How NOAH are supporting refugees

by PAUL PROSSER, HEAD OF WELFARE SERVICES

“Fleeing your home country due to war or conflict can be an extremely distressing time. We have continued to monitor how we can support refugees and asylum seekers in Luton and Central Bedfordshire, to give them to dignity they deserve.

As part of our mission to help those most vulnerable, we are focused on supporting client needs where there is little to no support available elsewhere. NOAH is and always has been a life line for those who simply have no where else to turn.

In the last 6 months, we have been able to assess where the needs are and how we can support this vulnerable group, not just in the interim, but in the longer term too.

We are pleased to be able to extend our invitation of a free meal at our Welfare Centre (Fridays between 12-2pm), at our Community Meal offering.

Refugees and asylum seekers are also welcome to join our Sewing Club (Tuesdays 1-4pm) with others who speak Farsi, Pashtu and Persian, and our Woodwork Club (Thursdays 9.30am-12.30pm). This will be beneficial in practising English speaking skills to be able to better integrate into the community.

ESOL classes and other training may also available through the NOAH Academy, subject to eligibility.

Access to Drug and Alcohol support, on-site Nurse and Mental Health services are also available to those who would not be able to access this provision otherwise.

We are also developing our skills in immigration advice whereby we can offer OISC Level 1 Immigration Advice, expected to be available in the near future.

Clients will need to complete a registration with NOAH first and only adults over 18 will be allowed on-site.

You may also be interested to know that we are supporting the new movement in Luton, ‘City of Sanctuary.’

A town of sanctuary is a place of safety for all and where the contribution of refugees and asylum seekers is valued.

Bedfordshire is a caring and compassionate country which will do whatever it can to support people in need, and I know many of you will support our decision to expand some of our services to the most vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers in our community.”