Action for Social Integration: Campaign for Equal Rights

Advice E-Newsletter , August 2011

2011-10-18T10:56:00.000+01:00

Employment

Guidance on employing refugees and asylum seekers

The Refugee Council welcomes the publication of crucial new guidance on employing refugees and asylum seekers by the UK Border Agency. The booklet, Guidance for employers on illegal working: refugees and asylum seekers, gives employers clear information on the documentation checks they need to carry out when recruiting refugees and asylum seekers, and also includes details of the employment rights of refugees, the bespoke documentation they are issued with in place of a national passport, and how refugees differ from other foreign nationals in the UK.

http://www.personneltoday.com/articles/2010/08/04/56365/uk-border-agency-publishes-guide-on-employing-refugees-and-asylum.html

Immigration and Asylum:

New multilingual telephone advice service begins

From Monday 20 June 2011, the Refugee Council will start operating the free and confidential Own-Language Telephone Advice Service (OLTAS). We will no longer provide a ‘drop in’ service and our current telephone advice will be transferred to OLTAS. This service is already successfully operating in our Birmingham office

http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/Resources/Refugee%20Council/downloads/howwehelp/RC%20OLTAS%20Leaflet%20June%202011.pdf

Limited leave creates barriers for those wanting to rebuild their lives

http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/Resources/Refugee%20Council/downloads/researchreports/Limited%20leave%20report%20final%20September.pdf

Refugee Council publishes briefing on applying for indefinite leave

http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/news/archive/news/2010/august/20100806

http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/Resources/Refugee%20Council/downloads/briefings/Five%20year%20review%20briefing%20FINALc.pdf

Finance

Social Fund

1. The Social Fund (SF) is a scheme to help people with needs which are difficult to meet from regular income. It is made up of two distinct parts:

a regulated scheme which provides entitlement to maternity, funeral, cold weather and winter fuel payments for people who satisfy certain qualifying conditions
a discretionary scheme under which people may be eligible in certain circumstances for a:
Community Care Grant (CCG) - to meet, or help to meet, a need for community care
Budgeting Loan (BL) - to meet, or help to meet, an intermittent expense
Crisis Loan (CL) - to meet, or help to meet, an immediate short term need

2. This guide deals with discretionary payments only.

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/social-fund-guide.pdf

Benefits

Incapacity Benefit

Incapacity Benefit (IB) is the main benefit paid to people who cannot work as a result of a health condition or disability

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/healthcare-professional/benefits-and-services/incapacity-benefit/

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_10018913

Budget 2011 - benefits and tax credits

The Chancellor confirmed that Child Tax Credit is to increase by £255 for low income families. Also, find out about the changes to benefit and tax credits that will come into force from the beginning of April announced in the June 2010 Budget.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/Budget/Budget2011/DG_WP195610

Important changes to Housing Benefit

There are important changes to Local Housing Allowance from April 2011. These changes will affect people getting Housing Benefit, who pay rent to a private landlord.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_192415

Impact of changes to Local Housing Allowance from 2011

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/local-authority-staff/housing-benefit/claims-processing/local-housing-allowance/impact-of-changes.shtml

Budget June 2010 - benefits and tax credits

The Budget announced changes to payments and the way you claim Child Benefit, Child and Working Tax Credit, Disability Living Allowance and Housing Benefit. Child Benefit is frozen for three years. If you're a lone parent you're encouraged to return to work once your children are in school.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/Budget/Budget2010/DG_188501

Changes affecting Housing Benefit, Local Housing Allowance, and Council Tax Benefit

The government has changed some of the rules which apply to Housing Benefit (including Local Housing Allowance) and Council Tax Benefit. More details are listed below. Most of the changes take effect from April 2011, although some people who already get benefit may not be affected straight away. Some of the changes limit or reduce the amount of benefit that the council can pay. If you get Housing Benefit, or are thinking of applying for it, or moving home, you need to consider these changes to LHA before you renew or make a new tenancy agreement with a private landlord.

In addition, the government has also announced proposals for major changes to the welfare benefits system in later years. These will affect most other benefits and allowances as well as those mentioned above.

http://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/index/council/benefits/benefitchanges.htm

Benefits: Welfare Reform Bill 2011

On 16 February 2011 the Welfare Reform Bill was introduced to Parliament. The Bill legislates for the biggest change to the welfare system for over 60 years. It introduces a wide range of reforms that will deliver the commitment made in the Coalition Agreement and the Queen’s Speech to make the benefits and tax credits systems fairer and simpler by:

• creating the right incentives to get more people into work by ensuring work always pays

• protecting the most vulnerable in our society

• delivering fairness to those claiming benefit and to the taxpay

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/policy/welfare-reform/legislation-and-key-documents/welfare-reform-bill-2011/index.shtml

Advice Guides:

Working with Black and Minority Ethnic Communities: A guide for Stop Smoking Service managers

http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/809490.pdf

Information for Black and minority ethnic voluntary and community organisations

http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/1281230.pdf

Asian Women, Domestic Violence and Mental Health A Toolkit for Health Professionals

http://ndvf.org.uk/files/document/889/original.pdf

Advice E-Newsletter , June 2011

2011-10-18T10:53:00.001+01:00

Poverty and social exclusion:

Information about poverty in UK

The Department for Work and Pensions has published the latest set of information about poverty in UK, Households Below Average Income: An analysis of the income distribution 1994/95 - 2008/09. The figures show that there are currently 3.9 million children in the UK growing up in poverty, a fall of 100,000 in the past year and 600,000 over the last decade.

http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/hbai/hbai_2009/pdf_files/full_hbai10.pdf

Poverty pathways: ethnic minority women's livelihoods

Ethnic minority women are amongst the poorest and most socially excluded people in the UK. Yet very little is known about their lives, or how to lift them out of poverty. Mainstream approaches simply do not see these women or their needs.

http://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/documents/Povertypathways.pdf

Joseph Rowntree Foundation Publishes Report on Poverty and Social Exclusion

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the New Policy Institute recently published their thirteenth annual ‘Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion’ report on poverty and social exclusion in the United Kingdom. Follow this link for further information and downloads:

http://www.jrf.org.uk/publications/monitoring-poverty-2010

‘Children in Care Councils’ Report

London Councils Publishes Research on 'Children in Care Councils' London Councils has recently published the report of research they had commissioned into ‘Children in Care Councils’, which provide opportunities for children in the care of a local authority to discuss and comment on care services. Follow this link for further information and downloads:

http://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/policylobbying/children/incare/default.htm

Grants

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/grants_search/search_by_topic.aspx?gclid=CNy0mOae76sCFcIe4QodWXl2IA

Asylum and Immigration:

Refugee Council report on understanding why asylum seekers come to the UK

Refugee Council has commissioned a research investigating the decisions made by asylum seekers who come to the UK and examines the extent to which these decisions are a reflection of chance or choice. The research was undertaken by Professor Heaven Crawley, Director of the Centre for Migration Policy Research at the University of Swansea. To see the report go to: http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/policy/position/2010/18jan2010

Finding a place to live – your council and housing association options

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Councilandhousingassociationhomes/Findingsomewhere/DG_188604

Important changes to Housing Benefit

There are important changes to Local Housing Allowance from April 2011. These changes will affect people getting Housing Benefit, who pay rent to a private landlord.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_192415

Apply for a council home

If you’re looking for a place to live, a council property could be the answer – although you’ll probably have to wait for one. Find out who is eligible for council housing, how to apply, how councils decide who gets housing and where to get housing advice.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Councilandhousingassociationhomes/Councilhousing/DG_188701

Changes to Income Support for lone parents

Your entitlement to Income Support may stop when your child reaches a certain age, if you are only claiming it because you are a lone parent. However you may be entitled to other benefits and support.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_income/DG_175842

Benefits if you are ill or disabled – changes you need to know about

Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance and Income Support paid because of illness or disability are being phased out. If you get one of these benefits your claim will be reviewed to see if you’re capable of work or can get other benefits. Find out how your claim will be reviewed.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_188859

Lawyers urge for support for destitute asylum seekers

Applications for a judicial review have been made to The High Court, urging them to bring forward a decision on providing support for asylum seekers who are destitute. This action was taken by lawyers as asylum seekers have to travel to Liverpool to give fresh evidence on their claims. Since October last year, failed asylum seekers who want to submit fresh evidence to a claim made before 5 March 2007 must travel to Liverpool in person. They were previously able to provide their evidence by post. The High Court is said to be looking into whether the procedure is legal before a carrying out a judicial review of whether destitute people who want to make fresh claims should be given section 4 support, which gives failed asylum seekers accommodation and a small amount of financial help. The judicial review on whether the system is legal has been planned for October 2010.

To read more see: http://www.insidehousing.co.uk/news/legal/lawyers-want-court-ruling-on-section-4-support-fast-tracked/6510065.article

Asylum seekers survive on as little as £10 a week

As asylum seekers can't work or claim benefits and some have nowhere to live, their only means of survival is one £10 food voucher a week. Four failed asylum seekers tell their desperate stories.

To read more see: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/jun/16/asylum-seekers-survive-on-streets

or http://www.u.tv/News/The-asylum-seekers-who-survive-on-%C2%A310-a-week/e8d10f02-a0be-466c-8920-5a3dce035782

Consumer rights

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Consumerrights/index.htm

http://www.oft.gov.uk/consumer-advice/oft-and-cd/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/watchdog/consumer_advice/

Parenting:

Bringing Up Britain videos on BBC Three - stories from the frontline of parenthood

http://www.bbc.co.uk/parenting/

Parenting UK

Parenting UK is a national membership body for the parenting workforce, promoting parenting support, keeping you informed, sharing best practice and representing your views

http://www.parentinguk.org/

What is the Criminal Records Bureau

The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) helps employers in England and Wales make safer recruitment decisions. A number of roles, especially those involving children or vulnerable adults, are entitled to a criminal record check. Our aim is to help protect children and vulnerable adults by providing a first-class service to support organisations recruiting people into positions of trust.

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/agencies-public-bodies/crb/

Advice Guides:

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index.htm

Guide to BME cancer resources January 2011

http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Documents/HowWeCanHelp/Publications/BMEresourcesguide-January2011.pdf

Caring for Black and Minority Ethnic Children and Young People

A Guide for Foster Carers

http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/FC879103-C788-49DA-98D9-751F3C18CE25/0/Blackandethnicminorityfostering.pdf

Information for Black and minority ethnic voluntary and community organisations

http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/1281230.pdf

Guide to financial support for disabled people

There is a wide range of disability-related financial support, including benefits, tax credits, payments, grants and concessions. This is a general overview with links to detailed information

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/Introductiontofinancialsupport/DG_10020535

Childcare for a disabled child

When it comes to childcare for a disabled child, a lot of the considerations are the same as for any other child. There are a few extra things to think about, such as specialist training or a child's medical needs. Find out about different types of childcare

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/CaringForSomeone/CaringForADisabledChild/DG_10027203

About Legal Aid

http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/about_legal_aid.asp

Legal aid information leaflets

http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/public/information_leaflets.asp

A Step-by-Step Guide to Legal Aid

http://www.lawcentres.org.uk/uploads/Step_by_Step_Guide_12.08_.pdf

Advice E-Newsletter , February 2011

2011-10-18T10:52:00.000+01:00

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is a benefit for people who have a limited capability for work because of a health condition or disability. ESA was introduced in October 2008 and replaces Incapacity Benefit and Income Support paid on incapacity grounds for new customers.

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/international/benefits/employment-and-support/

Guide to financial support for disabled people

There is a wide range of disability-related financial support, including benefits, tax credits, payments, grants and concessions. This is a general overview with links to detailed information

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/Introductiontofinancialsupport/DG_10020535

Housing:

Finding a place to live – your council and housing association options

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Councilandhousingassociationhomes/Findingsomewhere/DG_188604

Apply for a council home

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Councilandhousingassociationhomes/Councilhousing/DG_188701

Benefits:

Changes to Income Support for lone parents

Your entitlement to Income Support may stop when your child reaches a certain age, if you are only claiming it because you are a lone parent. However you may be entitled to other benefits and support.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_income/DG_175842

Benefits if you are ill or disabled – changes you need to know about

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_188859

Childcare for a disabled child

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/CaringForSomeone/CaringForADisabledChild/DG_10027203

Immigration and Asylum

How do I apply for naturalisation as a British citizen?

To apply for naturalisation, you should use application form AN. Before you apply, you should ensure that you have read the section on eligibility. You must be aged 18 or over to apply for naturalisation. http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/britishcitizenship/applying/applicationtypes/naturalisation/

What is the habitual residence test?

http://www.housing-rights.info/habitual-residence-test.html

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/pc10s-guide-to-pension-credit/people-who-have-come-to-great-britain/#habitual

Health:

Exploring the Attitudes and Behaviours of Bangladeshi, Indian and Jamaican Young People in Relation to Reproductive and Sexual Health

http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/b/briefing%205.pdf

ETHNICITY AND HEALTH

Black and minority ethnic (BME) groups generally have worse health than the overall population, although some BME groups fare much worse than others, and patterns vary from one health condition to the next. Evidence suggests that the poorer socio-economic position of BME groups is the main factor driving ethnic health inequalities. Several policies have aimed to tackle health inequalities in recent years, although to date, ethnicity has not been a consistent focus. This POSTnote reviews the evidence on ethnic health inequalities, the causes and policy options.

http://www.parliament.uk/documents/post/postpn276.pdf

Improving mental health support for refugee communities – an advocacy approach

The Refugee and asylum-seeker mental health advocacy project was developed to build a better understanding of the mental health concerns of refugees and asylum-seekers in England and to use these data to improve their ability to find pathways to appropriate mental health support. The core approach was to work with advocates from refugee community organisations to develop a robust form of mental health advocacy. This form of advocacy includes not only focused support for individuals, but also advocacy for the community as a whole. In the community function the aim was to create a dialogue with the community on issues of mental health (including stigma) and to engage with primary care trusts and other provider agencies to develop community-focused services

http://www.mind.org.uk/assets/0000/5696/Refugee_Report_1.pdf

A civilised society Mental health provision for refugees and asylum-seekers in England and Wales

http://www.mind.org.uk/assets/0000/5695/refugee_report_2.pdf

Inside Outside: Improving Mental Health Services for Black and Minority Ethnic Communities in England

This document sets out proposals for reforming the service experience and service outcome of people from black and minority ethnic groups who experience mental ill health and who come into contact with mental health services, as users or carers. The plans set out in this document also aim to improve the overall mental health of people from black and minority ethnic groups living in England. The main focus for change is the pervasive ethnic inequality that currently exists within mental health services. The central objective of this initiative is to reduce and eventually eradicate such disparities and, by doing so, make mental health services appropriate for and relevant to a multicultural society.

http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/@dh/@en/documents/digitalasset/dh_4019452.pdf

Advice Newsletter July 2011: Health and Advice Links

2011-10-17T18:45:00.001+01:00

Diabetes:

Diabetes is a long-term condition caused by too much glucose, a type of sugar, in the blood. It is also known as diabetes mellitus.
There are two main types of diabetes, which are explained below:

In the UK, diabetes affects approximately 2.8 million people. More than one million people are thought to have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes/pages/diabetes.aspx
The prostate is a small gland in the pelvis that is found only in men. About the size of a walnut, it is located between the penis and the bladder. It surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis.
The main function of the prostate is to help in the production of semen. The prostate produces a thick white fluid that is then liquefied by a special protein known as prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The fluid is mixed with sperm, produced by the testicles, to create semen.
The prostate may get bigger as men get older. This causes no problems for two out of three men over 50. But if the prostate gets bigger it can press on the urethra and cause urinary symptoms. This is called benign prostate disease or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It usually affects men over 50 but is not cancer, and is treatable.
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer-of-the-prostate/pages/introduction.aspx

Stroke:

A stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off.
Like all organs, the brain needs the oxygen and nutrients provided by blood to function properly. If the supply of blood is restricted or stopped, brain cells begin to die. This can lead to brain damage and possibly death.
Strokes are a medical emergency and prompt treatment is essential because the sooner a person receives treatment for a stroke, the less damage is likely to happen

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Stroke/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Benefits, care and debt advice links

ableize disability directory
Covers all aspects of disability from arts, education, sports and support and contains the largest UK disabled groups and clubs section on the Internet with listings for all UK counties.
action for blind people
Has fact sheets, briefings and other information on medical conditions, welfare benefits, housing and employment aimed at blind and partially sighted people.
advice northern ireland
(formerly association of independent advice centres) Northern Irish site with information regarding social welfare and legal matters.
adviceguide
Detailed advice database on a number of subjects including benefits. Also has information on how to contact a local Citizens Advice Bureau.
advicenow
Information on the law and your rights from a wide range of advice and information services. A project of Advice Services Alliance.
adviceuk
Support network for free, independent advice centres. Formerly Federation of Independent Advice Centres (FIAC).
advice services alliance
Gives an overview of the whole range of alternative dispute resolution options. Aimed at legal advisers, advice agencies, solicitors, judges, and also to the general public.
benefitsandwork.co.uk
Has guides on benefits, law and work issues but you have to pay a subscription to get hold of most of them. Also offers training.
child poverty action group
Provides information on CPAG campaigns, publications and training. Has an ESA resource which includes the employment and support allowance (esa) operational guide for local authorities interim process (october2008).
citizens advice
Home site for National Association of Citizen's Advice Bureaux. You can access adviceguide from this site.
counsel + care
Offers information and support on community care issues for older people, their families and carers through an Advice Line, responses to emails and letters as well as factsheets and guides.
counselling directory
From this site you can find a counsellor or psychotherapist dealing with Debt Management.
debt advice foundation
Debt Advice Foundation is a registered national debt advice charity offering free, impartial support and advice to anyone worried about debt.
disabilities forum
Gives advice, assistance and representation in matters concerning Housing, Benefits, Employment, Education, Training, Equipment Grants, Travel and Leisure.
directgov
Provides wide ranging information on benefits and services. Has sections on:

disability law service (dls)
DLS provides advice and information on these six areas of law - Disability Discrimination, Consumer, Community Care, Further and Higher Education, Employment and Welfare Benefits (Greater London Area only).
elderly accommodation counsel
A national charity that aims to help older people make informed choices about meeting their housing and care needs.
ferret
Sells numerous computerised benefits advice systems. Also has an online benefits calculation service.
firststop
An independent, free service providing information and advice about care and housing for older people and their carers.
homeless uk
Has an excellent "services" search facility which enables you to search, by area, for agencies providing benefits and debt advice (be sure and type benefits in the "text" box).
lasa
The home site of Lasa offering details of the services they provide across the UK. These include welfare benefits resources, technology advice and training, and policy work.
lisson grove
Primarily sells benefits calculation programs but also has basic online information.
mobility advice line
Provides help to disabled people, their families, carers and friends. This can be advice,signposting or just simply someone to chat to. Whatever the question is, Mobility Advice Line will try and help you or find someone who can.
money advice health checker
Online financial health checker has been launched to help people make the most of their money. Offering straightforward money advice, it takes just five to ten minutes to complete, doesn’t involve any paperwork and your answers are confidential.
mulkulti
Provides translated information in the following areas of welfare law - debt, employment, health, housing, immigration and welfare benefits. Part of lasa.
the national careline
A not for profit company offering information about care and support for older people, their carers and their families.
national debtline
Helpline which provides free confidential and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems.
newcastle welfare rights service
Has benefit and debt information and news. You can also sign up for a 'benefit bulletin' email on important benefit issues and news.
payplan
Provides free debt advice, debt management plans and Individual Voluntary Arrangements.
quickcalc
Online calculation tools for tax credits, income support, jobseeker's allowance, housing benefit, council tax benefit and tax. There is a subscription fee but you can use their 30 day trial for free.
rightsnet
Provides access to all for information, discussion forums, news and law updates in relation to all aspects of benefits. Part of lasa.
turn2us
Turn2us exists to help people access the funds they need that are available to them – through benefits, grants and other financial help

Advice Newsletter April 2011: advice and legal services

2011-10-17T18:44:00.000+01:00

Housing advice helpline

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/how_we_can_help/housing_advice_helpline

Find a Mediation Service

http://www.familymediationhelpline.co.uk/find-service.php

Acas Helpline

Call our Helpline for FREE support and advice

Whether you are an employer, employee or representative, you can call the national Acas helpline for free and impartial advice. Simply get in touch and we'll provide you with clear and confidential guidance about any kind of dispute or query that you have about relationship issues within the workplace. You may want to know about employment rights and rules, best practice or you may need advice about a dispute. Whatever it is, just give us a call, our team are on hand to respond within the hours below.

Helpline numbers

Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm and Saturday, 9am-1pm: 08457 47 47 47

http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2042

Advice:

Helping you get through life

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/advice/helplines

Whether you're concerned about yourself or a loved one, these helplines can offer expert advice.

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/mentalhealth/Pages/Helplines.aspx

Your rights at work

If you have a long-term health condition, it’s usually a good idea to tell your employer. You're not alone. One-in-six people of working age has a long-term condition or disability. Continuing to work will help your confidence and is an important way of keeping life going as normally as possible.

http://www.nhs.uk/Planners/Yourhealth/Pages/Gettingsupportatwork.aspx

Jobs and Skills search

http://jobseekers.direct.gov.uk/homepage.aspx?sessionid=cc9a712f-1d11-4e34-8c69-46d7852cce99&pid=1

Discipline and grievances at work

This guide provides good practice advice for dealing with discipline and grievances in the workplace. It complements the Acas Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures. Extracts from the Code of Practice are reproduced in shaded boxes accompanied by further practical advice and guidance. and grivances at work

http://www.acas.org.uk/media/pdf/6/6/Acas-Guide-on-discipline-and-grievances-at-work-March-2011.pdf

Adult learning and skills

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning/DG_96

If you need advice, please try the following:

Community Legal Advice (formerly Community Legal Service Direct) is the website of the Community Legal Service in England and Wales. It contains a directory of solicitors firms and advice organisations holding the CLS Quality Mark, including those providing specialist help under the legal aid scheme to people who qualify financially for such help.

Advicenow is run by ASA and provides information on the law in England and Wales. Advicenow also contains the Community Legal Advice directory of solicitors firms and advice organisations.

ADRnow provides independent information about alternative dispute resolution in the UK, including mediation and ombudsman schemes.

Most of our have websites containing directories of their own member organisations.

Solicitors Online is the Law Society's directory of solicitors firms in England and Wales.

The Northern Ireland Legal Services Commission website contains a directory of solicitors firms in Northern Ireland.

The Law Society of Scotland website contains a directory of solicitors firms in Scotland

Guides for Refugees and asylum seekers

2011-10-13T15:47:00.001+01:00

Guides for Refugees and asylum seekers: Employment and Training, Nursing, Asylum, Education, Teaching, etc.

A Guide for Refugee Nurses and Midwives

http://www.employabilityforum.co.uk/documents/Nurses-Guide-2006.pdf

PREVENTION OF ILLEGAL WORKING IMMIGRATION, ASYLUM AND

NATIONALITY ACT 2006

Comprehensive Guidance for Employers on Preventing Illegal Working

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/employersandsponsors/preventingillegalworking/currentguidanceandcodes/comprehensiveguidancefeb08.pdf?view=Binary

Jobs in Education: A Guide for Refugees

http://www.employabilityforum.co.uk/documents/TeachersGuide_web.pdf

http://www.rit.refugeecouncil.org.uk/sites/default/files/RIT_refugeesinschoolsfinal.pdf

http://www.londonmet.ac.uk/library/n92782_3.pdf

REFUGEES & ASYLUM SEEKERS

http://www.londonmet.ac.uk/library/u58650_3.pdf

Refugees’ guide to training and employment

http://languages.refugeecouncil.org.uk/pdf/English/leaflet_training_and_employment_English.pdf

Advice Guides

2011-10-13T12:15:00.000+01:00

· A GUIDE TO EMPLOYABILITY FOR BLACK, ASIAN AND MINORITY ETHNIC (BAME) STUDENTS AND GRADUATES

· Job hunting strategies for ethnic minority graduates

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index.htm

Guide to BME cancer resources January 2011

http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Documents/HowWeCanHelp/Publications/BMEresourcesguide-January2011.pdf

A GUIDE TO EMPLOYABILITY FOR BLACK, ASIAN AND MINORITY ETHNIC (BAME) STUDENTS AND GRADUATES

http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/@educ/documents/digitalasset/dg_187051.pdf

Caring for Black and Minority Ethnic Children and Young People

A Guide for Foster Carers

http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/FC879103-C788-49DA-98D9-751F3C18CE25/0/Blackandethnicminorityfostering.pdf

Working with Black and Minority Ethnic Communities

A guide for Stop Smoking Service managers

http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/809490.pdf

Job hunting strategies for ethnic minority graduates

http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/clsd/careers/guides/documents/JobhuntingstrategiesforethnicminoritygraduatesWEB.pdf

Information for Black and minority ethnic

voluntary and community organisations

http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/1281230.pdf

Asian Women, Domestic Violence and Mental Health A Toolkit

for Health Professionals

http://ndvf.org.uk/files/document/889/original.pdf

A guide to UK higher education

http://www.hefce.ac.uk/pubs/hefce/2009/09_32/09_32.pdf

Our Legal Advice Services

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Our Services:

•We provide legal advice in a range of issues from on Immigration and Asylum , welfare benefits, housing, health, education, community care, and training,

Employment

•We provide advice and guidance, information and practical help so that our service users can access opportunities they are entitled to.

•We organise training and other community learning opportunities that provide new skills, increase confidence and motivation.

•We support our service users to overcome barriers to learning, employment and training.

•We provide support for young people with their education, training, confidence building, employment and social needs.

*****************************************************************

Independent - we always act in the interests of our clients, without outside influence.

Impartial – Our service is open to everybody, without prejudice.

Confidential - we will not pass on anything a client tells us, or even the fact that they have visited us without their prior permission.

Our advice is delivered in several languages to ensure the main ethnic communities in the borough are welcomed.

If you require an interpreter, please let us know in advance.

How to get help

There are lots of ways to access the general advice service.

Drop-in:

You can get advice in person at our drop-in service held on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:30am until 4.30pm. No appointments are required. First-come, first-served basis only. Fridays is for appointments only.

By Telephone:

You can contact our telephone advice line on 0088036161 or on 07907505544

Online Advice:

Remember, you can access lots of information and advice from our website at: www.afsi.org.uk, or you can email us on advice@ afsi.org.uk

Access for disabled clients: Full wheel chair access. Lift. Home visits to people unable to attend the office.

Please contact us at:

Edmonton Shopping Centre,

1st Floor,

36 The Market Square,

London

N9 0TZ

Website: http://www.afsi.org.uk

Email: info@afsi.org.uk

Telephone: 02088036161

How to reach us:

By car: 5 minutes from the North Circular Road (A406), Great Cambridge Road (A10) or Mollison Avenue (A5005)

By bus: Numbers 149, 191, 192, 259, 279, 359, 491, W6, W8. Bus 279, 349, 259 is available from Seven Sisters to Edmonton Green Shopping Centre.

By train: Edmonton Green station, only 20-25 minutes from Liverpool Street, Cheshunt or Enfield Town ‘National Express’ mainline stations.

By tube: Victoria Line to Seven Sisters, then take ‘National Express’ train service which runs every 10-15 minutes from Seven Sisters mainline station to Edmonton Green.

HELPING YOU TO ACCESS JOB OPPORTUNITIES

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Our Services

We can help you:

•Improve your CV

•Identify your career goals

•Develop your interview practice and job application support

•Gain access to voluntary and work experience opportunities

•Improve your self-confidence and motivation

•Learn new job searching methods

•Train in work-related skills (English, Maths, ICT)

Please contact us at:

Edmonton Shopping Centre,

1st Floor,

36 The Market Square,

London

N9 0TZ

Website: http://www.afsi.org.uk

Email: info@afsi.org.uk

Telephone: 02088036161

How to reach us:

By car: 5 minutes from the North Circular Road (A406), Great Cambridge Road (A10) or Mollison Avenue (A5005)
By bus: Numbers 149, 191, 192, 259, 279, 359, 491, W6, W8. Bus 279, 349, 259 is available from Seven Sisters to Edmonton Green Shopping Centre.
By train: Edmonton Green station, only 20-25 minutes from Liverpool Street, Cheshunt or Enfield Town ‘National Express’ mainline stations.
By tube: Victoria Line to Seven Sisters, then take ‘National Express’ train service which runs every 10-15 minutes from Seven Sisters mainline station to Edmonton Green.

Rural racism rife reveal researchers

2011-03-30T12:55:00.001+01:00

Rural racism rife reveal researchers

http://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/press/press-releases/2011/march/rural-racism-rife-reveal-researchers

Who can work in the United Kingdom?

2010-11-08T16:43:00.000Z

Posted on November 2, 2010 by Action for Social Integration

If you are a British National Citizen or a Citizen from the EU then you are automatically eligible to work without a work permit. For Citizens of all other countries, you must have a work permit. For Citizens of all other countries, you must have a work permit which your employer has a duty to request. The period of validity and the terms of the work permit given will depend on the type of work that the citizen is being employed to do. There are various categories and requirements to fulfil which you must fall within to work within the United Kingdom. The categories are as follows; (i) Highly skilled workers, investors and entrepreneurs, (ii) Sponsored skilled workers (iii) Temporary workers (iv) Other Categories (v) European Economic Area and Swiss nationals (vi) Turkish Citizens (vii) UK Ancestry.

If you fall within one of the above categories or you are unsure which category is most suitable, then you can contact us, or look at any of the listed websites below:

http://www.aboutimmigration.co.uk/
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/

Immigration Advice

2010-11-08T16:18:00.000Z

Category Archives: Immigration Advice

Family Reunion for Asylum seekers

Posted on November 2, 2010 by Action for Social Integration

If you have claimed Asylum here in the United Kingdom or you are under Humanitarian protection, you are more than likely to want to be reunited with your family members who have been left behind in the country you left.

· The UK Border Agency has a Family Reunion Programme where those members whom were part of the family unit before you got to the United Kingdom can join you here under this programme.

· The current law now states that these members (the spouse, civil partner or unmarried/same-sex partner plus any children under 18) take a English language test to become apart of the Community.

· If you are facing any difficult situations with your family being separated from yourself, then please come in and get advice on your case.

Immigration Advice

2010-11-08T16:10:00.000Z

Category Archives: Immigration Advice

Do you have 'limited leave to remain'?ho qualifies for help with Childcare Costs?

Posted on October 30, 2010 by Action for Social Integration

If you or somebody you know has been granted ‘limited leave to remain’ as you are a refugee or migrant that has been granted humanitarian protection, then you will be aware that you are granted this for a period of five years only. If this period of time is due to expire and you or somebody else still requires Humanitarian protection, then you must make an application for permission to settle in the United Kingdom by applying for ’Indefinite leave to remain’ before your current ’limited leave to remain’ application expires.

If you require any assistance in application forms or advice within this sector, then you may ask us, or you can also see guidance notes on www.homeoffice.gov.uk

This article has been published in Issue 1 of Action for Social Integration’s Community Advice E-Newsletter, October 2010

2010-11-05T16:46:00.000Z

What financial support is available for Adult Learners?
Posted on July 19, 2010 by Action for Social Integration

Adults often tend to think of learning as an activity reserved strictly to youngsters. However, especially in the present economic environment, it is more essential than ever that one commits to upgrading, expanding and diversifying their professional skills in order to gain competitive advantage in the labour market and secure employment.

It is unfortunate that an increasing number of adults avoid the opportunity to receive further training due primarily to financial concerns. This is why, this article will bring to your attention, both, the various grant schemes for adult learners which you can access as well as local opportunities for adult learning.

Adult Learning Grant

The Adult Learning Grant enables adults in learning to receive up to £30 a week (£1000 a year) to help them with covering learning costs, including travel, study materials and other costs. This scheme gives you the freedom to choose between a wide range of qualifications: BTECs, NVQs, GCSEs, A-levels) as long as the course you take leads you to your first full Level 2 or first full Level 3 qualification (to check if your course is classes as “full” Level 2 or 3 qualification, contact the Careers Advice Service on 0800 100 900). To be eligible for this scheme, you need to be 19 or over and you must be getting under £19 573 a year if single/£30 810 if in a couple. You should not be getting Job Seeker`s Allowance.

To see how this scheme relates to other benefits and what benefits it could be combined with click here.

To discuss your choice of training/learning and enquiry further about the grant, fill in the following Free Call Back form and you will be called by an experienced Learning Adviser.

Fifty Plus In-Work Training grant

It is not impossible that you need to start a new job or return to employment at the age of 50. This grant, which could provide you with up to £1500, will help you to cover any work-related training costs for upgrading your professional skills (for example, updating your industry knowledge, improving your computer skills or other professional skills). You will qualify for this grant if you are currently working as employee or self-employed person, you have previously claimed at least one of the following benefits for at least 26 months but are no longer claiming them and were aged 50 or over when you stopped claiming: Jobseeker`s Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Severe Disablement Allowance, Pension Credit, Bereavement Allowance, Jobcentre Plus Allowance Payments, Auto Credits or National Insurance Credits. You will only qualify for the grant if you apply within 52 weeks of stopping to get the relevant benefit. To learn more and apply for this grant, please contact your local Jobcentre Plus office.

Horizons Education Fund

The Horizons Education Fund aims to support lone parents who have the motivation, determination and ability to improve their employment prospects. It provides support and advice on money matters and getting back to work, as well as grants towards education and training costs.

Grants amount to up to £1,500 towards course expenses for any courses where the applicant can demonstrate that study will improve employment prospects and they meet all the eligibility criteria below. For application guidelines please follow this link.

What Job Coaching services are available locally?

Orion Pax Employment (Enfield & Haringey)

At Orion Pax Employment you can find a team of one-to-one job coaches and back-to-work advisers which can provide free support and advice so that you can successfully apply for job vacancies. The agency also offers free ESOL courses for refugees and asylum seekers. To register, please call 020 8803 2611 (Enfield) and 020 8808 7776 (Tottenham), or email: jobs@orionpax.org.uk

KIS trainingLocated in Haringey, KIS Training offer free impartial advice on adult training courses, further and higher education, personal development and job opportunities. To make an appointment, please call 020 8275 4230 or email enquiries@kistraining.co.uk.
Address: Sentinel House, 1 Ashley Road, Tottenham Hale, London N17 9LP

This article has been published in Issue 4 of Action for Social Integration’s Community Advice E-Newsletter, July 19th 2010

Health Advice

2010-11-02T14:36:00.001Z

Support and job opportunities for people with disabilities: is working for yourself an option?

Posted on August 27, 2010 by Action for Social Integration

There are many areas in the lives of disabled people in which they may need additional support and assistance: housing, work, education, money, leisure, personal relationships, etc.

To help them access the help which is available through local and national organisations, the Department of Health has launched an online portal dedicated exclusively to the needs of disabled people. To access the Depatment of Health`s “Practical Guide for Disabled People or Carers”, please follow this link.

An area which could be particularly problematic for disabled people is employment. While there is a list of organisations and initiatives launched to assist people with disabilities in employment and link them to job opportunities, self-employment is another option worth considering.

What support is available to disabled people who consider starting up their own business and becoming self-employed?

Income Tax Allowance: on expenses including travel, subscriptions to magazines, heating and lighting the workplace in your home. If you have a disability and usually work 16 hours or more a week, you may be able to get extra tax credits. The disability must be one that makes it hard for you to get a job and you must be receiving, or have recently received, a qualifying sickness or disability-related benefit. To find out how to get extra tax credits, visit the HM Revenue and Customs website.

The Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG): the government`s guaranteed lending scheme intended to help smaller viable businesses who may be struggling to secure finance, by facilitating bank loans of between £1,000 and £1 million. To find out additional information please following this link.

Business Start-up Allowance from some Learning and Skills Councils (LSC) in England and The National Council for Education and Training for Wales or Local Enterprise Councils (LECs) in Scotland is part of a package which includes training in setting up a business and business planning.

All newly self-employed people have to register for National Insurance contributions and Income Tax. Booklet PFE1 from the Inland Revenue contains a registration form for National Insurance contributions and Income Tax. Many disabled people will not have to pay National Insurance contributions if they earn below the threshold. You will also not have to pay VAT if your annual turnover is less than a certain amount. If, however, it is above this amount, you will need to apply to Customs and Excise for VAT registration (0845 0109000). Further information is available from the Self-Employed Agency on 0845 9154515.

You can find all information necessary for setting up and developing your own business from the website of Business Link.

Where can people with disabilities find further help?

Take a look at the following booklet “Setting up in Business: A Resource Guide for Disabled People and their Advisers”. It contains practical information about tax, Access to Work Scheme, business planning, grants, finance and working from home.

You can request a copy by emailing: info@disabled-entrepreneurs.net

Disability Charity Leonard Cheshire and Sir Stelios Hajiloannou

Run the annual Stelios Disabled Entrepreneur Award with a prize of £50 000.
You can find more information on the application procedure by visiting the organisation`s website.

Benefits Enquiry Line
for advice about all benefits and how to claim them.
Phone free: 0800 882200 (Mon-Fri 8.30-18.30, Sat 9.00-13.00);
For help filling in claim forms, phone free: 0800 441144.

Disability Benefits Helpline
Tel: 0845 7123456, for advice on Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance.

Citizens Advice Bureaux (CABs)
Provides advice on a wide range of money, housing, legal and other problems. See your phone book for local numbers.

DIAL (Disability Information Advice Line)
Run mostly by disabled people. See phone book for your local DIAL or call DIAL-UK.
Tel/textphone: (01302) 310123.

Disability Rights Commission.
Helpline: 0845 7622633 (Mon-Fri 8.00-20.00);

Disabled Living Centres (DLCs)
Local centres where you can see, try out and get information and advice on equipment. See ‘Equipment and aids for daily living’ under ‘Help with everyday needs’ for a list of centres or call the Disabled Living Centres Council. Tel: (0161) 834 1044;

RADAR (The Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation)
Has a wide selection of helpful publications.
Tel: (020) 7250 3222

This article has been published in Issue 5 of Action for Social Integration’s Community Advice E-Newsletter, August 29th 2010

Newsletter October 2010

2010-11-02T12:59:00.000Z

Monthly Archives: October 2010

Do you have ‘limited leave to remain’?

Posted on November 2, 2010 by Action for Social Integration
If you or somebody you know has been granted ‘limited leave to remain’ as you are a refugee or migrant that has been granted humanitarian protection, then you will be aware that you are granted this for a period of five years.. Continue reading →

Family Reunion for Asylum seekers

Posted on November 2, 2010 by Action for Social Integration
If you have claimed Asylum here in the United Kingdom or you are under Humanitarian protection, you are more than likely to want to be reunited with your family members… Continue reading →

Who can work in the United Kingdom?

Posted on November 2, 2010 by Action for Social Integration
If you are a British National Citizen or a Citizen from the EU then you are automatically eligible to work without a work permit. For Citizens of all other countries, you must have a work permit... Continue reading →

Domestic Violence

Posted on November 2, 2010 by Action for Social Integration

Many people may think that domestic violence only applies to Women, but Men may suffer as much as women do... Continue reading →

Do you know about the new Equality Act 2010?
Posted on November 2, 2010 by Action for Social Integration

Under the new Equality Act 2010, all previous laws relating to Employment and Discrimination will be merged together within the Equality Act to make the law less complex and easier to understand whether you are an employer or …
Continue reading →

Are you entitled to Working Tax Credits and who can apply?

Posted on November 2, 2010 by Action for Social Integration
Are you employed or self employed and work more than 16 hours per week? If you are, you may be eligible for Working tax Credits if you are on a low income...
Continue reading →

Dealing with School Exclusion

2010-10-14T15:42:00.001+01:00

Posted on June 10, 2010 by Action for Social Integration

How to deal with your child`s permanent exclusion from school? The government`s guidance on the law on exclusion states that a child can only be permanently excluded from school if they have “seriously broken the school`s behavioral policy or if it would seriously harm the education or welfare of themselves or others if they stayed at school”.

! Remember, the following are not considered legitimate reasons for exclusion: poor performance at school, failure to provide homework, breaking appearance rules, being late for classes, minor incidents caused in protection from bullying, truancy or pregnancy.

! Remember, if you decide to apply to a new school, your child cannot be refused a place because of previous exclusions, unless s/he has had two previous exclusions in the last 2 years.

How to challenge your child`s exclusion?

If you child has been excluded permanently from school, you have the right to challenge her/her exclusion by making representations to the school governors. If you fail to reach an agreement, the next step you can take is to appeal to the Independent Appeal Panel. Displayed below is a short outline of the procedure you need to follow for appealing to the school governors:

1. Prepare and send a letter requesting a meeting with the school governors. Once you let the governors know that you wish to meet them, they are be required to meet you within 5-16 school days of the exclusion.
(In order to acquire a sample letter for requesting a meeting with the school governors, please contact the newsletter editor on editor@agsi.org.uk)

! Remember to always keep copies of all your correspondence

2. Prepare a Summary of your case to read out to the governors at the meeting. This Summary can be used again if you need to present your case to the Independent Appeal Panel, has your appeal with the school governors been unsuccessful. Collect as much evidence relating to/challenging the reasons for exclusion as possible, as well as evidence relating to the exclusion procedure. The following is an example of an evidence relating to the exclusion procedures which can be particularly helpful in your case:

! If your child`s exclusion follows from an incident related to discrimination or bullying, and your child belong to the category of children “at risk within the education system” (minority ethnic groups, asylum seekers and refugees, pregnant schoolgirls or teenage mothers, looked after children), you should enquire if the school has taken account of this. What actions has the school taken to help your child manage their behaviour? Has the school requested advice on dealing with your child`s behaviour, etc. Note this down in your Summary.

(In order to acquire a sample Summary, please contact the newsletter editor on editor@agsi.org.uk)

The governors must let you know of their decision in writing within 1 school day of the hearing.

! Remember, your child should receive work from the school for the first 5 days of the exclusion and the school should arrange for it to be marked. From the 6th days, the Local Authority must provide suitable full time education for your child.

! Remember, it is very important that your child stays at home during school hours in the first 5 days of exclusion. If s/he is found in public space without a good reason, you might be fined with £50.

Our Free GCSE Tutoring Service (Enfield, Barnet and Haringey)

2010-10-14T15:31:00.000+01:00

Posted on July 12, 2010 by Action for Social Integration

Action for Social Integration is a registered charity organization which aims to relieve poverty and advance the social and cultural integration of minority communities from all ethnic backgrounds. We provide FREE educational advice, GCSE tuition, guidance and information to young people from black minority ethnic (BME) background. We work with families and schools in Barnet, Haringey and Enfield to fight against child poverty and raise the educational attainment of children from BME communities.

§ YOU CHOSE THE LOCATION

§ YOU CHOSE THE TIME

§ YOU CHOSE BETWEEN ONE-TO-ONE OR GROUP SESSIONS WITH AN EXPERIENCED TUTOR

§ WE WILL THEN ARRANGE THE GCSE SESSION ACCORDING TO YOUR PREFERENCE

Action for Social Integration also offers the following services:

§ Free advice, guidance and information on education for parents and pupils from all ethnic backgrounds

§ Training and work experience opportunities

§ Support for pupils and parents with filling in documents, contacting schools, writing letters to local authorities, translating documents, opening email accounts, accessing training, etc

To receive up-to-date information on our services and free advice on education in the UK please register to our Equal Education Advice Newsletter by emailing your contacts to editor@afsi.org.uk

Advice for young mums under 16

2010-10-14T14:04:00.000+01:00

Posted on August 27, 2010 by Action for Social Integration

Being a parent for the first time is a life changing experience for anyone, irrespective of their age, occupation, income, race or background. Parenthood often requires taking proactive steps such as undertaking further training or education to improve your life chances and your child`s opportunities. This article is designed to inform young mothers under the age of 16 about the services and advice opportunities that exist in their support.

Legal rights and responsibilities

Any young parent under 16 has the same legal rights and responsibilities towards the child as any other parent.

Benefits and Tax Credits

Because of your age, you may not be legally eligible to claim benefits by yourself and may need to get claims done on your behalf, for example, by your mother. If you live with your parents and they are claiming Child Tax Credit, both you and your child can be included in the claim. Your parents may also be able to claim a Social Fund Sure Start Maternity Grant for you and your child (however this is subject to change due to the new coalition government). To find out if you are eligible and how to apply, please follow this link.

Your parents can also include you and your child in their claim for Housing Benefit, if they claim one.

! Remember, it is best to remain at home as you may need to be at least 18 years old in some councils in order to be placed on the housing list and with a new born baby you need all the support and help you can get!

Another benefit available to you as a young mother is the Child Benefit which you can claim once the baby is born. Any parent who is bringing up a child can apply under this scheme, irrespective of their age. To apply please find in and print out the following application form and post it (along your child`s birth certificate) to: Child Benefit Office (Washington), Freepost, NEA 10463, PO Box 133, Washington NE38 7BR. For further assistance you can call the Child Benefit Helpline number: 0845 302 1444.

Benefit claims in these circumstances can be complicated and you or a parent should seek advice from an experienced adviser, for example, at a Citizens Advice Bureau. To search for details of your nearest CAB go on their website on: www.citizensadvice.org.uk.

Vouchers for free milk, fruit and vegetables

If you are at least ten weeks pregnant, your parents can get vouchers for free milk, fruit and vegetables for you. It doesn’t matter what their income is.

Once you have had the baby, your parents can continue to get vouchers for you only if they get:

§ Income Support

§ income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

§ income-related Employment and Support Allowance

§ Child Tax Credit and have an annual income below a certain amount.

For more information on benefits for maternity and children, please visit this link.

Education

As a young mother under 16 you still have legal right to an education. This means that your Local education authorities must ensure that you receive an education either through home tutoring, going to a special unit for teenage mums or additional support. Please check with your local authority or click on the link below:

You are entitled to free education up until you are 18 years old or you can receive still receive free education after that if you are on benefits.

Housing

As a young mother you will not normally be able to obtain privately rented or council accommodation because you are too young to be granted a tenancy. However, you can contact the local authority social services department and ask it to find you accommodation, as long as your parents agree.

If you have housing problems you should consult an experienced adviser at a Citizens Advice Bureau which can be found through: www.citizensadvice.org.uk.

Maintenance

As a young mother, you can apply to the Child Support Agency for a maintenance assessment to be carried out in respect of your child. This applies if you are not living with the father of your child. For more information visit the Child Support Agency website at: www.csa.gov.uk.

Where can young mothers under 16 find advice, guidance and support?

Baby Centre
Pregnancy and parenting website

BirthChoiceUK

Direct.Gov.
Sexual Health and Preventing Pregnancy

NHS
Pregnancy Section

This article has been published in Issue 5 of Action for Social Integration’s Community Advice E-Newsletter, August 29th 2010

Dealing with Domestic Violence

2010-10-14T13:40:00.000+01:00

Posted on June 10, 2010 by Action for Social Integration
Don't let your immigration status prevent you from reporting domestic violence!

An act of domestic violence is any act of “threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between adults who are in a relationship, or between family members” (Home Office). Remember that while most often domestic violence takes the form of direct physical or sexual assaults (beating, hitting, kicking, etc.), it can also include acts of emotional abuse (bullying and humiliation, exercise of control over money or information, etc.). Any of the following could be an incident of domestic violence: beating, threats of harm, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, financial control.

Women from immigrant and refugee backgrounds are particularly vulnerable in cases of domestic violence: they are less likely than other women to seek protection and support due to concerns with their immigration status, emotional and financial reliance on the abusive partner or fear of deportation (especially when their immigration status has not been confirmed).

!Remember that whatever your immigration status is you are ALWAYS entitled to protection just like any other woman in the UK.

!Remember that whichever organization you decide to contact for advice or assistance, the information you share will always be entirely confidential.

Don`t let your financial situation stop you from seeking support and protection!

If your immigration status prevents you from claiming state benefits or taking on paid work, this makes you more dependent on your partner. Yet, you need to know that there are charity organizations which will provide you with accommodation and financial support even if you cannot use public funds. To enquire about them:

Call the FREE 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline- 0808 2000 247
Email the national domestic violence charity Women`s Aid: helpline@womensaid.org.uk

If you no longer feel safe at your home environment, ask these organisations to refer you to a “refuge”. Refuge is a safe house (with a confidential address and no access for men) for women and children escaping domestic violence: http://refuge.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/refuges/. Discuss your situation with an adviser from the Refuge organisation by calling 7700 020 7395 or emailing info@refuge.org.uk

Alternatively, you may prefer to remain at home but restrict your partner`s access to it through an “occupation order”: an occupation order may deny your partner`s right to return to and occupy your property. Call the Women`s Aid Groups, Law Centre or Citizens Advice Bureau to enquire how you can make an application for an “occupation order”:

Find your local Law Centre
Find your local Citizens Advice Bureau

Don`t let language barriers stop you from seeking support and protection!

Many organizations that work with victims of domestic violence have access to interpreters or employ staff who speaks a variety of languages!

Don’t let concerns with your culture, ethnicity or religion stop you from seeking support and protection!

Anyone could become a victim of domestic violence, disregarding of ethnicity or religion. Once you have contacted the Women`s Aid organization, you may ask your adviser to refer you to organizations where you can get support from women from the same cultural, ethnic or religious group as yourself.

For more practical guidelines prepared specifically for victims of domestic violence with insecure immigration status, check Women`s Aid “Domestic Violence Survivors Handbook”

Education Advice

2010-10-12T13:17:00.000+01:00

Category Archives: Education Advice

Our Free GCSE Tutoring Service (Enfield, Barnet and Haringey)

Posted on July 12, 2010 by Action for Social Integration

Action for Social Integration is a registered charity organisation which aims to relieve poverty and advance the social and cultural integration of minority communities from all ethnic backgrounds. We provide FREE educational advice, GCSE tuition, guidance and information to young people from black minority ethnic (BME) background. We work with families and schools in Barnet, Haringey and Enfield to fight against child poverty and raise the educational attainment of children from BME communities.

§ YOU CHOSE THE LOCATION

§ YOU CHOSE THE TIME

§ YOU CHOSE BETWEEN ONE-TO-ONE OR GROUP SESSIONS WITH AN EXPERIENCED TUTOR

§ WE WILL THEN ARRANGE THE GCSE SESSION ACCORDING TO YOUR PREFERENCE

Action for Social Integration also offers the following services:

§ Free advice, guidance and information on education for parents and pupils from all ethnic backgrounds

§ Training and work experience opportunities

§ Support for pupils and parents with filling in documents, contacting schools, writing letters to local authorities, translating documents, opening email accounts, accessing training, etc

To receive up-to-date information on our services and free advice on education in the UK please register to our Equal Education Advice Newsletter by emailing your contacts to editor@afsi.org.uk

Dealing with School Exclusion

Posted on June 10, 2010 by Action for Social Integration

How to deal with your child`s permanent exclusion from school?

The government`s guidance on the law on exclusion states that a child can only be permanently excluded from school if they have “seriously broken the school`s behavioural policy or if it would seriously harm the education or welfare of themselves or others if they stayed at school”.

How to challenge your child`s exclusion?

! Remember to always keep copies of all your correspondence

(In order to acquire a sample Summary, please contact the newsletter editor on editor@agsi.org.uk)

The governors must let you know of their decision in writing within 1 school day of the hearing.

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)

§ What is “welfare benefits”?

§ The exclusion from school of children aged four to seven

§ EXCLUSION TWICE IN 2 WEEKS.

§ Celiac and How to Make Your Child’s School Aware

Welfare Benefits Advice

2010-10-12T12:56:00.000+01:00

Category Archives: Welfare Benefits Advice

Introduction to the Welfare Benefits System

Posted on July 19, 2010 by Action for Social Integration

Introduction to Community Care Grant, Budgeting Loans and Warm Front Scheme.

Previous issues of this newsletter have introduced some key forms of financial support provided by the welfare benefits system for people on low income (find Issue 2 of Community Advice Newsletter (May 15, 2010) in our Electronic Newsletter Archive).

This article will draw your attention to some alternative schemes for financial support.

Community Care Grant

Eligibility: – Already getting Income Support, income-related Employment and Support, income-based Jobseeker`s Allowance or Pension Credit or are about to start getting it within the next 6 weeks because you are moving out of care to live independently. - You are being resettled to a new home by a local council or voluntary organization following an unsettled period in your life - you need help because you/your family face exceptional pressure, such as family breakdown or because one of you has a long-term illness. - You look after someone who is ill or disabled, or has been released from custody on temporary licence.
Amount of Support: depending on personal circumstances.
How to Apply: download an application form here or contact your local Jobcentre Plus to find out where to find and send your application form

This grant does not have to be paid back!

Budgeting Loans

Eligibility: – You or your partner have already been getting Income Support, income-related Employment and Support, income-based Jobseeker`s Allowance or Pension Credit for at least 26 weeks. - You need help with furniture/household equipment, clothing, advance rent or removal expenses for a new home, travelling expenses, things to help you look for work, improving, maintaining or securing your home, repaying debts you took to pay for any of the above.
Amount of Support: between £100 and £1500 (depending on your marital status, financial situation (ability to pay the loan), your savings
How to Apply: Contact local Jobcentre Plus or Pension Service to request form SF500

This loan has to be paid back!

Warm Front Scheme

Eligibility: – You need help with covering costs for heating or insulation improvement work in your home. - You get Working Tax Credit (with an income of less than £15 460 and which much include a disability element) and/or Child Tax Credit (with an income of less than £15 460) and/or Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Income Support (including a disability premium), Housing Benefit (including a disability premium0, Council Tax benefit (including a disability premium), War Disablement Pension (including a mobility supplement or Constant Attendance Allowance, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (including Constant Attendance Allowance). - You are not getting any benefits yet but might qualify for some. - You are aged 60 or over and get Pension Credit/Council Tax Benefit, Housing Benefit or Income-based Jobseeker`s Allowance. - You have a child under 16 or are pregnant and have a maternity certificate MAT B1 and get Income Support, Council Tax Benefit, Housing Benefit. Income-based Jobseeker`s Allowance or Pension credit.
Amount of Support: - You will be entitled to get between £3500 and £6000
How to Apply: call the Warm Front Scheme Manager on FREE phone line 0800 316 2805

! You can check your eligibility for different benefits by consulting the following online Benefits Adviser.

This article has been published in Issue 4 of Action for Social Integration's Community advice E-Newsletter, July 19th 2010

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Dealing with Jobseeker`s Allowance

Posted on June 10, 2010 by Action for Social Integration

What is "Jobseekers Allowance"? How is eligible and how can one apply?

Jobseeker`s Allowance is a benefit for unemployed people who are looking for work. To be entitled for this benefit you will have to be aged between 18 and Pension age, either unemployed and actively seeking work or working for less than 16 hours per week.

Your eligibility for Jobseeker`s Allowance will also depend on your immigration status. You might not be eligible to receive Jobseeker`s Allowance if you are from overseas or have recently arrived to live in the country. In case you have doubts concerning your eligibility, we would advise you to consult an experienced adviser from the Citizens Advice Bureau (you can find your nearest office of the CAB by following this link) or contact Jobcentre Plus to request an assessment of your eligibility for Jobseeker`s Allowance (please find the contacts of your nearest Jobcentre Plus office by following this link).
There are two types of jobseekers allowance:

1. Contribution-based jobseeker`s allowance: your eligibility for this one is assessed on the basis of the amount of National Insurance Contribution which you have paid while employed. You can only receive a Contributions-based jobseekers allowance for up to 182 days. It amounts to £50.95 (for people aged 16 – 24) and £64.30 (for people aged 25 or over).

2. Income-based jobseeker`s allowance: your eligibility for income-based jobseeker`s allowance will depend on your income (even if you have not paid enough National Insurance Contribution). Your payment rates will depend on your personal circumstances. You will normally be paid Income-based allowance until your income increases. Support under this scheme amounts to £50.95 (for people aged 16 – 24 and £64.30 (for people aged 25 or over) .

! Remember, if you qualify for Jobseeker`s Allowance, you may also qualify for Housing Benefits without having to complete a separate means test.

What is an application procedure for Jobseeker`s Allowance?

·        Stage 1: Making a claim contact your local Jobcentre Plus using their Freephone number 0800 055 6688 to make a claim for Jobseeker`s Allowance. You can also apply online through this online application service provided by the Department of Work and Pensions: to apply for Income-based allowance click here, to apply for Contribution-based allowance, follow this link.
·        Stage 2: New jobseekers interview Schedule a "new jobseeker interview" in your local Jobcentre Plus. An adviser will help you draft a "Jobseeker`s Agreement" which will outline the steps you will need to take in order to find work. Your adviser will also inform you of the specialist help and advice services available to you to help you with CV preparation, skills training and improvement, etc.
·        Stage 3: Fortnight jobseekers reviews (Every 2 weeks) These longer reviews will take place if you have not managed to secure employment within 13 weeks of registering under the jobseekers scheme. On these reviews you will have to report on the actions you have undertaken to secure employment.
·        Stage 4: Restart Interview (after 6 months) Attend a "restart interview": in the interview, discussions with your adviser will focus on any additional help you might receive, such as access to jobs where your employer receives a £1000 subsidy to train you, help to start your own business or become self-employed, voluntary work.
To find out what actions you can take if you disagree with your benefits decision and would like to appeal against it, please follow this link.

We would also advice you to familiarize yourself with this online booklet "If you think our decision is wrong", produced by the Department for Work and Pensions.

! Remember, you only have 1 month after getting a decision to ask for it to be explained, reconsidered or appeal against it.

Dealing with Welfare Benefits

Posted on June 10, 2010 by Action for Social Integration

What is welfare benefits and who can help you to access them?

The "welfare benefits", also called social security benefits, is a form of financial support from the government for people who are (1) unemployed/looking for work (2) employed but on a low income, or (3) have specific costs to meet because of their personal situation.

The social benefits system is often found difficult to grasp and navigate around by people who approach it for a first time: indeed, your eligibility for different types of benefits and the amount of money you can receive depend on a number of factors (your savings, the number of adults and children in your family, their age and health condition, other benefits you already receive). This is why, if you struggle to understand what benefits you are entitled to receive, we would recommend that you acquire one-to-one advice which considers closely different aspects of your individual circumstances.

The agency which deals with claims for welfare benefits is Jobcentre Plus. You can also contact Jobcentre Plus to request an assessment of your eligibility for benefits. Find the contacts of your nearest office by following this link.

! You can always book a FREE one-to-one advice consultation with Action for Social Integration`s experienced legal advisers by calling 02088036161 or emailing us at advice@afsi.org.uk. If your case falls outside our area of expertise, we will do our best to refer you to the most relevant advice institution and, if you ask us to, will always agree to acquire advice on your behalf.
You might be entitled to benefits if one of the following applies to you:
- You are on a low income (either employed or looking for work)
- You have dependent children
- You are ill or disabled
- You are caring for someone
- You are aged 60 or over
- You have been bereaved
- You are pregnant or have recently had a baby

Another important thing to know, if you consider applying for benefits, is that the financial support you receive under different schemes within the social benefits system, is designed to help you with different types of expenses. For example, the Housing Benefit is designed to allow people on a low income to pay all or parts of their home rent, while a Council Tax Benefit is meant to help you with paying your Council Tax bills. There are other benefits which are more closely related to employment: the Jobseekers Allowance scheme, for example, allows you to get financial support if you are unemployed but available and looking to work.

The Tax Credits are another form of financial aid from the government for people in a low income: if you are working but are on a low income you might be entitled to receive Working Tax Credit. If you are responsible for at least one child or a young person who normally lives with you, you might be eligible for a Child Tax Credit.

For a more detailed outline of the range of benefits you can apply for, the differences between them, application requirements and the institutions you will need to contact, please have a look at the following benefits schemes:

Income Support
It provides money for basic living expenses to certain groups of people who are not required to be available for work. For example:
• People looking after children on their own (called single parents or lone parents)
• People looking after someone who cannot look after themselves (called carers)
• People who are not able to work because of health reasons (called incapable of work).
To claim Income Support you must be under 60 and over 18.Child BenefitYou can get Child Benefit if you are responsible for a child aged under 16, or a young person under 20 if they are still in full time education or on certain training courses. This is not affected by how much money you have or if you are working.

Jobseeker`s Allowance
It is a benefit for people who are unemployed but capable of work.
To get Jobseeker's Allowance you must show that you are looking for work. JSA provides money for basic living expensesWorking Tax Credit If you work more than 16 hours a week you may be entitled to Working Tax Credit. This depends on your circumstances and how much money you have each week.

Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit
If you are working but living on a low income you may be entitled to some Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit to help you with the costs of rent and council tax. You will normally be entitled to Housing Benefit and Council Tax benefit if you are receiving Income Support or Jobseeker`s Allowance. You claim these benefits from your local authority, also called local council, not from a Jobcentre Plus office. If you are renting accommodation from a private landlord you may be entitled to Local Housing Allowance (LHA).

Child Tax Credit
is a payment for people who are responsible for at least one child. You do not need to have a very low income to get some help from Child Tax Credit. Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit are paid by HM Revenue and Customs.

You can easily find out what benefits you are entitled to by using this online Benefits Adviser provided by the government`s digital information services. All you will have to do is answer anonymously a set of questions about your income, savings and outgoings. Similarly, to assess your eligibility for Tax Credit, fill in the following online Questionnaire.

If you struggle with filling in these questionnaires, please contact us by calling 02088036161 or emailing us at advice@afsi.org.uk and we will do it for you!

Alternatively, for an A to Z list of all available benefits click here.

Immigration Advice

2010-10-12T12:39:00.000+01:00

Category Archives: Immigration Advice

The housing rights of successful asylum seekers

Posted on July 19, 2010 by Action for Social Integration

This article is a continuation of the article “What new legal rights and entitlements does a positive decision on your asylum application give you”, published in Issue 2 of Community Advice E-Newsletter (May 15, 2010).

In Issue 2 of Community Advice Newsletter we have already explained that successful asylum seekers who have been granted a refugee status, humanitarian protection or discretionary leave to remain in the UK (the three positive outcomes of the asylum process) have broadly the same rights and entitlements as other UK citizens.

Yet, while successful asylums are entitled to receive free housing advice, they have no automatic right to housing in the UK.

What difficulties can arise upon a change of your immigration status and what actions could you take to deal effectively with them?

! Remember, If you have been receiving asylum support while waiting for your permission to stay in the UK, it will stop within 28 days of receiving your permission to stay in the UK. This might make it hard for you to sustain yourself and your family, especially if it takes you longer to secure employment.

Register with the nearest office of your Jobcentre Plus as soon as possible. This is the government agency which deals with all claims for benefits. This is where your application will be prepared and processed. Contacts of your nearest office can be found here.

Added to this will be the need to secure your own housing.

! Remember, upon receiving a positive decision on your asylum application, you will have 28 days to leave the accommodation which had been provided to you by the UKBA. It is essential that you use this time effectively to secure at least one of the following housing options:

            -social housing
            -private accommodation
            -applying with your local council as a homeless person

Applying for Social Housing

“Social housing” is a housing scheme offered by local councils or housing associations. Be advised that due to the very high demands for social housing, many applications may be either delayed or rejected. This is why it is essential that you consider and work to secure an alternative housing option along this one.

Applications for social housing can be made with any council in London. However, be advised that priority is given to applications where “local connection” is present. Any of the following will be considered a “local connection”: (1) you work in this area, (2) you have lived in this area for at least 6 months or 3 out of the last 5 years, (3) have a close family member who has lived there for 5 years, (4) you have been accommodated there by the UKBA at the point of receiving your new immigration status.

In order to apply for social housing, you will need to fill in a form available in the council`s offices or website. Upon submitting this form you will be entered in the council`s Waiting List (also called “Housing Register”).

! Remember, if you experience difficulties with filling in the form the council should help you and, if needed, an interpreter should be provided.

! Alternatively, please contact us by calling 02088036161 or emailing us at advice@afsi.org.uk and we will do this for you!

! Remember, the outcome of your application depends on the information you have provided in your application form: in order to help the council identify your case as priority case, it is important that you include detailed information about any medical, personal or financial problems you might have.

Applying for Private Accommodation

While a private housing (a property owned and let by a private landlord) is a more expensive option, it is still possible to get help with covering some of your costs:

Local Housing Allowance: this is a scheme to help private tenants who are out of work or on a low income pay their home rent. Find out how to calculate the Local Housing Allowance you are entitled to get by following this link

Housing Benefits: this is a scheme for social housing tenants on low income. Follow this link to find out how you can apply for Housing Benefits.

Rent Guarantee/Deposit Scheme: this scheme can help you to cover the deposit which you will need to provide prior to moving to your new private home. Contact a local advice agency (find a list of advice agencies below) to check if this scheme is available in your area.

Refugee Integration Loan: this is another scheme which can help you with covering your deposit. A booklet providing detailed explanation on the loan in different is available here. Be advised that this loan will have to be paid back in the future. The application form for the RIL must have been sent to you along with the decision letter from the UKBA, yet if you have not received it you can request one by contacting the Integration Loan Team at the UKBA on 020 8196 5440.

Applying with your local council as a homeless person

You might be eligible to apply for housing as a homeless person because of your immigration status, age (if you are under 18 or over 60 year old), marital status (if you have a child and/or pregnant wife), or health situation (if you are ill or disabled). Again, a “local connection” with the council you apply with will give your application a priority. For more information on this option please contact any of the institutions outlined above.

This article has been published in Issue 4 of Action for Social Integration’s Community Advice E-Newsletter, July 19th 2010

Dealing with Positive Asylum Applications

Posted on June 10, 2010 by Action for Social Integration

What new rights and entitlements does a positive decision on your asylum application give you?

Receiving a positive decision on your asylum application by the UK Border Agency (UKBA) would mean that you are permitted to stay in the UK, but only temporarily. You will normally be given one of the following statuses: Refugee status, Humanitarian protection or Discretionary leave.

!Remember, each one of these three statuses gives you the same rights and entitlements as any one UK citizen. You are allowed to work, use health services and apply for housing and welfare benefits in the same way as other UK residents.

!Remember, if you have been receiving asylum support while waiting for your permission to stay in the UK, it will stop within 28 days of receiving your permission to stay in the UK. This might make it hard for you to sustain yourself and your family, especially if it takes you longer to secure employment. Register with the nearest office of your Jobcentre Plus as soon as possible. This is the government agency which deals with all claims for benefits and where your application will be prepared and processed.
You can find the contacts of your nearest Jobcentre Plus office by following this link.

Your right to work

You will receive your permission to work in a letter from the UKBA. You should contact Jobcentre Plus for any job related enquiries, guidance and tips on finding employment.

More information on your employment rights and further guidance can be found in the following online guide “Refugee Guide to Training and Employment”, produced by the Refugee Council.

Would you like to continue practicing your former occupation in the UK? In order to find out whether a qualification received overseas can be recognized in the UK, we would advise you to visit the website of the UK National Academic Recognition Information Centre (UK NARIC). You can request an assessment of your qualifications online. However, please, be advised that you will be charged for this service!

Your right to use health services

Once receiving a positive decision on your asylum application, you are entitled to free health care in the UK. The free health care services provided by the NHS include emergency and routine medical treatment, maternity and child health, dental treatment, eye tests and glasses, certain medicine prescriptions.

Your entitlement to welfare benefits

You can apply for social security benefits, upon receiving a positive decision on your asylum application, if you have little or no income. There are a range of schemes within the social benefits system which you can apply under. For more information on the different benefits available and further guidelines on your eligibility, please see the section on Welfare Benefits displayed above.

Apart from the standard welfare benefits available to all UK citizens, you might also be able to apply for a Refugee Integration Loan (RIL). This is a loan from the government designed specifically for people with refugee status or humanitarian protection. Remember that while you can receive the RIL in addition to welfare benefits, unlike them this loan will have to be paid back in the future. The application form for the RIL must have been sent to you along with the decision letter from the UKBA, yet if you have not received it you can request one by contacting the Integration Loan Team at the UKBA on 020 8196 5440.

In order to discuss your benefits options in detail, please book an appointment with one of our immigration advisers on 02088036161, or contact your nearest office of Jobcentre Plus. More information on your entitlement to different welfare benefits can also be found in this short “Refugee Guide to Welfare Benefits”, produced by the Refugee Council.

It is important to know that your benefits application should be accompanied by the following documents: NASS 35 form (this form will be issued by the UKBA to all asylum seekers who have been granted a positive decision), Immigration status document (this is the letter granting you your new status), document confirming your identity with a photo, National Insurance number (you will have received your National Insurance number along with your letter from the UKBA confirming your status).

Your right to settlement in the UK

In order to stay permanently in the UK, upon receiving a positive decision on your asylum application, you will have to apply for an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is also called “settlement”. The period after which you can apply for an ILR will depend on the status you are granted upon approval of your asylum application:
· A refugee status or humanitarian protection will allow you to stay in the UK for 5 years. You will have to apply for extension at the end of this period.
· A discretionary leave will allow you to stay in the UK for 3 years or less. You can apply for an extension of further 3 years at the end of this period. After spending 6 years in the UK with a discretionary leave, the UKBA should allow you to stay in the UK indefinitely.

!Remember, it is very important that you apply for extension before your permission to stay in the UK expires. Failing to do so might potentially affect your right to work or access benefits in the UK.

!Remember, in order to be granted an ILR, in each one of these three cases you will have to pass a life in the UK test which examines your knowledge of language and life in the UK.

!Remember, in each one of these three cases, the UKBA might review your case before the end of the period you have been given for temporary stay in the UK. If, for example, conditions in your country have improved and the UKBA considers that you are no longer in need of protection, it might decide that you should leave the country. You will have the right to appeal against this decision.

Your housing rights

Find a detailed article on your housing rights and advice on how to avoid homelessness in the next issue of this newsletter!

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Housing Advice

2010-10-12T12:18:00.000+01:00

Category Archives: Housing Advice

How to deal with anti-social behaviour in housing?

Posted on August 27, 2010 by Action for Social Integration

How to deal with anti-social behaviour in housing? Anti-social behaviour is behaviour which is capable of causing upset or annoyance to individuals or the wider community. Anti-social behaviour in housing is a common problem that many people experience at some …

Anti-social behaviour is behaviour which is capable of causing upset or annoyance to individuals or the wider community. Anti-social behaviour in housing is a common problem that many people experience at some point. Even though individuals who face this problem often feel powerless to deal with it, this article will bring to your attention some of the support on offer and the action you can take.

What can be done to deal with anti-social behaviour in housing?

In order to take action, it is first necessary to ascertain who is responsible for the anti-social behaviour and whether the behaviour is unintentional or deliberate. Secondly you need to establish whether the activity is criminal or not and whether the police should be informed immediately. Thirdly, finding out who is responsible for the area and housing where the perpetrators live, will determine who you can turn to for assistance.

Taking Action Yourself

§ Find out if you have a tenants association in your area. They may be able to intervene, particularly if the behaviour is affecting other people in the locality. To find out more about the tenant associations in the area where you live, please follow this link.

§ If you wish to take legal action, you may start a criminal prosecution in court to have the perpetrator fined or imprisoned.

§ You may also resort to legal action if you wish to have an order imposed to stop the perpetrator continuing with their behaviour and/ or to file for compensation. This would involve filing a civil action in court.

If you are considering taking legal action you will need the help of an experienced adviser, for example, a Citizens Advice Bureau. To search for details of your nearest CAB, including those that can give advice by email, click on nearest CAB.

§ If you do not wish to take legal action but want the behaviour to stop, a mediation scheme might be a good idea. Mediation is usually free and is an informal process in which a neutral third party helps two or more people in a dispute to reach a mutually acceptable solution.

To search for a mediator in your area who could help, visit the Directory of UK Mediation

The Police

Where anti-social behaviour includes criminal activity (violence, drug related activity, racist abuse), the police should be notified immediately. You can find details of your local Police and how to contact them here.

Social Landlords

Social landlords include local housing authorities, councils and housing associations. Unless the problem is a criminal one, then the social landlord should be contacted first. The social landlord is expected to publicise how to go about making a complaint and details should be readily available from the housing office or the landlord’s web-site.

Private Landlords

Private landlords are private individuals or companies who own property that is independent of the local authority or housing associations. Private landlords have the power of the tenancy agreement to tackle anti-social behaviour in their properties and can evict tenants who are found in breach. If a landlord refuses to tackle anti-social behaviour in their property then there are various enforcement measures which can be applied by the local authority. Information on these measures can be found here.

Home Owners

People often think that if a home owner commits anti-social behaviour there is little that can be done to stop it. This is not true as many enforcement mechanisms such as Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs), ASBOs, Parenting Orders/Contracts and injunctions are available regardless of whether the perpetrator is a home owner or not. Follow this link to find out what action you can take in this situation.

Other Support

Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator

Every area of England and Wales also has a local Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator, specifically in place to help tackle local anti-social behaviour. To find out who your local co-ordinator is and to contact them, follow this link.

This article has been published in Issue 5 of Action for Social Integration’s Community Advice E-Newsletter, August 29th 2010

Dealing with “Rent Arrears”

Posted on June 10, 2010 by Action for Social Integration

Are you in debt and unable to pay your home rent? How to deal with “rent arrears”?

Rent arrears” is a legal term to describe a situation where you have failed to pay your home rent on time. Allowing for a debt to amass could easily turn into a serious problem, eventually leading to losing your home. This is why it is important to contact a legal adviser and take an action immediately!

When dealing with “rent arrears” it is important to first find out what the type of your tenancy is: it will determine how and in what time frame your debt needs to be tackled, as well as what your landlord`s actions could be if you fail to re-pay it. To help you with this, the housing charity organization Shelter has introduced its online Tenancy Checker service which allows you to easily identify your tenancy type by answering just a few questions.

You might find it helpful to start by making a plan of action: decide exactly how you are going to clear your dept and the different steps you will take in doing this. In order to find out what the best repayment method for clearing your “rent arrears” could be, we would suggest that you introduce yourself with the National Debtline`s “Options for Paying Back Your Debts”. It will help you choose a repayment method depending on the type and size of your dept. Alternatively, for a one-to-one discussion with an adviser call the National Debtline`s FREE phone: 0808 808 4000 (Monday-Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday 9.30am-1pm)

For a free, confidential and impartial advice on dealing with “rent arrears”, you can call the Shelter Housing Advice FREE phone: 0808 800 4444 (Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday-Sunday 8am-5pm), or visit Shelter`s web section on “rent arrears”. If you decide to contact Shelter by phone, ask to be directed to a legal adviser who can tell you what arrangements you can make with your landlord.

! Remember that you shouldn`t and cannot be evicted for “rent arrears” without a court order.
! Remember to always write down and have a copy of all agreements you make with your landlord.

Web advice point on “rent arrears”:

“Dealing with rent arrears?”
Access by clicking on this link.

“What to do if you have “rent arrears”?
Read by clicking on this link.

Employment Advice

2010-10-12T11:50:00.000+01:00

Category Archives: Employment Advice

Getting back to employment: can volunteering help you?

Posted on August 27, 2010 by Action for Social Integration

For more and more people nowadays volunteering has become an important step to employment. Even if you have already had paid jobs in the past, increased competition on the job market would mean that your skills and experiences may not be valued as highly as they would have been previously. Continuous rejections by employers may signal that your CV may need a make-over: volunteering can help you fix this situation and open a path for you to new and exciting job opportunities!

Can volunteering really help you get a job?

“Yes! 41% of people report that volunteering has helped them get a job”
(Study by Sheffield Volunteer Centre)

“70 per cent of employers would hire a candidate with volunteering experience over someone
who has never volunteered”
(Direct Gov.Uk)

How can volunteering help you get a job?

§ Volunteering helps you learn new skills and receive more training which will give you advantage when competing with other candidates for a job position

§ It has a positive effect on your confidence and motivation

§ Volunteering will enable you to create new contacts which can help you find employment in the future (it often happens to be recommended to an employer by someone you have volunteered with)

§ It sends a message to your employers that you are a dedicated and proactive person

Will volunteering affect your benefits?

You can volunteer while you are receiving benefits if the work you do is unpaid and you meet the rules of your benefit. For example if you receive Jobseekers Allowance you must still be actively seeking a full-time job, able to attend job interviews at 48 hours notice and available to work at one week’s notice. You can still receive money from your employer to cover your travel expenses but this does not count as payment and will not affect your benefits.

You should always check with your benefits adviser before you start volunteering. For example, for Council Tax and Housing Benefit contact your local Council, for Jobseeker`s Allowance contact the Jobcentre plus office you are registered with, for other benefits you may have to contact the Pensions Service. For more information on volunteering and your benefits, please follow this link.

Finding a Volunteering Opportunity

The first step to take if you consider starting to work as a volunteer is to register with your nearest Volunteer Centre. The Volunteer Centres are local agencies which help people who would like to volunteer with employers. You can find your nearest centre by clicking here.

Another thing to do in your search for volunteering opportunities is to look for positions that may be advertised in local newspapers, the websites of local businesses or community organisations, or in national databases. Please find outlined below a list of websites which you may find useful in your search for volunteering positions:

Do-it (National Volunteering Database)

Guardian Volunteering Jobs

Jobs in Charity Organisations

Volunteering for One-off Events

London.Gov.UK (Volunteering Portal)

There are various types of businesses and community organisations which offer volunteering opportunities for people at different stages of their professional development. Follow this link to find out more about the different professional areas in which you can gain volunteer experience.

Where can you find help with finding the right volunteering opportunity for yourself?

CSV
UK`s Leading Volunteering and Training Charity. The CVS offers part-time and full-time volunteering opportunities across the UK.

TimeBank
Can help you decide what you want to do and keep you up to date with the latest volunteering out there.
Telephone: 0845 456 1668

Reach
A skilled volunteering charity.

Tel: 020 7582 6543

inspired
Offers a wealth of exciting opportunities for young volunteers aged 16-25

Volunteering England
Offers practical information, advice and guidance on best practice and what you should expect as a volunteer.

YouthNet
The UK’s first exclusively online charity. They guide and support young people, enabling them to make educated life choices, participate in society and achieve their ambitions. They run a variety of projects that you can get involved in.

This article has been published in Issue 5 of Action for Social Integration’s Community Advice E-Newsletter, August 29th 2010

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Dealing with the Rights of Agency Workers

Posted on June 10, 2010 by Action for Social Integration

Using an employment agency. What are the rights of agency workers?
“Employment agency” is an agency which has a mediating function between yourself and an employer. Employment agencies normally operate in one of the following two ways:

Employment agency TYPE 1: They find work for job-seekers and connect them with employers. In this scenario, job-seekers become employees of the company they have been connected with by the agency; they enter into contract with the company (not the agency) and are paid by that company (not the agency).

Employment agency TYPE 2: Even though the main purpose of the employment agency is still to find work for job-seekers, in this second scenario job-seekers enter into contract with the employment agency itself (not the company they are connected with by the agency). Even after starting to work for a “hiring company”, the employee is still paid by the employment agency and not the company they have been connected with by the agency.

! Remember, when registering with an employment agency, it is important to ask the agency to confirm whether it will be finding you temporary work with a “hiring company” (TYPE 2: in this case, you will be paid by the agency), or whether it will be finding you permanent employment (TYPE 1: in this case, you will be paid by the company you start working for).

! The term “agency worker”, also called “temps”, only applies to you if you are paid by the employment agency (TYPE 2).

While, as an agency worker you will probably have a “contract for services” with your employment agency, this does not mean you are employed by it. There is no obligation on the agency to find you work and you are also not obliged to accept any work they find you.

The way employment agencies treat their employees as well as all complaints against employment agencies are normally regulated and dealt with by the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate. Yet, there are a number of things you need to know in order to be able to recognize that you are not being treated correctly in the first place.

Every employment agency should abide by the following regulations. If it does not, this is unlawful and you should seek to protect your rights:

-must not ask you for money in order to find you work
-must not ask you to pay with your own money for equipment, protective clothing or uniforms unless you are being told in advance and have agreed (but they may charge you for obtaining a Criminal Records Bureau check provided that this has been discussed with you in advance).
-must not make you use and pay for extra services as a condition for finding you work (such as CV preparation)
-must not charge you or penalise you for taking a permanent job with the company they have connected you with
-must not penalise you for registering with other agencies

! Remember that, while an agency can charge you for transport, accommodation or training , you have the right to cancel or withdraw from the service provided that you give a 10 working day written notice for cancellation of accommodation, and 5 working days notice for cancellation of all other services.

+must inform you in writing about your payment rate, the terms and conditions of your contract, length of notice, and the type of work they will find for you. Upon being offered a position by a hiring company, the agency must provide you with written details of the job, the length of your employment and your salary.
+must pay for all work you have undertaken even if it has not been paid by the hiring company and even if you have failed to produce a signed timesheet.

! Remember that agency workers, also called “temps”, short-term casual workers and some freelancers have slightly different employment rights from common “employees”. Unlike “employees”, agency workers are not entitled to redundancy pay or to make a claim for unfair dismissal.

A summary of these points could be found in this workers` rights Booklet, displayed on the governmental information website Direct.Gov.

For advice with problems you might have with using an employment agency, you can contact the Pay and Work Rights Helpline on 0800 917 2368 (The Pay and Work Rights Helpline`s staff accepts enquiries in more than 100 languages, so feel free to request a speaker of your native language). Alternatively, you can register your problem and request information and guidance using this Online Enquiry Form.

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Dealing with “unfair dismissal”

Posted on June 10, 2010 by Action for Social Integration

I am being made redundant but I don`t think this is fair. How to recognise and deal with “unfair dismissal”?

There are a number of reasons for losing your job which could be unfair: for example pregnancy, your age and gender, or if your employer has dismissed you even though there has been no problem with your job performance. The term “unfair dismissal” is used to denote that either (1) your employer`s reasons for dismissing you have been unfair or discriminatory, or that (2) the procedure he has followed in dismissing you has been unfair.

For FREE, confidential and impartial advice on your employment rights telephone the ACAS (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) at 0845 7474 747.

If you believe you have been dismissed unfairly, you will need to make a claim for unfair dismissal at the Employment Tribunal. Call the Employment Tribunal Enquiry line at 0845 795 9775 to find out where your local Employment Tribunal office is. Ask your local office for free advice on how to make a claim for unfair dismissal and order a claim form.

! Remember that you can only make a claim to the Employment Tribunal within 3 months from the date when you have been dismissed.

! Depending on your circumstances, a successful claim for unfair dismissal may enable you to secure “redundancy payment” compensation or a compensation for loss of earnings. To find out what your redundancy payment could be click here.

Find out when a dismissal relating to your working times is unfair.

If you believe you have been dismissed unfairly due to pregnancy or issues relating to your maternity leave, you can easily find out what your maternity rights and entitlements are by filling it the following short questionnaire: http://www.direct.gov.uk/maternity.dsb

Legal Advice E-Newsletter
Issue 1, April 23 2010

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Health Advice

2010-10-12T11:09:00.000+01:00

Category Archives: Health Advice

Support and job opportunities for people with disabilities: is working for yourself an option?
Posted on August 27, 2010 by Action for Social Integration

Support and job opportunities for people with disabilities: is working for yourself an option? There are many areas in the lives of disabled people in which they may need additional support and assistance: housing, work, education, money, leisure, personal relationships, …

There are many areas in the lives of disabled people in which they may need additional support and assistance: housing, work, education, money, leisure, personal relationships, etc.

To help them access the help which is available through local and national organizations, the Department of Health has launched an online portal dedicated exclusively to the needs of disabled people. To access the Department of Health`s "Practical Guide for Disabled People or Careers", please follow this link.

An area which could be particularly problematic for disabled people is employment. While there is a list of organizations and initiatives launched to assist people with disabilities in employment and link them to job opportunities, self-employment is another option worth considering.

What support is available to disabled people who consider starting up their own business and becoming self-employed?

You can find all information necessary for setting up and developing your own business from the website of Business Link.

Where can people with disabilities find further help?

Take a look at the following booklet "Setting up in Business: A Resource Guide for Disabled People and their Advisers". It contains practical information about tax, Access to Work Scheme, business planning, grants, finance and working from home. You can request a copy by emailing: info@disabled-entrepreneurs.net

Disability Charity Leonard Cheshire and Sir Stelios Hajiloannou

Run the annual Stelios Disabled Entrepreneur Award with a prize of £50 000.You can find more information on the application procedure by visiting the organization's website.

Benefits Enquiry Line
for advice about all benefits and how to claim them.
Phone free: 0800 882200 (Mon-Fri 8.30-18.30, Sat 9.00-13.00);
For help filling in claim forms, phone free: 0800 441144.

Disability Benefits Helpline
Tel: 0845 7123456, for advice on Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance.

Citizens Advice Bureau (CABs)
Provides advice on a wide range of money, housing, legal and other problems. See your phone book for local numbers.

DIAL (Disability Information Advice Line)
Run mostly by disabled people. See phone book for your local DIAL or call DIAL-UK.
Tel/text phone: (01302) 310123.

Disability Rights Commission.
Helpline: 0845 7622633 (Mon-Fri 8.00-20.00);

Disabled Living Centres (DLCs)
Local centres where you can see, try out and get information and advice on equipment. See 'Equipment and aids for daily living' under 'Help with everyday needs' for a list of centres or call the Disabled Living Centres Council.
Tel: (0161) 834 1044;

RADAR (The Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation)
Has a wide selection of helpful publications.
Tel: (020) 7250 3222

This article has been published in Issue 5 of Action for Social Integration's Community Advice E-Newsletter, August 29th 2010

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Dealing with Entitlements to NHS treatment
Posted on June 10, 2010 by Action for Social Integration

Entitlements to free NHS treatment for people from abroad. What help with healthcare costs can you get if you are in low income?

The NHS (National Healthcare Services) is the public healthcare system in the UK through which the majority of healthcare in the country is provided. Even though a large number of its services are free, there are others which have to be paid for. This article will introduce (1) some of the free hospital treatments you are entitled to if you are coming from abroad, and (2) some of the options for financial support available to people on a low income.

Which people from abroad are entitled to free hospital treatment?

Firstly, you need to know that there are some healthcare treatments provided by the NHS which are available free of charge for everyone, regardless of the length of your stay in the UK. Please, find a list of these services below:
- Treatment for accidents and emergencies (your treatment will be free unless you get removed from the emergency department into a hospital, in which case you might be charged for your hospital treatment)
- Compulsory psychiatric treatment
- Treatment for certain communicable diseases (tuberculosis, cholera, food poisoning, malaria, meningitis and pandemic influenza, testing for the HIV virus and counseling following a test)
- Family planning services

Yet, only some people from abroad can receive all NHS treatments free of charge. In order to find out whether you are entitled to free healthcare treatments, please check if the following conditions apply to you:

+You have been living legally in the UK for at least 12 months and you did not come to the UK for private medical treatment (temporary absences from the UK for up to 3 months will not disrupt your eligibility)
+You are a former UK resident returning from abroad
+You are temporary working abroad (but normally work in the UK), have at least 10 years continuous residence in the UK and have been abroad for less than 5 years
+You have been granted a leave to enter or remain as a spouse
+You are receiving a UK war disablement pension or a war widows` pension
+You are an asylum seeker (awaiting decision on your asylum application) or have been granted exceptional leave to remain or refugee status.
+You are imprisoned in the UK or detained by UK immigration authorities
+You are a UK pensioner who spends up to 6 months a year living in another country from the European Economic Area but you are not a resident of this country.
+You are a student following a course of study which lasts at least 6 months, or is substantially funded by the UK government.

! Remember, your entitlement to free NHS treatment depends on the length and type of your residence in the UK, not your nationality.

! Remember, if you are entitled to free NHS hospital treatment, you spouse, civil partner and dependent children are also entitled to it but only if they live permanently with you in the UK.

What help with health costs can you get if you are on a low income?

There are a number of medical charges for which you can get financial help: prescription charges, dental charges, sight tests, vouchers towards the cost of glasses and contact lenses, travel costs to and from hospital for NHS treatment as well as travelling abroad for treatment, wigs and fabric supports (e.g., abdominal support, spinal support, support tights).

The requirements for financial support with each one of these treatments vary and this is why we would recommend that you check the list of requirements for the treatment which interests you at the website of Adviceguide.

In all cases, you will be entitled to free treatment if you are on Income Support, income-based Jobseeker`s Allowance, income-based Support Allowance or the guarantee credit part of Pension Credit. In this case, your partner and children will also be entitled to free treatment. If you are getting Working Tax Credit and/or Child Tax Credit, your eligibility to free treatment will depend on your income.

Yet, even if you do not qualify for free treatments for any of the medical procedure mentioned above, you might still be able to receive support under the NHS Low Income Scheme. In this case, the amount of financial help you can get will depend on the amount of your income. Depending on your income, you can get a Full Health Certificate or a Limited Health Certificate. Follow this link to learn more about this certificates and the help they give you access to.

To apply for either the Full Health Certificate or the Limited Health Certificate, you need to complete the form HC1 and send it to the address below (the HC1 form is available from local benefit offices, NHS hospitals and some GPs).

NHS Business Services Authority
Sandyford House, Archibald Terrace, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1DB
Tel: 0845 850 1166, E-mail: lis1@ppa.nhs.uk, Website: http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/.

! Remember, you do not need to have a problem in order to apply for a certificate. The earlier you apply the better. If you need to pay for a health treatment before having obtained a certificate under the low income scheme, you can get a refund for your charge. You will need to fill the form HC5 to claim your refund, which is available from local benefit offices, NHS hospitals, and some GPs and send it to the address given above.

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Action for Social Integration: Campaign for Equal Rights

Advice E-Newsletter , August 2011

Advice E-Newsletter , June 2011

Advice E-Newsletter , February 2011

Advice Newsletter July 2011: Health and Advice Links

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http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/how_we_can_help/housing_advice_helpline

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This article has been published in Issue 4 of Action for Social Integration’s Community Advice E-Newsletter, July 19th 2010

Health Advice

This article has been published in Issue 5 of Action for Social Integration’s Community Advice E-Newsletter, August 29th 2010

Newsletter October 2010

Dealing with School Exclusion

Our Free GCSE Tutoring Service (Enfield, Barnet and Haringey)

Advice for young mums under 16

Dealing with Domestic Violence

Education Advice

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