This hands-on guide provides accessible, insightful advice for practitioners who find themselves working with asylum seekers and refugees. Part I covers the essentials of understanding refugees' experiences including what they are coping with now they are in the UK, definitions, entitlements and restrictions, equality, positive action, and practical engagement including improving access to services and overcoming language barriers. Part II prepares professionals for meeting a wide range of needs, including housing, poverty, health and mental health, and training and employment. It also cover issues and opportunities when working with child and young refugees.
This pragmatic book accompanies social workers, medical staff, educators, charity workers and housing professionals in their daily work, and illustrates the perspective of refugees themselves. A passionate and compassionate response to the needs of displaced people, it is an excellent starting point for all those working to create a safe and welcoming environment where refugees and asylum seekers are supported.
Part I. 1. Introduction; 2. Why it matters; 3. Pragmatic Definitions and Entitlements - just what you need to know; 4. Refugees in all their diversity - equality, discrimination and positive action; 5. Engaging with Refugees; 6. Other Organisations, Networking and Advocating for Refugees; Part II. 7. Roof, Food, Money and Essential Resources; 8. Health, Mental Health and Disability; 9. Learning English, Training, Employability, and Into Work; 10. Refugee Children and Young People - With and Without Families; 11. Refugees are not 'Other People'; Appendices