March 2010 - Adobe PDF - Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

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32 news Strong <strong>Stockton</strong> Communities Asylum seekers Continuing the real story… ...and busting the myths In the last <strong>Stockton</strong> News we featured the plight of asylum seekers – we continue with another young person’s experiences. Firstly, imagine being moved to another country where you know nothing whatsoever about the culture and don’t speak one word of the language…… This happened to John, (name changed), from Eritrea. His life was turned upside down and his home taken away because his father was arrested for airing his political views. Initially John and his siblings stayed with his uncle. However, it was not safe so his uncle made arrangements for them to flee the danger. Arriving in England with very little belongings, frightened and confused, John was allocated to stay in London and was treat as though he was over 18. Normally young people under 18 stay, and are supported, in the area of the UK where they first arrive. However, John’s demeanour indicated he was under 18 and unable to cope living on his own. A referral was made to Health & Social Care with a request to assess his age. This requires special skills and qualifications. Although carried out with sensitivity and care, an age assessment medical examination can be extremely upsetting and John had to endure several. imagine being moved to another country where you know nothing whatsoever about the culture and don’t speak one word of the language... Assessment, over a period of time, by qualified professionals, often using an interpreter, is designed to gain information about a child’s background, family tree, previous education, religion, country of origin, the journey and how they present themselves. Often children don’t have any documentation to show their age, as not all countries and cultures attach the same importance to chronological age, and birth records and calendars are different in some counties. Illegal trafficking may mean a child is portrayed as being older to avoid immigration controls or checks by Health & Social Care. On arrival in <strong>Stockton</strong> John was immediately registered with a local college to learn to speak English and over the next few years he became heavily involved in supporting others in the same position. He became a community warden and registered with the Prince’s Trust whilst being involved with many community projects and voluntary work. After nearly ten years in the UK, and putting an immense amount of time and energy into the community, John is still waiting for a decision from the Home Office. Local registered charity Justice First works across the Tees Valley with people who have been refused asylum and help vulnerable people to find legal representation and emergency support. Justice First works closely with a number of other local agencies including the Mary Thompson Fund and the Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture. Asylum seekers… Myth: Nine out of ten asylum seekers are bogus The truth: The UK has a very tough system. Asylum seekers must provide credible evidence of their plight and persecution. Many applications are refused. Myth: Asylum seekers are linked to rising crime The truth: A small minority can who spoil it for the rest. The Association of Chief Police Officers state there is no evidence migrants commit any more crime than anyone else. Recent findings, presented to the Home Secretary, found offending rates are in line with those in the general population. They are more likely to be a victim of crime, suffering racial harassment and discrimination. Myth: Asylum seekers are given priority over other council tenants for properties. The truth: They are housed by organisations who are paid directly by the Home Office. such as private landlords or with the local authority. Myth: They are stealing our jobs The truth: Once granted status they are entitled to work. Many must retrain as their qualifications are not recognised here. For a doctor this means another three years study.
news Health <strong>Stockton</strong> Ready 4 Baby? Getting ready to have a baby can be a daunting time for anyone – but a Children’s Centre parenting course is helping put the fears of parents-to-be aside as they prepare for their new arrivals. Ready 4 Baby is a 12-week course designed to give pregnant women and their partners a helping hand to prepare for the birth and first few months of their baby’s life. It offers advice and guidance on everything from basic baby care skills and healthy eating tips to learning how to coast the emotional highs and lows of parenthood. People are referred to the course through a number of partners who work closely with the programme. These include midwives, Sure Start staff, social workers and other specialist support staff. The course which was successfully piloted in 2009, at <strong>Stockton</strong>’s Redhill Children’s Centre, is this year being rolled out to other Children’s Centres across the Borough. Carolyn Lakin, <strong>Stockton</strong> Council’s Positive and Wellbeing Parenting Tutor leads the course. She says: “By bringing mums and dads-to-be together we are able to build their confidence, providing the opportunity to develop their knowledge of labour, birth and caring for a newborn baby.” Parents attending the course are able to gain a qualification through the Open College Network and, after the course has finished, the new parents are offered support to access other services. Bridie Mahoney, new mum to Macy-Elizabeth, attended the Ready 4 Baby course last year. She says: “I haven’t been brought up around babies and so didn’t know how to feed her or anything. The course helped us with everything from handling labour to bathing your baby.” Gemma Deighton who attended with her partner Paul Johnson, said: “I really enjoyed it. There were things I didn’t know even though I already have children.” To find out more contact Carolyn Lakin on (01642) 524683 or email carolyn.lakin@ stockton.gov.uk Page 33 Head this way Headway Teesside is a local charity which supports brain injury survivors, their families, friends and carers. Based at Newport Community Centre on St Paul’s Road, Middlesbrough, it offers free drop-in sessions, activities and therapies, plus information and support every Wednesday (12 noon - 2pm). There is no need to book – just turn up. To find out more contact Sue Moore on (01287) 642 389, email s.moore971@ btinternet.com or visit www. headwayteesside.org.uk Time to change NHS Tees has launched a new campaign to help raise awareness and reduce stigma about mental health problems. ‘Time to Change’ helps challenge and address some of the prejudices which mental health sufferers can experience, by highlighting how one in four people suffer from mental health problems, such as stress and depression. NHS Tees will also host a series of community roadshows across the Tees Valley, inviting as many people as possible to pledge their support for the campaign’s message. If you are worried that you, a friend, work colleague or family member could be suffering from a mental health problem, speak to someone or contact your GP as soon as possible. Gemma Deighton with partner Paul Johnson and baby Chloe It’s never too late to ask for help and, with the right support, people with mental health problems can – and do – usually make a full and complete recovery. For more details visit www.tees.nhs.uk
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