The National Refugees and Asylum Seekers Conference 2024
15Hatfields, London 15 May 2024, 8:45am - 4:30pm
8:45am
Registration
9:50am
Chair’s Welcome Address
Dr Alice Mpofu-Coles, Community Research Associate, University of Reading
10:00am
Evaluating the Impact of UK Asylum Deterrence Policies
- Delve into the intricacies of UK policies aimed at deterring asylum seekers, including the Illegal Migration Act and the Rwanda Treaty
- Analyse the effectiveness of these policies, considering factors beyond policy control such as global conflicts and economic conditions
- Explore the implications of these policies on immigration detention, refugee integration, and legal rights of asylum seekers, offering insights into the complexities and uncertainties surrounding asylum deterrence measures
Daniel Sohege, Director, Stand For All
10:20am
A Systemic Approach to Refugee Health and Well-being
- Diving into the development of a comprehensive approach aimed at bolstering the resilience and well-being of refugees and asylum seekers
- Explore targeted interventions at the grassroots level while also examining strategies to foster systemic changes across regional and national healthcare systems.
- Innovative practices and collaborative efforts that prioritise the holistic health needs of displaced populations, paving the way for sustainable improvements in health outcomes and community resilience
Elizabeth Owen, Public Health Principal, Migrant Health and TB lead, Newham Council
10:40am
Prioritising Mental Health Support for Asylum Seekers and Refugees
- Address the critical issue of inadequate mental health support for asylum seekers and refugees, who often arrive with significant trauma
- Highlight the unique challenges faced by displaced individuals, including those from the LGBTQIA+ community, and the urgent need for accessible and culturally sensitive mental health services
- Explore strategies to enhance mental health provision, fostering integration and resilience among asylum seekers and refugees within their new communities
Professor Cornelius Katona, Honorary Medical and Research Director, Helen Bamber Foundation
11:00am
Questions and Answers Session
- Speakers from the previous session will join for an audience Q&A
11:20am
Break and Networking
11:50am
Reducing Homelessness and Supporting Accommodation Provision
- Addressing homelessness and move on from asylum support to mainstream benefits and employment
- Strengthening accommodation provision and expanding welcoming capacity for refugees on safe routes
- Addressing barriers to refugees accessing the private rented sector
Eleanor Paton, Policy and Advocacy Manager: UK Ukraine response, British Red Cross - Alice Lucas, Policy and Advocacy Manager, British Red Cross
12:10pm
Overcoming Fragmentation in Refugee Response Efforts
- Delve into the impact of immigration enforcement on public services as a result of a decade of ‘the hostile environment’ immigration policies
- Explore the impact of the Illegal Immigration Act 2023 and the most recent Safety of the Rwanda Bill on the UK’s ability to comply with international protection and human rights treaties
- Highlight the transformative potential of welcoming policies, using past and current examples, such as the resettlement programmes in the 1990s and now, and community sponsorship and refugee hosting schemes
Zrinka Bralo, Chief Executive Officer, Migrants Organise
12:30pm
Enabling Inclusive Education for Refugee Youth
- Explore the essential role of inclusive education in breaking down barriers for refugee youth, ensuring they have equitable access to learning opportunities
- Discuss the unique challenges faced by refugee youth in accessing education and the importance of tailored support systems to address these challenges effectively
- Discover innovative approaches and best practices for creating inclusive learning environments that promote the academic success and holistic development of refugee youth
Catherine Gladwell, Chief Executive, Refugee Education UK
12:50pm
The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) and the Devolved NRM Decision Making Pilot – How Well is it Working?
- Explore the NRM, its purpose and why it is important for the UK to improve its NRM process as it currently stands.
- Understand more around the Devolved NRM Decision Making Pilot, what this looks like and what are the benefits of this to young people going through the NRM process.
- Taking a look at the future of the NRM/Devolved NRM Pilot, the possibilities, and further challenges ahead.
Richard James, ICTG Service Devolved NRM Lead, Barnardo's National Counter Trafficking Centre
1:10pm
Lunch and Networking
2:10pm
Global Humanitarian Strategies for Refugees and Asylum Seekers
- Highlight the scale of displacement and the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers worldwide
- Examine effective humanitarian efforts and strategies implemented by organisations and governments to address the needs of refugees and asylum seekers, including shelter, healthcare, education, and legal support
- Explore innovative approaches and collaborations needed to build stronger international solidarity and ensure a more sustainable response to the refugee crisis
Gareth Owen OBE, Humanitarian Director, Save the Children UK
2:30pm
To Integrate or Not? – Overcoming Barriers Faced by Asylum Seekers and Refugees
- Delve into the multifaceted challenges hindering the integration of asylum seekers and refugees into society
- Address key issues such as hostile environments, limited access to employment, language barriers, and lack of community support
- Examine the implications of policies such as the Rwanda legislation and the shortage occupation list on refugee integration
- Emphasise the need for inclusive and supportive measures to foster integration
- Promote refugee integration at both individual and community levels, including facilitating access to language and skills training, empowering community leaders, and creating welcoming environments for refugees to thrive
Amanda Jones, CEO, Shropshire Supports Refugees
2:50pm
Empowering Through Skills and Employment
- Understand the importance of investing in the skills and development of refugees and asylum seekers to facilitate their integration into society
- Discuss challenges faced by refugees post-status approval, including the short timeframe given to secure accommodation and employment, and proposing extended support periods for smoother transitions
- Advocate for fair and equitable treatment of all refugees and asylum seekers, address
ingdifferential treatment issues faced by Afghan refugees and asylum seekers in accessing housing, and highlight the need for increased housing stock investment by councils to support integration efforts
Bea Walker, Senior Requalification Caseworker, RefuAid
3:10pm
Break and Networking
3:40pm
Reforming Legal Aid for Asylum Seekers
- Explore the necessity of reforming legal aid policies to remove barriers faced by asylum seekers in accessing legal advice
- Advocate for a shift towards an inclusive and accessible legal framework that prioritises the needs of asylum seekers, facilitating a smoother and fairer asylum process.
- Discuss the potential benefits of transitioning from an adversarial system to a collaborative approach, aiming to enhance the quality of legal representation and ensure justice for asylum seekers
Kate Wisbach, Immigration Advisor, North East Law Centre
4:00pm
Lived Experience Involvement in Participatory Action Research- A Refugee's Journey
- Introduction to Participatory Action Research and its significance in incorporating lived experiences into research methodologies
- Explore the role of refugees and asylum seekers as active participants, highlighting the importance of amplifying their voices and narratives
- Hear first-hand a personal account of a refugee's lived experience, shedding light on challenges, resilience, and insights gained, emphasising the power of lived experiences in shaping research and advocacy efforts
Martin Cosarinsky Campos, Director, Breadwinners
4:20pm
Chair’s Closing Summary
Dr Alice Mpofu-Coles, Community Research Associate, University of Reading
4:30pm
Close