Building Bridges Handbook
This recently published handbook, produced by ICAR and project funded by Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, highlights 20 local initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between refugees, asylum seekers and established communities.
The handbook was launched at the National Refugee Integration Forum (NRIF).
CASE STUDY - The Victoria Estate Action Group (veag)
The Victoria Estate Action Group (veag) was established in 1990 by a small group of elderly local residents who were exasperated with their estate’s problems and the lack of attention by the council. In 1994 the group moved into an unoccupied house on the edge of the estate and opened it as a place for local people to use as a community space for meetings and activities. The building is open all day during the week and the council, local advice services, debt agencies and drug and alcohol support groups hold regular sessions there.
Background
The Victoria Estate, close to Stockton-on-Tees town centre, comprises 420 households.Until the late 1970s this was considered a popular place to live, close to local amenities and places of work, with a stable population living in the estate’s flats and maisonettes. But in the 1980s,when the North-East was hit hard by the decline of local industries, levels of unemployment and crime increased and the estate began to empty as those that could afford to move, did. Though there is a small ethnic minority population, the majority of the community is white. 23 new asylumseeking families have recently moved into the estate.
Why do it?
In the last three to four years asylum seekers have been moved into the empty flats on the estate. The veag became concerned about violence towards asylum seekers and were keen to prevent this happening on the Victoria Estate. The Council now informs the group when newcomers are moved onto the estate so that they can be welcomed and introduced to their neighbours.Asylum seekers given leave to remain in the UK encountered problems receiving immediate benefits and many in the area were destitute; the project was partly set up as a response to this.
Key Concerns
Locals
Residents thought asylum seekers were being given brand new furniture and generous benefits when they first moved in. The common view was,‘We’ve lived here all our lives and never got given anything like this’.Others were simply curious as they had had little contact with people fromother countries.
Newcomers
The experience of this project suggests that newcomers kept their concerns to themselves and did not complain as they were principally interested in getting themselves ‘on their feet quickly’.
Approach and Activities
The project operates a laundry service for asylum seekers and distributes donated clothes and furniture to people who arrive with nothing
Welcome and introduction: local tenants’ officers introduce new residents to the veag house when they move in.
The group offers them an introduction to the area, helps them settle in and provides whatever other assistance they can
Disseminates information on asylum seeker and refugee entitlements to local households verbally and through newsletters
Informal English classes are run by other agencies who rent space at the house, available to all residents.
The local residents group proactively welcomes newcomers to the area, offers a joint resource and acts as ‘brokers’with other residents. The group has involved established residents in helping newcomers move in ‘so they could see for themselves what they had [and] tell others the situation’. When new families began to arrive, group members asked the Council for information on benefits they were receiving. This information was then circulated among other residents, by knocking on doors and posting newsletters. The veag house is a resource for everyone on the estate,which newcomers and established residents alike use to socialise and for its services and facilities.
Aims
Improve the quality of life on the estate
Enable all local residents to live in harmony with each other
Reduce isolation for vulnerable people
Build a more united community
Achievements
Both established and new residents have learned about each other
New friendships have been made
Race is rarely a factor in resident complaints
How do we know?
Informal feedback from residents and general observations from group members
What Made a Difference?
Internal factors
Commitment of the members, all of whom are volunteers
Key Messages
‘Don’t go into these things half-heartedly. It’s no good starting to be someone’s friend and then disappearing’
The people involved in the project have to be suitable for the role
This kind of project requires dedication
Facts and Figures
veag is led and managed by a group of eight volunteers, all elderly,who live on the estate
On average about 30 residents a day drop in to the house for advice, to socialise or to attend a course
Collaborating agencies include: the local authority, Tristar housing management company, the police, and Stockton Residents Group
Expenses are funded through charging for room hire in the building
Advice and courses at the house are funded and run by external agencies
Contact
Vera Walker
veag volunteer manager
Victoria Estate Action Group
9 Cromwell Avenue
Stockton-On-Tees
Cleveland ts18 2ef
Tel: 01642 670670
Quotes
‘There was a lack of preparation for people moving into the area, which caused a lot ofmisunderstanding. People should have been paid to make proper arrangements for the newcomers. Locals should have been informed and consulted. No one came and told us what was happening.’
‘We don’t see it as a project … there’s no design just common sense. If they are coming to live in our communities let’s all be friends and learn from each other and treat them the same as we want to be treated.’
‘When a house becomes vacant, you hear many people now saying ‘see if you can get a refugee [to live in it].’
Vera Walker
Publication
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Last Updated: 27/02/09
