EMBRACE N.I

EMBRACE N.I is an inter-church organisation, which began as a support group for refugees and people seeking asylum. It now sees its main role as one of encouraging church communities to make Northern Ireland a more welcoming place for all people from other countries and minority-ethnic backgrounds.

Year(s): Established in 2003

Target group(s): Migrants, Asylum Seekers, Refugees, Ethnic-minority groups

Website: www.embraceni.org

Methodology

EMBRACE N.I seeks to:

Reflect gospel values of compassion, hospitality and justice
Raise awareness and provide information, resources and training
Respond to those in need by acting as a channel for voluntary assistance
Support people by human rights and welfare advocacy
Network with relevant agencies and groups
Make informed responses on issues of public policy

Type of product

Emergency Fund
Toolkit for Churches
English language training courses
Signposting
On the Street Projects
Fact sheets on migrant issues
Downloadable resources
Newsletters
Welcoming events
Youth resources

Brief description of the product / outcome / method

The Emergency Fund is used to provide vital emergency assistance to dsitute migrant workers and people seeking asylum where no other means of support, either statutory or charitable is available. Assistance may be given to provide hostel accommodation and food as a short-term stop gap whilst a longer term solution is established. It may be provided to allow someone to return to their home country when there is no reason to stay and no other means of returning. All support given is subject to meeting a set of criteria and delivered through agencies such as Northern Ireland Community of Refugees and Asylum Seekers and the Belfast Migrant Centre.

The toolkit for churches seeks to provide ideas and guidance for churches who are looking for ways to express welcome towards newcomers. The components of the toolkit are based on working models and the material prepared by people who have experience of engaging with migrant people.

The On the Street project raised awareness of migrant desitution and offered a positive through the donation and distribution of clothing, bedding, toiletries and foodstuffs to those on the street and in hostels.

English language classes - EMBRACE N.I provides a downloadable list of available english language classes being run throughout Northern Ireland.

Signposting - EMBRACE N.I has produced a signposting document for responding to people in need.

Youth resources - EMBRACE N.I has produced a range of resources for young poelpe including DVD's, Booklets, Activity books to raise awareness of culture and diversity amongst young people.

Impact on target groups / Transferability potential

EMBRACE N.I facilitates others in responding to people who have practical needs. The group does not help people directly but networks with other specialist groups.

Promoter of the initiative

Name of organization / individual: EMBRACE N.I

Country: United Kingdom

Website: www.embraceni.org

Contacts: info@embraceni.org