Welcoming Refugee Families: Discussing family reunion for refugees
07 Aug 2013
A local charity founded by a University alumna is holding a one-day conference on 9 September in St James Building, Oxford Road.
This conference organised by Manchester-based charity Refugee Welcome Trust will look at the family reunion process for refugees in the UK and the roles of different agencies in the process. It will provide an opportunity to share practical knowledge about the processes and how to better help refugees wanting to be reunited with their family.
Speakers include:
- Jon Lord, Chief Executive, Bolton at Home;
- Clare Farnsworth, Deputy Manager, Freedom from Torture Manchester, who will talk about their new family unit and the effects of separation on children and parents;
- Wei Lynn Ng, Co-ordinator at the British Red Cross Family Tracing Service;
- Denise McDowell, Director, Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit, who will speak about how GMIAU have responded to the loss of legal aid for their family reunion clients.
Sessions will cover aspects of the family reunion journey from tracing families to housing provision and long-term plans.
Founded by Manchester alumna Amy Lythgoe, the Trust provides support for the family reunion process for refugees who have had to leave their partners and children for significant periods of time in order to seek asylum.
Amy, who won a prize in the 2011 Community Service and Volunteer of the Year Awards for the charity's work, said:
“We believe this is an exciting opportunity to bring together people who provide services to refugees or are interested in the family reunion process. It is a difficult and stressful time for families, especially in the current economic climate that has seen large cuts to legal aid and funding. We hope people attending will gain a better understanding of what help is available to ensure that people get the best possible support."
Booking and further information
Cost:
- Student £30
- Standard £90
Book your place online at: