Blog Post from Alketa Hystuma of The Shpresa Programme  

The Shpresa Programme works with Albanian nationals in the UK who have mainly migrated from Italy, Greece and Bulgaria. Their dual nationalities make them EU citizens. 

The 23rd of June 2016 marked a seismic change for a country, which for 47 years was a member state of the European Union and its predecessor, the European Communities (EC). Assisting with the completion of online applications has been challenging since the Brexit process as many service users have difficulties with the language or  have no English skills. Others have difficulties using computers and online services, like not understand the confirmation emails or calls they receive to provide further evidences as part of their EUSS applications. Many of the people we work with have completed wrong applications, equally many are not aware of their rights on public funds including housing and homelessness assistance. A general problem is that many do not yet fully understand what Brexit means and why having a Settled or Pre-Settled status is important in protect their future immigration status, as well as their rights  and entitlements to family reunions, work, benefits, and access to the NHS.

Since COVID-19 we witnessed a rise of applications for universal credit. We’ve noticed indirect discrimination when an EU citizen has only arrived to the UK a few months ago and is working a limited number of hours per week. Most of the claims made resulted in refusals, not once, but 2-3 times. We have previously requested reviews and have appealed decisions to highlight that the EU citizens have the same rights as a British passport holder or someone with refugee status.

Our other immense concern is for groups or people who are isolated and have no contact with us or any other organisations who promote and do campaign work around the EU Settlement Scheme. If vulnerable members of our community fail to apply before June 30 2021 their immigration status will inevitably be compromised, no matter how long they have resided in the UK.

Our partnership with New Europeans UK started in September last year. Since then, we have jointly delivered more than 5 events and information sessions tailored for the Albanian community. New Europeans UK have advised and trained our staff, as well as a cohort of our Albanian speaking volunteers. We have found a valuable partner that is keen to hear the challenges our service users face and offer free professional advice.

It has been a highlight of Shpresa’s activity, to work intensively with the many EU citizens part of the Albanian community in the UK and raise awareness of their rights in the UK during and after Brexit. With the continuous support from New Europeans UK, the Shpresa Programme has campaigned extensively through social media, our digital work and information sessions, as well through our advocacy “Be the change” project. This will ensure effective support continues to reach our community, so that no EU citizen gets left behind. We will continue to assist anyone who needs help to integrate and become self-sufficient once they chose to make the UK their home.

Shpresa Programme

www.shpresaprogramme.com

020 7511 1586


Refugee Week. Some Great Links

WE CANNOT WALK ALONE: REFUGEE WEEK EVENTS

‘no one leaves home unless
home is the mouth of a shark’

Warsan Shire, Home

In recognition of Refugee Week the following online events and exhibitions may be of interest:

  • The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants are hosting a fantastic online exhibition, Beyond Labels
  • Croydon Voluntary Action and 40 local organisations are hosting a week of activities celebrating work by and with refugees.
  • Barnet New Citizens Gateway is celebrating Refugee Week with an online event where members of their community will share their stories. Join their  celebration of humanity and culture for stories of refugees experiences and hopes for the future. The event will feature a packed schedule of inspirational talks, art, and singing from renowned Palestinian artist, Nancy Hawa. Mon, June 21, 5:00 – 6:00 PM
  • Refugee Education UK are sharing stories of their work with young refugees.
  • HOME? curated by actor and refugee-child Noma Dumezweni, brings together global voices, stories and experiences across three new commissions, created in collaboration with refugee artists and the Old Vic Theatre.
  • Counterpoints Arts and Schools of Sanctuary present authors Michael Rosen and Sita Brahmachari  in conversation with Sanchita Basu De Sarkar sharing poems and stories suitable for children aged 9 and over and their families.  June 17th 4.30-5.15pm.
  • The National Archives share a series of events linking the history of refugees in the UK via documents held by them.
  • UNHCR are asking people to submit their own dictionary definition of the term ‘refugee’.

There are many other events where you can show your support for London’s vibrant refugee communities. Just Google your borough and Refugee Week 2021


4in10 Newsletter 10.06.2021

4in10 Newsletter with information, data, news, calls for action, funding and more. For this issue click here.


Magic Breakfast

No Child Left Behind – new website! Blog by Mari Burton from the NEU.

New data released by the End Child Poverty collation has revealed that even before the pandemic child poverty levels had risen to 4.3 million children – an increase of 200,000 on the previous year, This means that across the UK, 31 per cent of children are now growing up trapped in poverty – the equivalent of 9 pupils in every class of 30.

 

It doesn’t have to be this way. The Government must take urgent action to right this wrong.

 

The National Education Union have launched a brand new campaign website which allows visitors to search for the latest child poverty statistics for their area, simply by typing in their postcode. Visitors to the site are asked to email their local MP, asking them to show their commitment to tackling poverty in their area by signing the NEU’s anti child poverty pledge. The pledge reads:

 

As a member of Parliament, I pledge to do everything in my power so that no child is left behind in East Worthing and Shoreham:

  • I call for the development of a cross-Government strategy to eradicate the poverty faced by the 4.3 million children currently growing up trapped in poverty.
  • I will use my vote and voice in Parliament to try to stop an expected 730,000 more children being plunged into poverty by 2024.

We must value and invest in all our children, so they are supported to learn, succeed, and go on to have bright futures.

Poverty is not inevitable – with enough political will we can eradicate it. At the time of writing 91 MPs from across the parties had committed to do everything in their power to leave no child behind – check if yours has signed up by visiting nochildleftbehind.org.uk and supporting our campaign!


Keir Lewis, 4in10's Research and Learning Officer writes about the ending of the eviction ban.

A ‘tidal wave’ of evictions are coming.  

May 31st 2021 marked the end of the eviction ban following a series of temporary (often last-minute) extensions. This piece of legislation, whilst imperfect, provided the primary source of protection for renters during the pandemic. The eviction ban originally prevented eviction court hearings, temporarily ensuring eviction proceedings did not start. It also extended ‘minimum notice periods’, the minimum time period a landlord could give a tenant if they wished for them to leave the property, to six months. 

What Is Changing?  

From 1st June, bailiffs will legally be allowed to enter renter’s homes and enforce evictions. 

Minimum notice periods will also change. The notice period required to be given by landlords will drop to four months on 1st June and then to two months on 1st October. 

Why This Matters 

Many London renters face a myriad of housing challenges and the eviction ban simply papered over cracks.  

Inadequate social housing supply, employment insecurity, rising rents, unfit housing benefit and accelerating gentrification are all challenges that remained unaddressed by the eviction ban and the governments pandemic response.  

Nowhere else in the country does the cost of housing ‘push’ more people into poverty than in London. According to research from End Child Poverty, nine of the ten Local Authorities with the highest levels of child poverty are in London – with housing being a significant driver behind these figures. A recent London School of Economics report projected that 400,000 private tenants in London may be in significant rent arrears by the end of 2021. Whilst these figures in London are alarming, this is unsurprising given that nationally over £360 million has already been accumulated in covid-related rent arrears. 

All in all, this means London could be facing a period of evictions and homelessness like it has never experienced before. 

How Can We Help 

As part of the London Child Poverty Alliance, our manifesto called upon the new London Mayor to take action on housing. We called for legislative action to tackle exorbitantly high rents, urgently deliver new homes at social rent and improve the standards and conditions of temporary accommodation in London. 

However, this call for action cannot be seen as separate from our broader manifesto calls. Just like the eviction ban coming to a close in May, at present, the £20 uplift in Universal Credit is due to end at the end of September.  

We simply cannot allow our social safety net to be cut further. 

Getting Help 

If you’re worried about being evicted or supporting someone who is, Shelter offer support regarding the eviction ban and homelessness here. 

You can also use 4in10’s ‘Get Help’ support page here. 


Volunteer Week Free Resources

Volunteer Week runs from June 1st to June 7th. Download free resources and templates from the Volunteers Week resources page.


4in10 Newsletter 27.05.2021

4in10 Newsletter with information, news, data, training, funding and more. For this issue click here.


Fantastic opportunity to be Gingerbread's new Policy and Research lead?

The Policy and Research Lead will play a crucial part in helping Gingerbread achieve its mission, working towards a world where single parent families are valued and have the opportunity to thrive. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing policy and research projects that achieve positive change for single parent families.

More information here and the closing date is the 27th May


4in10 Newsletter 13.05.2021

4in10 Newsletter with information, data, calls to action, funding and more. For this issue click here.


Public Health England guide for CVS's with great links. The route out of lockdown.

Public Health England have produced an excellent guide to 'the route out of lockdown' for voluntary organisations including some really useful links to advice and up to date information. Current at the 10th May 2021

https://4in10.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/04.05.2021-CVS-and-faith-groups-follow-up.pdf