A PILOT REFUGEE AND ASYLUM SEEKER BEFRIENDING SERVICE IN NEWHAM

A recently published GLA study highlighted the needs, experiences and capacities of people seeking asylum in Newham (May 2022).

Several needs were highlighted by the report including understanding the local area and its relationship to other parts of London as well as information about services and how to access them.

Opportunities for English conversation to enable peer connection and help people navigate their new surroundings was seen as critical.

Whilst people reported that the local community was friendly, kind and diverse, people did not feel part of their community or integrated.

Some of the people interviewed answered that they would like to find English speaking friends and would like to know more about local activities.

Piloting a befriending service in Newham for asylum seekers and refugees enables us to test whether this type of intervention can provide some of the following support with the overall aim of strengthening feelings of safety, connection and control: • Provide orientation and welcome to people arriving in Newham • Provide opportunities to practice English • Support access to local activities and service • Promote independence and confidence building The befriending service also provides an opportunity to encourage social integration in support of Newham's social integration strategy which is based on: • relationships that promote shared experiences, building networks and quality interactions between groups, building understanding and trust • participation that encourage residents to be active in civil society through volunteering and democratic participation • equality for residents by overcoming barriers and challenges to work, support with ESOL and other skills • evidence to measure and evaluate the impact of social integration in Newham.