New Arrivals Alliance Update: November 2024
Since my appointment, I have been working with the team, wider partners, and community groups to fully establish the Alliance as a central hub for queries and support. This progress could not have been achieved without the assistance of partners working in the field at one of the most challenging times in living memory for new arrivals, and those working with them. Your contributions cannot be overstated in the consistent support you have given to vulnerable migrants, refugees and those seeking asylum.
The Alliance hosted an update event for wider members and those interested in becoming part of our Steering Group on the 16 October 2024 at the University of Derby. This was a fantastic event marking real progress, and which will move the project into its next phase.
A massive thank you to those who have put themselves forward to be the initial members. It looks like an experienced and talented group that I am confident will steer the Alliance’s future into forward progression.
The Terms of Reference were formally approved and adopted, another significant milestone for the Alliance.
Single Point of Contact and commissioned work: A proposal has been submitted to Derby City Council Cabinet for final sign-off and approval.
Webpage & Information Updates: The webpage has been further populated with information and quality advice, which is continuously developing. We are still working on the website, which should further enhance it and improve orientation for those using it. It currently contains information of interest on services and agencies available to assist new arrivals, refugees, and those seeking asylum.
The Alliance, Community Action Derby and all our partners recognise the current challenging environment and the concerns about the safety of our organisations and those using our services. Now more than ever the New Arrivals Alliance is critical in supporting communities, standing in solidarity with them, and opposing hate, discrimination, and negative rhetoric. We will continue to work closely with authorities and communities. If you would like to discuss any concerns, please contact me or the relevant authorities directly. Information on how and who to contact is on the Alliance webpage.
Finally, a fantastic piece of feedback for the Alliance and wider supporters was received from a fellow charity that had worked and supported those seeking asylum and were “detained” on the Bibby Stockholm. I shall let her words do the talking, but a great reflection on everyone supporting new arrivals in whatever capacity:
“I am writing to say a huge thank you to you for the New Arrivals Alliance. I live in Dorset and am a member of the Portland Global Friendship Group who had been working with those living on the Bibby Stockholm barge. I have made many wonderful friends who have been moved away, often to areas in which they do not know anyone. Life on the barge was tough but at least they had the support of other men facing the same challenges. When we hear that someone is being moved, we try to find out about the services which might be available in the area to limit their sense of loss, isolation and vulnerability.
When I found your excellent resource page, I knew that anyone who finds themselves in Derby will at least easily be able to find out where to get help. What you have done means so much to me and will mean a lot to our friends from the barge, so please accept my heartfelt thanks. It has been so bleak knowing that people who have already been through so much and who are both resilient and vulnerable at the same time, may find themselves without support and friendship. If only everywhere had a New Arrivals Project like the one in Derby our task would be very easy”. (Portland Global Friendship Group)
If you have anything which you would like to include in our updates or on the website, please send the information or a link and I can include these in our information updates and webpage.
Richard Keene, New Arrivals Alliance Manager
If you have any questions or would like more information about the New Arrivals Alliance please contact Richard Keene via phone on 01332 227713 or email richard.keene@communityactionderby.org.uk
