Refugees Crossing the Mediterranean to Get Into Europe

Immigration is not only a matter of numbers; it is about individuals and their safety. States have a legal and moral obligation to protect their needs and make sure everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Thank you, Dee, for this informative article which gives us some insight into how European Member States are failing to meet basic human rights obligations.

It is estimated that in the past 20 years, up to 20,000 migrants and refugees have died as they crossed the Mediterranean Sea trying to get into Europe. According to the UNHCR, there have been 500 deaths this year alone. The EU border agency claims that there have been 42,000 attempted crossings so far in 2014. Such are the numbers using this route that the UNHCR is now considering the possibility of holding-centres for refugees outside Europe in countries such as Sudan or Libya.

Maternal Mental Health of Refugee and Asylum Seekers in the UK — Five Key Findings

Thank you Dee, for this brilliant piece of article. It put some light on another important group of refugees and asylum seekers, whose mental well-being is often overlooked: migrants mothers.

Although the mental health of refugees and asylum seekers has received much attention in the media, academia and from community-based organisations, women’s maternal mental health-related illnesses are an under-researched area. In her 2014 Race Equality Foundation Briefing Paper “The maternal mental health of migrant women”, Zahira Latif writes, “There are currently no national statistics which show rates of maternal mental health related illnesses among women in the United Kingdom”.

Sewing classes: a proven tool to fight loneliness

Loneliness and isolation is one of the biggest challenges that asylum seekers and refugees fight against when they come to the UK and settle in a country whose social, cultural and community systems work differently from those they are used to, back in their home countries. Cultural differences are usually underestimated and often taken for granted; misunderstandings arise easily. Simple gestures of friendship can be misinterpreted and can make people feel unable to bond with others - and increase the sense of loneliness. It is a vicious circle. Asylum seekers and refugees tend to avoid group activities and new experiences that might help them to increase their self-confidence and live more fulfilling lives.

Your rights as a Refugee or Asylum seeker: diversity matters!

Thanks to David for recommending us this informative article. It brilliantly outlines the various entitlements refugees and asylum seekers have in respect to working and studying in the UK. You will also find some useful tips for your job search, if you are entitled to work in the UK, and how to best promote yourself in the competitive job market

Finding positive employers for refugees and asylum seekers

The rights of refugee students and graduates are very different to the rights of asylum-seeking students and graduates so it's important to know your status.

Mind the Gap

Thanks to Dee for this follow-up article to the previous post on the practical challenges to integration. This article continues the discussion on mental health that was touched on previously. Through the research project mentioned in the article, this post identifies a number of mental health service issues that many refugees and asylum seekers can relate to.

Disjointed mental health service provision for refugees and asylum seekers

My previous blog looked at some of the practical challenges faced as asylum seekers transition to new refugee status such as ineffective multiagency working, resulting in gaps in service provision, and problems in obtaining ID documents and variations in the types of ID accepted by different organizations.

I now look at some of the challenges experienced by refugees and asylum seekers in accessing and using mental health services. A 2008 report published by the Faculty of Public Health, “The health needs of asylum seekers”, highlighted some of the issues faced by both asylum seekers accessing health services, and health service providers providing health services for asylum seekers. These include frontline staff with limited training in cultural and language differences, limited knowledge of the different service needs of asylum seekers, a lack of interpreting services, and ineffective multiagency working.

Writing identities: Zena Agha at TEDxWarwick 2014

We are honoured to post another Warwick Salon TedxTalk by the brilliant Zena Agha, daughter of fellow Home Away From Home contributor Jeena, in which Zena deftly explores the themes of poetry, immigration and identity. To read Zena's bio, please click here.

Often Overlooked!

Thank you David  for raising awareness about a group of people who usually go unnoticed but whose needs are the most representative of us all. The project discussed by David shows the importance of being able to pause for a second and listen to the voices of disabled asylum seekers.   

Who are they? They are the people like you and me. However, besides being migrants, asylum seekers or refuges, they have another challenge - their disabilities!

What is the situation today? Is it different from the conclusion of a well-documented research by Robert and Harris (2002)? They wrote, "Disabled people in refugee and asylum-seeking communities frequently experienced great hardship. Considerable confusion about the responsibilities of different agencies and NASS,  a lack of co-ordinated information and service provision, and gaps in professional knowledge on disability-related entitlements increased the difficulties experienced by disabled people in refugee and asylum-seeking communities."

Practical challenges to integration

Thank you, Dee, for this informative and up-to-date account of some of the practical challenges faced by new refugees. The report cited highlights the crucial role played by the government in supporting refugees and asylum seekers. Definitely worth a read in order to better understand the current situation.

The Refugee Integration and Employment Service (RIES) was one of the many public services cut by the coalition government’s austerity measures in 2011. The RIES provided much-needed integration, employment and mentoring services for between 6–12 months for those with new refugee status. The loss of this vital service along with cuts to grassroots organizations which support refugees has meant that those with newly-granted refugee status now lack crucial assistance when they are at their most vulnerable — both during and immediately following the 28-day grace period.

The Essentials of Healthy Living

"Thanks to Zahra for highlighting such useful tips on how to keep our minds healthy. Indeed, only if our mind is at peace will we be able to reach our full potential and achieve our goals in life!"

Looking after your mind

People with a healthy body live a well-structured lifestyle. A good diet, regular exercise and activities, sleeping well and regular physical check-ups are all part of a rich life that makes for a more fulfilling life. In short, a healthy body means a happy life.

People with a healthy mind live productive and fulfilling lives. They are aware of their mind, its performance, needs and development and so taking care of your mind is as important as taking care of your body. How you think, feel and behave all comes from a healthy mind. I would even say that the condition of your mind can affect your body. It is common to meet people who are aware of the benefits of exercise and regular sleep, but who still make excuses not to start: too busy, no money, no time, of how much benefit would it really be? Science tells us that there is a physiological link between our mind and emotional and rational experiences in life.

The Movers and Shakers!

Click here to check out this fascinating interactive graphic charting estimated global international migration flows between and within regions in five-year increments from 1990-2010.

Asylum Housing Not Up to Standard, say MP's

A report by the Commons committee has concluded that the asylum housing provided by the Home Office's contracts was not up to standard.  Committee chairwoman Margaret Hodge said that the scheme was "poorly planned and badly managed" and that "The standard of the accommodation provided has been unacceptably poor for a very fragile group of individuals and families." Click here to read more about the report. 

When Old Memories Resurface...

Thank you to our resident photographer, who wishes to remain anonymous, for submitting this photo. We hope to post many more like it!

There was a time when a warm, comfortable house was only just a dream.

One day as I walked in the street, I saw this sofa, and suddenly 

I was again that man who used to spend his nights in the open air, 

in the cold and winterish weather, when nothing seemed to make sense.

Luckily today things have improved a little bit, but this sofa reminds me 

of those harsh days that still are a constant presence in my everyday life.

New Syndrome Affecting Asylum Seekers Named

Thanks to David for making us aware of a new syndrome, Prolonged Asylum Seeker Syndrome. If you think you or someone you know might be experiencing the following symptoms, it is important to seek help and support from a mental health professional.

Be Aware of a New Syndrome! 

What is it? Who can be affected? How widespread is it? How can you help those suffering from such a syndrome? 

Well, the new syndrome was called "Protracted Asylum Seeker Syndrome" by a group of psychiatrist researchers. They published their findings at the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists in Hobart in 2012. As the name indicates, it affects asylum seekers. To show how widespread it is, a news report said: "Major depression was diagnosed in more than 60 percent of asylum seekers and about 30 percent of refugees." 

You may click here to read about the syndrome or here to hear Associate Professor Sundram describe it.

You may also read the interesting article pasted below or click here to read it in its original form:

The Challenges of Supporting Oneself as a Refugee

Thanks to David for sharing these three very informative articles regarding refugees' work status and benefits allowance, highlighting the limitations they face as they try to establish themselves in their new lives.

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/maurice-wren/refugee-council_b_5074999.html

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/08/professional-refugees-lawyers-doctors-minimum-wage-uk

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/apr/09/asylum-seeker-subsistence-payments-defeat-government-theresa-may

Speak Aloud Drama Group at the Migrants Resource Centre

Mental Health Is Great Health

Thanks to Zahra for sharing these thoughts on the importance of paying as much attention to our mental wellbeing as our physical health.

Mental health is not a matter of having a lack of sad life experiences; it is learning how to keep a healthy mind in spite of those experiences. 

In order to stay healthy, it is important for us to routinely have our health checked and to highlight all of our medical appointments in our diary. From an early age, we learn to take responsibility for our body, such as dental, eye and sexual health, as well as diet. Doctors who check our overall health spend time updating our personal and family medical history. 

Mental health is another service for keeping us well and should be part of our routine health check up. We need to ensure that we are maintaining a healthy mind and practice for wellbeing, as our mind is an essential tool to serve our body in order to help us live well.

When we endure experiences in our life which our thoughts are unable to digest, our minds get sick and we suffer emotional pain. Trying to ignore these exceptional experiences and hide them away from others, we find ourselves unable to eat, concentrate, sleep, play or work. But it is really important that we address the causes of these physical symptoms and ask for help in learning how to deal with these experiences.

Nietzsche described mental health as "great health" that helps us to accept our experiences as knowledge of our body. Whenever we feel fear, anger, sadness, despair, irritation, confusion and frustration, we must remember that we still have in our hands unrevealed potential for happiness to move positively on in our lives!

In Iran, a New Year Begins, Amid Old Patterns

We are glad to hear from Odi again. Thanks, Odi, for this important message:

On Thursday, March 13th at 5 p.m., families and friends gathered together outside the walls of Evin Prison in Iran, to celebrate the Persian New Year, the Nowruz. However, it was not a celebration, rather a medium through which to tell the people that they are not forgotten.

Evin Prison is particularly famous because of its political prisoners. It is a place of detention, torture and execution, where people are continuously beaten, and from where some never come out. Bodies of dead detainees are not even given back to their families; instead, they are displaced in the so-called “unknown places,” whose address is made known to the families only at a later moment when they can go there to grieve, but not give them a proper funeral. 

Despite the campaign promises of the new president, Hassan Rohani, since his election in 2013, human rights violations are worsening in Iran. Stirring hope and expectations, Rohani said he would give freedom to political prisoners, but in the 10 months since he came to power, more executions have taken place than during the entire presidency of his predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who was in charge from 2005 to 2013.  

It has not always been this way. Actually, there was a time when Iran was a leader in promoting and protecting human rights. Indeed, it was Cyrus the Great, the first Achaemenid Emperor, who set the world’s first Charter of Human Rights. His words, carved in stone more than 2500 years ago on the Cyrus the Great Cylinder, express his respect for humanity, promoting religious tolerance and freedom. 

Hopefully, this will not be the last testimony of such a great past.

The Forum - What It Can Do for You

We are grateful to Dave for sharing this personal account of how he came to learn about The Forum, as well as his first impressions of the organization. 

A friend of ours enthusiastically and positively spoke about an organisation named "The Forum." He explained how this organisation helped his relative whose condition was desperate. After getting in touch with The Forum, he received practical help and advice and was finally enrolled in school. Because of the hardship that we are going through, our friend suggested that we get in touch with one of the staff and passed onto us the contact details. He added as a way of concluding: "Do not hesitate! Go there. You will see, and you will say I was right!"  

So, we said, "Let's give it a try and see what will happen." Therefore, we sent an email and called The Forum. Straightaway, we were given an appointment! On the very day, at that first meeting, we saw that The Forum was more than a charitable organisation. Rather, it is a place where you can express yourself and meet for a discussion. And at the second appointment, we discovered that they have an Internet discussion group for participants with common interests! 

People here are friendly and very helpful. They do not tell you, "Go, we will do this and do that…." What was so impressive for us was that they act straightaway. At once, they start their advocating work, making calls to different services. 
We were to attend an assessment at Atos, and they sent someone to accompany us there to make sure the assessment was fair!
    

Our problems are not yet resolved, but we at least have a relief knowing that out there, there are people who really are devoted to helping migrants, refugees and other asylum seekers. We do not feel alone anymore in our struggle! 

2014 Kicks Off with a Slew of Activities

Thanks to Bamidele for telling us about the activities that have been keeping members of The Forum busy these last few months.

Recently, there have been a lot of heart-warming activities at The Forum, located at 2 Thorpe Close, Ladbroke Grove in West London, welcoming refugees and asylum seekers to London.

Among these activities are Poetry Group on Wednesdays and Cultural Fridays with Camila and the Evropska Duo (a talented classical violin duo) for live world music. But the most fascinating to me is poem and stories time, which is dished out to heartbroken and low-mood refugees and asylum seekers every Wednesday between 12 and 1 p.m.

I have enjoyed a lot of poems and stories from the co-ordinator and presenter of this incredible poetry group, Mr. Valentine, and I believe other people that have been attending have also had a good taste in the wonderful sixty minutes with him.

One of my most wonderful times spent was towards the beginning of this year, when I attended Poetry Group, and Eternity by William Blake was one of the first poems that has ever touched my heart.

Eternity by William Blake

He who binds himself to a joy

Does the winged life destroy;

But he who kisses the joy as it flies

Lives in eternity's sun rise

This four-line poem teaches us that human beings should not be expecting that life will be perfect and ideal; there is always a danger associated with constant joy. But anyone that takes life as it comes will definitely live longer and witness a good part of it.

Sharing the Stage with the Ancients

Louie had this photo taken at the V&A Museum. 
He says that he is "sharing the stage with the ancients." 
These European emperors are here because they achieved something. 
It's nice to think about what we can do in this world to make a difference.  

What Is Real Freedom?

This photo was taken by Mohsen by a small park in Hammersmith. 
This man did not move for half an hour, and Mohsen wondered what caused 
him to be so lost in contemplation. The photo tries to explore what is real freedom.

Christmas and New Year's at The Forum:

Thanks to Volunteer Advisor Nyla for sharing with us this account of The Forum's uplifting holiday party: 

Monday, 16th December, 2013 was a joyous day at The Forum. We celebrated Christmas and New Year's together with our members, who joined us on this festive occasion. It was a day filled with fun, food and laughter, and also a brilliant choir performance from our music group. 

The choir was not restricted to the members of the music group, but all members of the Forum were welcome to join in and sing along with the band. Many people actually did join in, and it was really good to see them smiling and performing together. 

We also had a large variety of food and drinks, which everyone relished, as well as goody bags, as a thank you gesture for each member. It was a nice and warm atmosphere, where everyone was wishing each other well and getting to know each other better.

It was a great event that served as the perfect excuse to catch up with friends at The Forum, as well as to share happiness during this festive period of the year.