Community Story: Derby Refugee Forum/Derby Refugee Advice Centre

With very limited finances, the accommodation they end up living in often has minimal insulation, is damp and poorly maintained, with no furniture. Their fuel bills are consequently very high, especially families with children or those with poor mobility or disability.

– Janet Fuller, Derby Refugee Forum/Derby Refugee Advice Centre

In this story we are in the East Midlands to learn more about the important work of the Derby Refugee Forum/Derby Refugee Advice Centre (DRAC). It was set up in 2002, with the support of the Bosnia Herzegovina Community, to provide practical and emotional support to asylum seekers and refugees in the Derby area. Services offered are one to one advice sessions, English and Maths classes, workshops, creative activities, trips and information sessions. 

Luke Upton, Head of Communications at Localgiving, caught up with Janet Fuller from the organisation and asked how their work has changed in recent years: 

“During the Covid-19 pandemic it was difficult to offer face-to-face support but, at the same time, an increasing number of asylum seekers were coming to Derby and Derbyshire who were vulnerable and isolated. Additionally, those with refugee status were often not able to work or eligible for the furlough scheme. 

“This often left a legacy of problems with housing issues, bills, lack of understanding of contracts, limited English with no access to classes for adults and the stress of trying to home school children. Consequently, the trauma already suffered in their country of origin was compounded by lack of opportunities to integrate, socialise, learn or access help. This affected people emotionally, psychologically and physically. 

“We are still working to help people tackle these issues, compounded since then by the cost-of-living crisis, hike in fuel bills and the expectation that everyone can access and use the internet. 

"Over the past few weeks there has been a substantial increase in homelessness for those just granted refugee status. Their situation has been exacerbated by severe weather extremes. We will be able to adapt the packs to at least give them some basic ways to stay warm." 
 

The Derby Refugee Forum/Derby Refugee Advice Centre (DRAC) received a grant from the National Grid Community Matters Fund (Fuel Poverty) to provide warm packs to their community and Janet was happy to share the impact this would have. 

“Obtaining accommodation for new refugees is always difficult, they don't have deposits, rent in advance, references or guarantors. With very limited finances, the accommodation they end up living in often has minimal insulation, is damp and poorly maintained, with no furniture. Their fuel bills are consequently very high, especially for families with children or those with poor mobility or disability. 

“Additionally, the aftereffects of torture, war or persecution can affect people’s ability to cope. While we can get help with some of the bigger items needed (beds, cooker, washers), items that we can include in our warm pack are things that can very much help when moving into new accommodation but are often the things that come way down on the list of priorities.

“The warm packs from the National Grid Community Matters Fund are a godsend in these situations. Over the past few weeks there has been a substantial increase in homelessness for those just granted refugee status. Their situation has been exacerbated by severe weather extremes. We will be able to adapt the packs to at least give them some basic ways to stay warm. 

“The support received from National Grid and Localgiving is extremely important because it means we can act quickly to provide some essential items to people who are already on the edge of society, on low incomes and with limited support networks. The packs will be very practical, easy to use and efficient. We can deliver them as well as giving them out at our centre. Many thanks!” 

Before finishing up, Luke asked what would help most as we move into the New Year.

“We know that in 2024 homelessness for refugees will decrease as positive decisions are made. Being able to give people something that can help keep them warm and comfy while they transition into their new life is very important to us. We also want to make sure that people understand how to keep themselves and their homes warm and affordable, understand their bills and have some ideas about how to reduce costs.” 

Learn more about the Derby Refugee Forum/Derby Refugee Advice Centre