Person-to-Person support for those seeking Asylum
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The Scarborough Refugee Network (SRN) was launched in 1997. A number of men, women and children originating from Eastern Europe, the Middle East and mid African States had been brought to the town following their claims for Asylum in the UK. They were housed temporally in the Old Town area and while they were being provided with housing and limited benefits, further humanitarian support seemed to be unavailable from the statutory authorities. The local Christian community became concerned for the well-being of these new residents who were vulnerable to abuse and neglect. It became clear that they needed person to person support that included help with the English language as well as orientation into British way of life, values and customs. They also needed medical screening, dental assessment and help with facilitating the immigration process. Educational classes and an office base were then created in the Scarborough Christian Centre. With the support of fourteen other local agencies that included Churches, the Scarborough Borough Council Housing Dept, North Yorkshire County Council, what was then the Council for Voluntary Services, the Primary Care Trust and North Yorkshire Police, SRN began it local support services. SRN linked itself with the Immigration Advisory Service in Leeds in 1999 and continues to serve the community of Scarborough with person to person support for those seeking Asylum. The SRN provides:
For appointments Please ring the Oasis Family Centre on 01723-353706 Monday to Thursday 10.00 am to 1.00 pm. Appointments can also be made for outside of normal office hours above. Correspondence and appointments SRN is available to receive referrals from local voluntary and statutory organisations including Police, the Borough Council and Social Service providers. Please contact: The Director, Scarborough Refugee Network, using the contact details below. |
