interested in refugee sponsorship alongside Home Office and national charities.
Controlling Migration Fund Projects Funding from the Controlling Migration Fund (Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government). Total grant £338,528 10 projects delivered by 5 local partners. English for speakers of other languages (ESOL): 4 projects increase the English language provision in Kingston required by vulnerable migrants e.g. entry 1 and ESOL for those who are not literate in their own language. Health and Integration : community classes for Image: Independent Yemen Group, Healthy migrant parents to engage with schools, healthy eating Eating and Parenting Course and parenting course, sessions to support newly arrived refugees, support for young migrants with school work and an advice and advocacy service.
Korean Needs Assessment In partnership with Kingston University Research to further understanding of the needs of the local Korean community in Kingston. Seeks to recommend measures, or initiatives for the Council, its partners and the community to take in order to promote the wellbeing of communities. Encompasses a broad range of perspectives from North and South Korean communities and service professionals. The research engaged with a total of 98 Individuals
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