|  | Our Spring 2024 NewsletterAs we begin a new financial year, here is a taste of what our teams have been doing at Positive Action in Housing. Please do drop us a line at with your ideas and thoughts on what else you would like to see us do. Donate | Over the last year, we've been like a lifeline for people working hard to create a new beginning here in the UK. We've been there with housing guidance, financial assistance, and personalized advice. It's been a tough year, with living costs climbing and some serious housing challenges. Even local councils have felt the strain. We've seen new refugees looking for shelter in Glasgow, families in less than ideal living conditions, and many battling financial difficulties. Despite these tough times, our dedication hasn't wavered - we're here to extend our help to those in need. We're excited to share some of the incredible things we've achieved this year, so stick around and keep reading! |  | | LATEST JOBS We are seeking a talented and self-motivated individual to join our team as a Fundraising Officer (Trusts and Foundations). This role is crucial in ensuring that our friendly and supportive team can continue making a significant difference in the lives of asylum seekers, refugees, and new migrants. If you are interested in this opportunity, please consider applying. The position is based in our Glasgow Office, with a 35-hour workweek and a salary of £28,000. The application deadline is 12 noon, 10th May 2024.
We are also seeking a well-organised individual to join our team as an Administration and Finance Officer. You will be responsible for undertaking all day-to-day administrative duties to ensure the smooth running of our office. The role will involve maintaining financial and client records, coordinating meetings and events, assisting with reception duties, carrying out office management tasks, and providing administrative support to the CEO. The position is based in our Glasgow Office, with a 21-hour work week and a pro rata salary of £25,925. The application deadline is 12 noon, 17th May 2024.
Hemat Gryffe Women's Aid are recruiting a Women's Domestic Abuse Community Worker to support women living in Glasgow's Northeast and Northwest locally. They provide refuge accommodation, follow-on and outreach to women, children, and young people experiencing domestic abuse, forced marriage and honour-based abuse primarily from the Asian, Black and Minority Ethnic Community. The position is 35 hours per week and a salary of £28,500. The application deadline is 5pm, 10th May 2024. | | TRAINING IN MAY 2024 At Positive Action in Housing, we leverage our experience in providing direct support to deliver high-quality training on various topics that impact our service users. We invite you to register for the following in-person courses, which will be held in Glasgow City Centre. Feel free to contact us for more information about our in-house training services. Rights of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 13th May 2024, 10 am-12:30 pm. Rights and Entitlements of EEA Nationals: 15th May 2024, 10 am-12:30 pm. No Recourse to Public Funds: 22nd May 2024, 10 am-12:30 pm.
Please follow this link to find out more and register. | |  | CAMPAIGNS AND ADVOCACY In the period of 2023/4, there was a notable increase in stringent immigration controls. The recent passing of the Rwanda Bill in Parliament has been a significant development. This legislation potentially subjects individuals to forcible removal to Rwanda after they have sought refuge in the UK. Our commitment remains steadfast in collaborating with human rights groups throughout the UK to challenge these #AntiRefugeeLaws.
Government initiatives, such as the Rwanda plan, have posed numerous challenges for those seeking safety, causing a ripple effect of issues. The shortening of transition periods for new refugees has resulted in many facing homelessness during harsh winter conditions. Additionally, the rise in visa fees and immigration health surcharges has put the security and wellbeing of thousands of UK families at risk. Working with 15 partner organizations, we've executed research, campaigns, and advocacy in critical areas. Our focus has been on hotel accommodations, laws affecting refugees, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. We've coordinated workshops, liaised with media outlets, and reached out to decision-makers and politicians, advocating for a more empathetic immigration system.
Recently, we have supported one of our members Hashem Salim to evacuate his family from Gaza. As a result of your support, ten members of his family have escaped starvation and bombardment in Rafah and made it to Cairo. Their homes have been destroyed, family members and friends and colleagues have been killed, we hope the next few months provides some breathing space. Please considering donating to this fund to support Hashem's family to begin to rebuild their lives in Egypt after their harrowing experiences. |  | | POSITIVE ACTION NETWORK We are proud to introduce the Positive Action Network, a platform designed to help individuals find support in their communities and discover the wide range of services available locally and nationally. | | HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS Our Housing and Homelessness team has worked tirelessly to assist over 1,000 people from asylum and refugee backgrounds, preventing homelessness for hundreds of people and intervening directly for over 100 families and individuals. With your support, we have also provided relief grants to 785 individuals. These grants have ensured people facing periods of poverty and destitution are able to access basic essentials and food.
ROOM FOR REFUGEES Our pioneering refugee hosting network - Room for Refugees - has witnessed a significant increase in the numbers of enquiries from refugees who are facing homelessness as the Home Office attempts to clear the backlog of those waiting for asylum decisions. This has been done without the necessary support, leaving local councils unable to provide temporary or permanent accommodation options to those leaving asylum accommodation. In the past 12 months, 19% of the individuals we supported had refugee status, compared to 10% in the previous year. Regrettably, this is a common situation for many newly granted refugees in Scotland. We continue to support Ukrainians in need of hosted accommodation. | | FINANCIAL INCLUSION PROJECT Our Financial Inclusion project assisted 639 individuals from 53 different countries of origin this year. We provided support in resolving and managing debts, accessing social welfare funds, avoiding court action, preventing utility disconnection, and enhancing income maximisation skills. Throughout 2023/4, we have raised a total of £466,000 for our service users, conducted 19 financial skills workshops, and distributed 1,303 energy-saving measures to 589 households. |  | | NEW MIGRANTS ACTION PROJECT Over the past year, the New Migrants Action Project has worked with over 1,200 individuals from 14 countries of origin, primarily the Romanian Roma community in Glasgow. In addition to helping people access increased income amounting to £711,000, our work has also sustained tenancies in the challenging private rented sector. Furthermore, we have assisted digitally excluded individuals in accessing and updating their EU Settlement Scheme accounts while providing adult numeracy support. | | | | | | | |
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