Why is it important?

 

The movement of people is, by its very nature, fluid. An accurate count of that movement is practically impossible – current measurements are flawed and paint only part of the true picture. That said, we can be sure that:

• the numbers of people moving from one part of the world to another has increased and will continue to increase;
• people move for a variety of reasons – for safety, to be with their family, to improve their economic or educational well being or to experience other cultures – and those reasons will remain;
• migration of people can be influenced by unpredictable world events and will change depending on those events;
• migration will have a significant social and economic impact on receiving countries and communities;
• it is likely that migrants will be, especially upon arrival, some of the most vulnerable people in society.

 

What is the challenge?

 

Understanding the impact and consequences of migration – from wherever it originates – is only the starting point. The challenge is to:

• accommodate, house and educate migrants;
• provide language and support services;
• facilitate integration in the economy, community and society;

 

All this must be done fairly – recognising the political sensitivities and needs or expectations of host communities; it must be done cost effectively and it must be done in a manner that ensures migration is perceived to be a positie rather than a negative trend. 

 

The experience of Horton Housing Association

 

With a traditional and established reputation of providing support services for some of the most vulnerable people in society, it was a natural progression for Horton Housing to extend that expertise into the consequences of migration.

 

Horton Housing Association is in the unique position of combining the quality assurance and effective service delivery expected of large scale contracts (such as Supporting People) with a network of support service partnerships and highly trained staff.

 

Horton Housing Association delivers:

1. The Gateway Protection Programme (GPP)
   
   In partnership with Bradford Council, Bradford and Airedale PCT, Education Bradford and Manningham Housing Association, Horton Housing delivers support services in this successful humanitarian programme in Bradford on behalf of the UK Border Agency and European Union.
   
   Further details can be found at www.bradford.gov.uk
   
    
2. Refugee Development Service (RDS)
   
   Based within Bevan House – the RDS is a partnership between Horton Housing Association and the Bradford and Airedale PCT – the RDS provides a one stop service to meet the multiple needs of people who have been given leave to remain.
   
    
3. Crisis Support Service (CSS)
   
   Again based at Bevan House, the CSS focuses on providing practical and emotional support for individuals and families who are homeless or in crisis but are not eligible for Supporting People services – such as asylum seekers and refugees.
   
    
4. Case Resolution Directorate (CRD)
   
   In response to the decision of the UK Border Agency’s “legacy” caseload, managed by the CRD, Horton Housing Association is providing support to the recipients of refugee status under the Home Office programme.
   
    
5. ESOL and Cultural Orientation Programmes
   
   Based at the Horton Housing Training Centre, classes geared up to the needs of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants are delivered aimed at enhancing language skills and embedding ESOL classes into a cultural orientation programme that is focused on identifying and improving employment opportunities.
   
    
6. Eastern European Support and Integration work
   
   Funded through the Migration Impact Fund, this scheme is dedicated to the needs of Eastern European migrants. Based at the Bradford Day Shelter, language and employment training skills are made available for some of the most vulnerable of people who are unable to work and ineligible for benefits.
   
    
7. Training Programmes
   
   Horton Housing Association offers training to support workers and organisations on a range of issues relating to migration, changes in legislation and the consequences of migration.
   
   Training events, how to book a course, venues and availability can be found on the Migration Training page.