1

DEVON & CORNWALL REFUGEE SUPPORT A Private Company Limited by Guarantee

NEWSLETTER

September 2010 7 Whimple Street, Plymouth PL1 2DH Tel: 01752 265952 Fax: 0870 762 6228 Email: dcrsc@btopenworld.com Website: http://dcrsc1.cfsites.org

FOREWORD Written by Lorna M. SEWELL

Dear Friends and Supporters, The Board of Trustees are now able to welcome the two latest members of our Staff, Helen LAOLU-BALOGUN and Erena IRONS, who have recently taken up their posts of Project Support Workers with DCRS. Trish BAXTER will be spending some time with them for a while, but as both of them have been volunteers in the Centre and Helen for some considerable time, the work will not be new to them. As Trustees, we hope they will find the work fulfilling. The Board is gradually complying with all the legal requirements necessary to finalise our transformation into a Private Company Limited by Guarantee and revising our Constitution. Arnold MELHUISH has being involved in all the work involved, including many consultations with our solicitors, and our formal thanks are due to him. At our previous Board Meeting we not only spent some time on legal matters but also on the requirements of the Big Lottery to our Accounts Procedure. Our Trustee Treasurer, Svetlana STOUPNIKOV, and Pat JOYCE, have spent many hours putting new systems in place. We say a big Thank You to them also. Over the next few months our Funding Committee will be concentrating on procuring further funds to cover our original support work, as, of course, the Big Lottery funds only cover our new projects. This won’t be easy, because of the current economic situation, and all charities will be chasing fewer and fewer available funds. Consequently our local supporters will be even more important to us! The support for asylum seekers generally is becoming more and more desperate with the Plymouth office of Refugee Action closing down. This will mean extra support and advice for our Staff to give, and to enable them to do this, the acting Manager of Refugee Action will be training our Staff in some new aspects of support.

The latest possibility, according to the Minister of Justice, Kenneth Clarke MP, is the likelihood of all funding to be withdrawn from asylum seekers wanting to appeal against the decision they have received for refugee status. Recent statistics have shown that a good number of appeals have been successful. We, along with all Support Groups in the country, also hope that the campaigns recently undertaken, will mean that the detention of children will stop, and a more humane system will be found by our Coalition Government. Yours sincerely,

Lorna M. Sewell Lorna M. SEWELL Chair of the DCRS Board of Trustees

CONTENTS Compiled by Geoffrey N. READ

Just run your mouse over the blue links and click...

you’ll be taken straight to your page!

Activities Group Page 4

Advertisements Page 7

Clothing Store Page 5

Diary Dates Page 17

DCRS General Information Page 3

Editorial Comment Page 2

Food Programme Page 5

Foreword Page 1

General Information Page 7

Greetings Page 2

Internet Suite Page 7

Letters to the Editor Page 2

News Page 7

Reception Desk & Volunteers Page 7

Providing Practical Support To Refugees

2

EDITORIAL COMMENT Written by Geoffrey N. READ

ONTRIBUTIONS. I do rely on you all to provide me with articles, reports and newsworthy items to make

this Newsletter readable. So do please keep sending me your contributions! Contributions are required to be submitted for the October 2010 edition by no later than Friday, 24

th September 2010.

LETTERS Compiled by Geoffrey N. READ

From: Emily To: Geoffrey READ <saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk> Sent: Mon, 2 August, 2010 20:07:15 Subject: Re: DCRS: THE AUGUST 2010 NEWSLETTER Hi Geoff, Hope you finds you well. Another good newsletter - many thanks. But I have one question... how did you know it was my birthday this week? It was a massive surprise to read about it - but very kind... thank you ever so much. Best Wishes, Emily :-)

Emily, We have our methods! Ed.

From: Elaine - Cafcass To: Geoffrey READ <saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk> Sent: Tue, 3 August, 2010 17:36:01 Subject: RE: DCRS: THE AUGUST 2010 NEWSLETTER Dear Geoffrey, It was a very pleasant surprise to receive the DCRS Newsletter. I’m not sure how I managed to get on your Circulation List but am please to be there and will circulate the information amongst our staff for their information. Kind Regards, Elaine Hay Good to have you with us Elaine! Ed.

From: Joanna S.H. To: Geoffrey READ <saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk> Sent: wed, 4 August, 2010 16:59:07 Subject: Re: DCRS: THE AUGUST 2010 NEWSLETTER Dear Geoffrey Thanks for another interesting and informative newsletter. I shall be leaving UCLan soon, but please would you continue to send me your newsletter to my new address? Working with the fantastic team of people from DCRS has been a real pleasure, and I hope our paths may cross again in the future. Sending very best wishes to all who were involved in the Community Engagement Mental Health Work. Many thanks and kind regards, Joanna Senior Support Worker Community Engagement Programme International School for Communities, Rights and Inclusion University of Central Lancashire Preston PR1 2HE

Thank Joanna... so pleased you’re staying with us! Ed.

GREETINGS Compiled by Geoffrey N. READ

(except where stated)

ELCOME! We welcome two new Project Support Workers to our Staff Team:

Helen LAOLU-BALOGUN and Irena ONIONS

We hope they settle in quickly and enjoy their new roles. Submitted by Liz HARDINGE

ELCOME! We also extend a very warm welcome to a new volunteer who has joined us...

Alan LAMBLE

Thank you for volunteering! Submitted by Liz HARDINGE

AREWELL. A big Thank You to Htin KYAW who has been a regular volunteer in our Internet Suite and a great help to us. He is moving to London and we wish him well for the next phase of his life.

Submitted by Liz HARDINGE

C

W

W

F

3

AREWELL GATHERING. There will be a small gathering at 2 p.m. on Thursday, 2

nd September 2010

to say goodbye to Sylvia HAMLEY and to thank her for all she has done. Refreshments (tea and cakes) will be available. All former Volunteers, particularly those from the Clothing Store will be very welcome to attend. Submitted by Liz HARDINGE

APPY BIRTHDAY! We wish a very Happy Birthday to all those who have birthdays in September,

especially: Sunday, 5th September: Samuel NEVER Thursday, 23rd September: Luqman GUBARI Friday, 24th September: Alison WILLIAMS

APPY BIRTHDAY! We wish a very Happy Birthday to all those who have birthdays in September,

especially: Tuesday, 5th October: Lorna M. SEWELL Wednesday, 6th October: Hayley KEMP Wednesday, 27th October: Sally MULFORD

GENERAL INFORMATION Written by Geoffrey N. READ

(except where stated)

OARD OF TRUSTEES’ MEETINGS. A meeting of the DCRS Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday, 18th

August 2010. The next meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, 22nd September 2010 at 2 p.m. Should anyone wish to have a particular matter discussed then please contact a Trustee of DCRS.

ROCHURES. We’ve recently updated our DCRS General Brochure and copies are available in English

and Chinese for information, or for downloading, from our website: http://dcrsc1.cfsites.org These new brochures take account of our new Opening Hours. The brochures are designed to be printed off in black-and-white or colour, back-to-back, and then to be folded in three. We only have English and Chinese versions at the moment and the Editor would very much appreciate getting assistance to translate them into other languages. Any offers of assistance please?

ONTACT POINT FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS. For people wishing to enquire about the possibility of

volunteering there is an exclusive email address especially for the purpose: liz_dcrsc@btinternet.com Submitted by Liz HARDINGE

UTBACKS, CHALLENGES & CHANGES. We’re all aware of the Government’s cutbacks and the effects on

community and personal life. The full impact of these necessary cuts is now having repercussions on our services, which bring challenges unforeseen in the present climate of immigration policy. Nationally we have seen: The closure of one of the largest legal advice firms that asylum

seekers turned to when others abandoned them in their claims.

The swift response of the Legal Services Commissioner’s office by cutting legal aid to those with low income which are, of course, Solicitors representing asylum seekers.

Cuts to the funding of the One-Stop-Service, which in Plymouth is Refugee Action.

The Ministry of Justice being forced to cutback legal procedures and court hearings.

Locally this has meant that: Both Devon Law Centre and Fursdon & Knapper Solicitors, who

represent many of our service users, have closed their books to new clients until a review in October.

Refugee Action have decided that the Plymouth Branch will close at the end of September leaving Refugees First and DCRS the main drop-in services to offer advice and support to the Asylum Seeker & Refugee (ASR) community.

These challenges come at a crucial time in our own development as the funds from the Big Lottery offer us the means to restore staffing levels back to what was in place some years ago. We welcome Helen and Irena, our two new Project Support Workers, who come with insight and experience to offer the team and assist when those accessing Refugee Action’s services will be sign posted to our centre.

F

H

H

B

B

C

C

4

With the possibility of extra demand, we have new opening hours that will allow service users to come each day the centre is open from 10 – 1 p.m. and facilitate the development of two new posts currently being advertised on our website. In these days of challenges we are confident that, with the commitment of all our volunteers, we will be able to go on serving the ASR community and make the changes necessary to actually improve both the facilities and the service made possible with the developing posts to come. The current staff wish to thank all volunteers whose efforts go so poorly rewarded in the busyness of our centre, for being such a faithful team of willing workers. Without their commitment, staff could not do their work or expand the service, as we require. Submitted by Trish BAXTER

ONATIONS. Whenever we receive donations, whether in Cash or in Kind, whether from Individuals

or from Organisations, we like to send a Thank You Letter to express our appreciation. Those delivering donations in person are asked to record their donation in the Donations Book on the Reception Desk. It is intended in future that we send such Thank You Letters by email in future whenever we can. This would save us the cost of printer ink, paper, envelopes and of course, the cost of actual postage! To facilitate this could all those making donations please let DCRS have their email address? You can email this to the Editor at: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk. If you are making a donation and are not on-line then don’t worry... you’ll continue to receive a Thank You Letter via Snail-mail!

ARVEST FESTIVAL APPEAL 2010. Once again, we’re appealing for Harvest Festival donations.

These extras supplement the usual Food Parcels that we give out to our destitute Service Users each week. Further details will be sent separately but in the meantime if you can help, please contact the editor of the Newsletter (details at the foot of the page), or by contacting Christine REID, our Food Programme Coordinator, either at the DCRS office or by telephoning her mobile number: 07792292353. Submitted by Christine REID

LYMOUTH ASYLUM SEEKER & REFUGEE CONSORTIUM (PASRC). Ms. Jane FARLEIGH, the SW

Regional Director of the UK Border Agency (http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/) is expected to attend the next meeting on Monday, 25

th October. If you have any

issues or questions that you would like her to clarify for you at the meeting, please let please contact a Trustee of DCRS.

EFUGEE WEEK 2011. Steering Group Meeting. Christine REID and Geoff READ represented DCRS at a

meeting of the Steering Group on Wednesday, 25th August 2010. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 15th September. Should anyone wish to make any suggestions or comments then please contact Christine or Geoff. Should anyone wish to make any suggestions or comments then please contact Christine or Geoff (details at the foot of each page).

STAFF VACANCIES AT DCRS

DCRS is currently recruiting for two new posts:

Training & Outreach Coordinator

and

Sports & Fitness Coordinator

Further details and an Application Pack are now available on our website.

ALKS & PRESENTATIONS. No talks or presentations were given during August. If you know

of any group or organisation who would like to receive a talk with a PowerPoint Presentation, then do please get in touch with the Editor of this Newsletter. Contact details at the foot of the page. Submitted by Christine REID

OLUNTEERS’ MEETINGS. A meeting was held on Thursday, 29

th July and the minutes are available at

the Centre. There will be no meeting in August. All volunteers are strongly encouraged to attend the next meeting scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday, 30

th

September. Volunteers who find they are unable to attend are requested, as a matter of courtesy, to inform our Volunteer Coordinator (Liz HARDING) prior to the meeting.

THE ACTIVITIES GROUP Written by William (Bill) BUDGE

ONTHLY UPDATE. August was a really quiet month and we’ve had nothing very much going on.

But wait for our next report... we have a few things lined up!

D

H

P

R

T

V

M

5

THE CLOTHING STORE Written by Geoffrey N. READ

ONTHLY UPDATE. No news to report this month but here is a list of our current requirements:

ITEMS REQUIRED OR NOT REQUIRED Blankets Yes please!

Jeans, Young Men’s, No storage space!

Curtains No storage space!

Duvets - double Yes please!

Kitchenware Yes please!

Pillows Yes Please!

Pots and Pans (with lids) Yes Please

Shoes, Young Men’s No storage space!

Sleeping Bags (in good nick!) Yes please!

Towels Yes please!

THE FOOD PROGRAMME Written by Christine REID

(except where stated)

ONTHLY UPDATE.

We are continuing to give out toiletries once a month to our destitute Service Users and toiletries for men are always welcome. The Food Team. We’ve continued to be busy in the kitchen at the Centre, preparing Food Parcels for our destitute Service Users and dispensing welcoming cups of tea / coffee and biscuits. This shows the care and support offered by our Volunteers to our Service Users. There’s always a welcome at No. 7 Whimple Street! The Food Programme. Food parcels are still being issued at a fairly steady rate and we now have some families on our programme who have been given Refugee Status but still require assistance with food. The reason for this is the length of time they have to exist with no support until the benefits due to them are sorted out and paid. Donations. For this reason we’re so very grateful for your continuing support with donations of food. This also helps our Food Budget because, as you will see in a later article, the cost of food is rapidly rising! Harvest Festival. Accompanying this Newsletter is our Harvest Festival Appeal... every little helps! You may recall from one of our earlier reports that the Food Programme budget was reduced this year. Our Funders, as with everyone else, are feeling the pinch!

Toiletries. We’re continuing to issue toiletries each month to our destitute Service Users so donations of toiletries for men are always welcome. This is a list of our general requirements:

Combs. Gentlemen’s, Yes please!

Deodorants / Body Sprays (Men) Yes please!

Handkerchiefs (Disposable) No thanks!

Razors (Disposable type) No thanks!

Shampoo No thanks!

Shaving Soap, Foam, etc. No thanks!

Shower Gels, / Body Wash (Men) Yes please!

Soap No thanks!

Toothbrushes No thanks!

Toothpaste No thanks!

ROCHURES. We’ve recently updated our DCRS Food Brochure and copies are available in English and

Chinese for information, or for downloading, from our website: http://dcrsc1.cfsites.org These new brochures take account of our new Opening Hours. The brochures are designed to be printed off in black-and-white or colour, back-to-back, and then to be folded in three. We only have English and Chinese versions at the moment and the Editor would very much appreciate getting assistance to translate them into other languages. Any offers of assistance please?

EANZ MEANZ... JARZ: Screw-Top Could Spell the End of the Tin Can. This article was published in the

Daily Mail on Saturday, 31st

July 2010 by Sean Poulter: Every fridge has one - the dried-up remains of a tin of baked beans which was a little too much for one serving. But that waste could soon be a thing of the past. Heinz has developed a screw-top jar for baked beans that allows the contents to be used bit by bit as needed. Can the can: The plastic 'fridge pack' holds the equivalent of just under two-and-a-half standard cans. The see-through level meter helps you measure servings. The plastic 'fridge pack' holds the equivalent of just under two and a half standard cans. Baked beans fans will be able to serve exactly the quantity they want on their toast or jacket potato and put the jar back in the fridge with the lid firmly in place. The change, which could eventually kill the can, will have a major impact in British homes, which get through 442 million cans of Heinz beans a year - three times more than all other countries combined. The manufacturer has already made a move away from the traditional can with the introduction of 'snack size' snap pot plastic tubs of beans that can be put in the microwave. More than 9 million were sold last year. The changes come at a time when the Government and waste campaigners are putting pressure on food companies to reduce packaging and food waste.

M

M

B

B

6

However, they have alarmed metal can manufacturers, who insist there is still plenty of life in this sturdy form of packaging. Heinz said: 'The fridge pack has been designed primarily for busy families looking for convenience and flexibility when it comes to consuming beans, as well as the opportunity to reduce waste and leftovers.' The fridge pack of 1 kg of baked beans will cost £1.79. This is less than the price of five small 200g cans, which would cost £2.40. However, the price per kilo works out at a lower £1.31 if you buy four normal 415g cans, which would cost £2.16. The Metal Packaging Manufacturers' Association put a brave face on the change. Its director, Nick MULLEN, said: 'Shoppers can rest assured that the much loved, iconic baked beans can is here to stay. 'The clever, innovative Heinz fridge pack is designed to sell more beans but certainly not at the expense of the approximately 442million cans already being sold across the country.' Like metal cans, the new jars can be recycled. Click on this link to...

Enlarge

OOD PRICES UP 58%: With Many Facing a Freeze on Wages, the Cost of Groceries has Rocketed

Since 2007. This article was published in The Mail by Arthur Martin on Monday, 16

th August2010.

Shoppers are paying up to 58% more for basic grocery items than they were three years ago, according to figures published today. The price of tea has shot up by 30% while the cost of staple foods such as bread and eggs have risen by 18 per cent since 2007. But the biggest increase has been in the price of rice and pulses such as lentils or beans, which have risen by 58%. The cost of staple foods such as bread and eggs have risen by 18% since 2007. The soaring prices are in contrast to the overall inflation rate Figures compiled by the price comparison website www.mySupermarket.co.uk how that parents with young children are also being hit particularly hard.

The cost of baby wipes, creams and bath wash has risen by 38%. Baby food and snacks have gone up by 21% while baby milk and drinks have increased by 29%. Even pets are proving to be an increasing drain on families, with dog food up by 20% and cat food rising by 13%. The soaring prices are in contrast to the overall inflation rate, which is currently 3.2% a year. Britain's high food prices are also at odds with many of our European neighbours, who have seen their grocery bills fall steadily over the past year.

The mySupermarket research does not quote prices for individual items. Instead, the researchers selected a basket of supermarket items for each food category from Tesco. They then divided the total price by the number of items to give average prices and compared their results for 2007 and 2010. The statistics show the same worrying trends as the Daily Mail's Cost of Living Index, which in January found that the cost of a basket of the most commonly bought foods had increased by 7.5% in 12 months. Experts say UK food prices have surged above the official rate of inflation because of worries about the financial uncertainty in the face of drastic public spending cuts. Nervous shoppers are concentrating on buying essentials rather than luxury items, which is pushing up food price inflation. Jonny STEEL, of mySupermarket, said: 'While prices generally have stabilised or even gone down over the past year, the cost of everyday essentials has still dramatically increased in the last three years.' Consumers may feel they are starting to bounce back from the effects of the recession, but the battle to save money is still very much on.' The price of bread, pasta and many processed foods is likely to rise further after Russia announced a ban on the export of wheat. Analysts believe Britons could soon be paying 15p more for a loaf of bread. Russian prime minister Vladimir PUTIN said it was necessary to protect his country against wheat shortages following a severe drought which has ravaged crops. Melons, kiwi fruit and olives are being grown commercially for the first time in the UK because of warmer summers and improved farming techniques. Stephen MCGUFFIE is growing cantaloupe melons in Lichfield, Staffordshire and his first crop is expected next month. They are due to be sold by Marks & Spencer. Kiwi fruit is being grown near Canterbury, Kent, on a large scale and they are expected to be sold in the high street when the plants mature in a couple of years' time. Mark DIACONO has planted 120 Italian olive trees on his farm near Honiton in Devon, and hopes to produce olive oil.

Submitted by Geoffrey N. Read

F

7

HEAT PRICES REACH 22-MONTH HIGH. This article was broadcast by BBC News 24 on Tuesday, 3

rd August 2010.

Wheat prices have hit a 22-month high after a severe drought and ensuing wildfires in Russia devastated crops. Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) wheat for September delivery broke through the $7-a-bushel level in US trade for the first time since September 2008, before falling back to $6.93. Prices have risen 50% since late June. Concerns are growing that the rise will lead to an increase in prices of flour-related products such as bread and biscuits. Gary SHARKEY, head of wheat procurement at Premier Foods, which makes Hovis bread, told the Financial Times that the industry would be "unable to ignore a 50% rise in wheat prices". Analysts are also worried about the possible knock-on effects. "I think it will have an effect on both food prices and food company profits," Martin DEBOO from Investec told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

The heat wave and drought have led to wildfires in several regions in Russia "Experience of 2008's round of inflation would suggest cost side increases from wheat do get passed on to the consumer eventually," he added. "Generally the wheat content of a loaf of bread is probably about 12-15 pence a loaf [in the UK]. So if this wheat cost increase has to be passed on then we're talking about 5p on a loaf of bread." He added that the price of other food products could also go up. "Animals are fed on wheat or wheat derivatives and therefore this will feed through indirectly into meat and poultry prices, so this will have a significant effect on food price inflation generally."

Submitted by Geoffrey N. Read

THE INTERNET SUITE Written by Geoffrey N. READ

ONTHLY UPDATE. No news received.

THE RECEPTION DESK TEAM & VOLUNTEERS Written by Geoffrey N. READ

ONTHLY UPDATE. No news received.

NEWS, INFORMATION & ADVERTISEMENTS

Written or submitted by Geoffrey N. Read (except where stated)

E AWARE OF POSSIBLE PAKISTAN APPEAL SCAMS, SAYS CHARITY COMMISSION. Advice

issued on Saturday, 7th August 2010. The Charity Commission, the independent charity regulator for England and Wales, has published advice for people who want to support those affected by the floods in Pakistan, whether by fundraising or by making a personal donation. The public’s support is crucial to enable charities to deliver desperately needed aid to Pakistan but it is vital that donations go to a genuine charity so that they reach those in need. Sadly, there are criminals who try to take advantage of the public’s generosity in response such disasters, and the Commission has been made aware in previous emergency appeals, such as the Haiti appeal, of online scams designed to steal charitable donations. These can take the form of fictitious appeal websites, email appeals that falsely use the name of genuine charities, or appeals from fictitious charities. The Commission is urging the public to continue giving but to be vigilant, and has the following advice for those who wish to make a donation:

Be careful when responding to emails or clicking links within them to ensure that they are genuine. If you have any concerns about the legitimacy of a request for donations that appears to come from a charity, don’t hesitate to contact that charity directly.

If you’re in any doubt about a charity collector, ask for their identification and the charity’s name and registration number. If you’re not happy about giving then and there, you can check to see if the charity is on the public register of charities on the Commission’s website: www.charitycommission.gov.uk.

If you’re concerned that you may have been targeted by a fundraising scam, you should report this to the police. You should also contact the Charity Commission on (0845) 300 0218 or via the website: www.charitycommission.gov.uk.

If you want to donate online to a particular charity, visit the charity’s website.

Think about how you’re going to give. If you are a UK taxpayer and donate directly to a charity - whether online, over the telephone, by post or by handing in a cheque at the charity's office or shop - it can claim Gift Aid to maximise your donation. An appeal for the Pakistan floods is being run by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). The money raised will support the efforts of the DEC’s members, which are 13 of the major UK aid agencies and all UK registered charities. Information is on the DEC website - www.dec.org.uk. Numerous other registered charities are involved in the relief efforts and are currently fundraising. There are laws around collecting money for charity in public which are there to protect donors and make sure that the money raised goes to a genuine charitable cause. If you want to fundraise for those who have been affected by the Pakistan floods, you should:

W

M

M

B

8

Have the necessary permission from your local authority or the Metropolitan Police if you live in a London borough.

Only collect using a sealed tin or container.

Always make sure you state the name and registration number of the charity you are collecting for.

Always make sure there’s more than one person to count the collection proceeds and sign off the total amount.

Bank any cash as soon as possible, preferably straight into the charity account. Get a receipt from the Bank / Building Society.

Report back to your community so they’re reassured that the money has reached the good cause. You may wish to put notices in shops / post offices, or let your local paper know how much you raised and thank people for their support.

RIDGE OF STORIES. Bridge of Stories aims to bring together young people from different cultural and

religious backgrounds to take part in a variety of activities designed to let them share their stories and express their ideas. Using storytelling, drama, dance and music we aim to help participants get to know a new group of friends, as well as talk about their own lives and learn more about others. We want to create a space for young people to feel able to talk about all the ideas and issues which come up for them. Some of these ideas may be related to culture and religion, but many of them may be simply about shared things such as education, family or their hopes for the future. We’d like to provide a space for all these things to be open for discussion, as well as a great way to meet other young people from Plymouth and hopefully have some fun! Participants should be over 16 and under 35. There will be two taster sessions, including food and music: Tuesday, 14th September 2010 and Wednesday, 22nd of September 2010-08-24

between 5.30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Plymouth Centre for Faiths & Cultural Diversity (PFCD) at: 3a Watts road, St Jude’s, Plymouth, PL4 8SE.

All sessions are free. Please contact Hannah for further details: Tel: (01752) 254438 or Email: hannah@pcfcd.co.uk

NOTE: There is an A4 Flyer attached to this Newsletter, giving all the above information. Please print a copy off and place it on your Notice Boards to give maximum publicity. Thanks. Ed.

UILDING THE BIG SOCIETY. You may have heard about the Government’s plans for which is, as David

Cameron himself says, "a culture change where people don’t always turn to officials, local authorities or central government for answers to the problems they face but they are empowered to make a change themselves." Our Conservative - Liberal Democrat Government has come together with a driving ambition: to put more power and opportunity into people’s hands. We want to give citizens, communities and local government the power and information they need to come together, solve the problems they face and build the Britain they want. We want society – the families, networks, neighbourhoods and communities that form the fabric of so much of our everyday lives – to be bigger and stronger than ever before. Only when people and communities are given more power and take more responsibility can we achieve fairness and opportunity for all. Building this Big Society isn’t just the responsibility of just one or two departments. It is the responsibility of every department of Government, and the responsibility of every citizen too. Government on its own cannot fix every problem. We are all in this together. We need to draw on the skills and expertise of people across the country as we respond to the social, political and economic challenges Britain faces. This document outlines the already agreed policies that we believe will help make that possible. It is the first strand of a comprehensive Programme for Government to be published in the coming days, which will deliver the reform, renewal, fairness and change Britain needs. 1. Give communities more powers We will radically reform the planning system to give neighbourhoods far more ability to determine the shape of the places in which their inhabitants live. We will introduce new powers to help communities save local facilities and services threatened with closure, and give communities the right to bid to take over local state-run services. We will train a new generation of community organisers and support the creation of neighbourhood groups across the UK, especially in the most deprived areas. 2. Encourage people to take an active role in their communities We will take a range of measures to encourage volunteering and involvement in social action, including launching a national ‘Big Society Day’ and making regular community involvement a key element of civil service staff appraisals. We will take a range of measures to encourage charitable giving and philanthropy. We will introduce a National Citizen Service. The initial flagship project will provide a programme for 16 year olds to give them a chance to develop the skills needed to be active and responsible citizens, mix with people from different backgrounds, and start getting involved in their communities. 3. Transfer power from central to local government We will promote the radical devolution of power and greater financial autonomy to local government, including a full review of local government finance. We will give councils a general power of competence. We will abolish Regional Spatial Strategies and return decision-making powers on housing and planning to local councils.

B

B

9

4. Support co-ops, mutuals, charities and social enterprises We will support the creation and expansion of mutuals, co-operatives, charities and social enterprises, and support these groups to have much greater involvement in the running of public services. We will give public sector workers a new right to form employee-owned co-operatives and bid to take over the services they deliver. This will empower millions of public sector workers to become their own boss and help them to deliver better services. We will use funds from dormant bank accounts to establish a Big Society Bank, which will provide new finance for neighbourhood groups, charities, social enterprises and other nongovernmental bodies. 5. Publish government data We will create a new ‘right to data’ so that government-held datasets can be requested and used by the public, and then published on a regular basis. We will oblige the police to publish detailed local crime data statistics every month, so the public can get proper information about crime in their neighbourhoods and hold the police to account for their performance.

For more on this subject, please visit: http://www.buildingthebigsociety.co.uk/

HURCH REUNION. The following letter was published in the Your Say column of The Herald on Friday, 27th

August 2010:

A REUNION is being held in St. Peter's Church on Saturday, 23

rd October to which all former clergy and members of All

Saints, St. Matthew's and St. Peter's churches are invited. We’re hoping to see anyone who attended as a server, member of the choir, a scout, sea ranger, guide or brownie, a member of the youth club, any of the guilds or just as an "ordinary" member of the congregation. Perhaps you were married, have had your children baptised or have attended a funeral in any one of these churches and would like to attend this reunion. I can be contacted by email at janada1@tiscali.co.uk or by post at: St. Peter's Church, Wyndham Square, Plymouth PL1 5CG.

The day will begin with a Mass at 10.30 a.m., followed by a short talk on the reordered St. Peter's Church, buffet lunch and in the afternoon an opportunity to catch up with old friends. The day will end at about 5 p.m. The cost will be £5, which includes the buffet lunch. Please make cheques payable to St. Peter's Hospitality Group, St. Peter's Church. We would like to receive any photographs, old magazines, paper cuttings, Sunday school prizes or memories that you would like to share for display purposes. We should be most grateful if these items could be passed into St. Peter's Church (mornings only) clearly marked with your own name, for the attention of the organiser, Miss Janet Cobbledick. We look forward to seeing you. JANET COBBLEDICK Plymouth

OMMUNITY & YOUTH STUDIES PLACEMENT AND UCP MARJON VOLUNTEERING FAIR. Would you

please make a note in your diaries that the this Fair will take place at the UCP Marjon on Tuesday, 12

th October at

10.30 a.m.? Further details of the event will be sent out at the beginning of September 2010. For further information on UCP MARJON please visit: http://www.ucpmarjon.ac.uk/

NGLAND FIXTURES 2010-11. England v. Hungary is a Friendly. The remainder are

European Championship – Qualifying Group G.

2010

Friday, 3rd

September England v Bulgaria

Tuesday, 7th

September Switzerland v England

Tuesday, 12th

October England v Montenegro

2011

Saturday, 26th

March Wales v England

Saturday, 4th

June England v Switzerland

Friday, 2nd

September England v Wales

Friday, 7th

October Montenegro v England

For further information please visit: http://www.thefa.com/England/Fixtures

EVON & CORNWALL CHARITABLE FOOD GROUP (DCCFG). This Plymouth-based group, held a meeting in Catherine Street Baptist Church in

Plymouth on Monday, 26th

July 2010. Copies of the minutes can be obtained from Geoff – contact details at the foot of the page. There was no meeting in August but the September meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 7

th, again at

the Catherine Street Baptist Centre. Everyone is welcome to attend these meetings and to join this Group and we will soon be looking for specialised volunteers, such as Administrators, Fundraisers, Drivers, Helpers, etc. For those who wish to know more please visit: http://dccfg.webs.com/

C

C

E

D

10

ETENTION OF CHILDREN. It’s been three months since the government first announced it would end

the practice of locking up the children of failed asylum seekers. There are various reports available on the internet but here are one or two that have been recommended to us: http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_8891000/8891441.stm http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/aug/05/children-immigration-centres-deportation-scheme http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/7929526/Families-with-children-facing-deportation-given-two-week-ultimatum-before-removal.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-10889362

We’ve also heard from a reliable source that there may not be an announcement about children in detention until November 2010, this being after Parliament reassembles. Submitted by Lorna M. SEWELL

DEN PROJECT MARATHON. Experience Eden as you never have before – take part in one of our races on

Sunday, 10th

October 2010. We’re inviting everyone from serious runners through to enthusiasts and families to take part in a series of races through the extraordinary scenery surrounding the Eden Project. Kicked off last year, the Eden Marathon is the largest race in Cornwall, offering the full and half Marathons through the Clay Country, and the Fun Run right through the biomes on-site. Runner’s World, the UK’s biggest running magazine, rated it 89% in 2009, describing it as an “impressive debut”. One reader wrote: “A great race, tough course and superb fun. It was well organised and the atmosphere among the runners was fantastic.” Contacting us. We’ll be updating our website in the coming months with all the practical information you need to take part. But if you have a query in the mean time, please contact us at marathon@edenproject.com.

RONTLINE REFUGEE FORUM. A meeting was held on Wednesday, 28

th July at the Stoke Damerel Parish

Centre in Plymouth. The date of the next meeting is not yet known. If anyone has anything they wish to raise would they please mention it to one of our Project Support Workers.

N DEFENCE OF YOUTH WORK. The next “In Defence of Youth Work” meeting has been scheduled for Friday,

22nd

October 2010 from 13:30 - 15:30 at UCP Marjon. Please make a note in your diaries. Further information will follow in due course but should you have any queries please email: jord@marjon.ac.uk

NVITATION TO A FESTIVAL OF FISH. This article was published in The Herald on Tuesday, 9

th March 2010:

PREPARATIONS are already well under way for a one-day seafood and music event. Fishstock Brixham 2010, on Saturday, 11

th September, aims to

raise thousands of pounds for The Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen by showcasing the South West fishing industry, its heritage and its seafood products to the public. Organiser Jim PORTUS said: "Sadly we weren't able to run our main fundraising event in 2009 because of the hazards arising from the state of the exciting building works on the Brixham fish market and quayside. Happily those works will be highly advanced by the end of this summer and we now have permission." Mr PORTUS is now inviting businesses in the seafood, marine environment, maritime and fishing industries to get in touch to discuss corporate sponsorship opportunities as well as other options. The event will include live music, seafood cooking demonstrations, various stands and other entertainment.

Email Jim Portus at: swfpo@btopenworld.com. For further information please visit: http://www.fishstockbrixham.co.uk/

AST NIGHT OF THE PROMS live on the Big Screen at the Piazza, Armada Way, Plymouth City Centre on

Saturday, 11th September 2010. Come and join in at the Piazza for a live screening of the Last night of the Proms. Classical music by starlight. We'll be joining the orchestra from the Albert Hall live at 7.30 p.m. for the main event. Seating and refreshments will be available. Source: http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/homepage/communityandliving/citycentre/ccevents/ccseptemberevents.htm

IFE CENTRE CONSTRUCTION UPDATE. Much of the structural steel work for the new Life Centre has

now been completed above the bowls area, main sports hall and squash courts. The concrete flooring over the new bowls area has also been installed and a large proportion of the sports hall foundations have been cast. Concrete casting of the building’s central spine area, which incorporates the changing areas, below the gymnasium and plant rooms is continuing. The base of the new dive pool and walls are being cast, as is the area that will house the moveable booms in the Olympic-sized swimming pool. The scheme is progressing well and construction remains on schedule.

D

E

F

I

I

L

L

11

To find out more about the Plymouth Life Centre please visit: www.plymouth.gov.uk/lifecentre

ARJON COURSES. UCP Marjon is pleased to be able to offer the FREE Leadership & Management

Programme for Playworkers UCP Marjon for the third time starting in September 2010. This is the last opportunity to benefit from this fully-funded training as part of this National Pilot Scheme, so they are encouraging as many as possible to take advantage. For further information, please contact Ruth HUBBARD / Margret HEAD at: University College Plymouth St. Mark & St. John.

E: mhead@marjon.ac.uk Tel: (01752) 636863

ATIONAL COALITION OF ANTI-DEPORTATION CAMPAIGNS (NCADC) is pleased to invite you to its

Annual General Meeting & Conference to discuss anti-deportation campaigning strategies, the challenges faced during campaigns and the keys to a successful campaign. This day will be an opportunity for individuals and organisations campaigning against deportations and for migrant rights to share experiences, knowledge and expertise. When: Saturday, 4th September 2010, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., AGM: 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Where: Hinde Street Methodist Church, 19 Thayer Street, London W1 2QJ, Nearest Tube Station: Bond Street or Marble Arch RSVP: Everyone is welcome so feel free to bring a friend! Members are also invited and encouraged to participate in the AGM, which begins from 3:30. p.m. Please RSVP by Monday, 23rd August, 2010 to: ncadc@ncadc.org.uk.

Choose between four morning Skill-building Workshops: 11:10 a.m. to 12:40 p.m.

Developing strategies for challenging immigration policies through campaigning.

Jerome PHELPS, London Detainee Support Group

Why an anti-deportation campaign? Tips, risks and getting started.

Michael COLLINS & Ariel SAFDIE, National Coalition of Anti- Deportation Campaigns

Immigration & asylum overview. Steve SYMONDS, Immigration Law Practitioners' Association

Using the media in your campaign. Rita BIERMANN, Communications Consultant Choose between four Afternoon Discussion Groups - sharing successes, challenges and what we can do about it: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Organising to protect workers from deportation- working with Unions.

Ruth GROVE-WHITE, Migrant Rights Network

Frontex, Deportations & Dublin II. Shiar YOUSSEF, Stop Deportation Network

Campaigning for LGBT asylum seekers. Paul Canning, LGBT Asylum News

Networking across communities. To be announced Travel expenses for those without status will be reimbursed on the day on production of receipts. Cheapest form of travel only, booking in advance is cheaper, National Express Coaches are best. When you RSVP please indicate if you will require reimbursement.

AGM & Conference updates and full agenda have been posted on: http://bit.ly/NCADC_AGM2010

VERALL IMMIGRATION STATISTICS FOR 2009.

Removal & Departures: There were 67,215 Removals and Voluntary Departures from the United Kingdom in 2009. The top 16 destination countries were:

Afghanistan 5,370 Afghanistan 3,330 Bangladesh 1,265 Brazil 5,790 China (including Taiwan) 3,480 Eritrea 1,390 Ghana 1,030 India 6,190 Iran 1,470 Iraq 2,125 Jamaica 1,135 Malaysia 1,460 Nigeria 2,975 Pakistan 3,225 South Africa 1,365 USA 3,195 Vietnam 2,430

M

N O

12

Detention: 28,000 Individuals entered detention, solely being held under Immigration Act Powers in 2009. 1,065 Children entered detention in 2009. 1,105 Children left detention in 2009. Of these, 745 (67% of the total) were asylum detainees. 520 Children were removed from the UK upon leaving detention during 2009. 585 Children were returned to their communities (53%). The top 11 nationalities entering detention:

Afghanistan 2,400 Brazil 880 China (including Taiwan) 1,555 Eritrea 955 India 1,755 Iran 900 Iraq 1,140 Jamaica 995 Nigeria 1,935 Pakistan 1,890 Vietnam 880

Applications for Asylum 24,485 Applications received for asylum in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants in 2009: Top 10 source countries:

China (including Taiwan) 1,185 India 615 Iran 1,835 Iraq 845 Nigeria 680 Pakistan 1,300 Somalia 990 Sri Lanka 1,115 Zimbabwe 5,600

3,905 Unaccompanied Asylum-seeking children made applications for asylum in the United Kingdom in 2009. Initial decisions 2009. Granted asylum 4,190 17% Granted ELR, HP or DL 2,555 11% Refused asylum, ELR, HP or DL 17,545 72%

Appeals. Appeals received by the IAA / AIT 15,420 Appeals determined by the IAA / AIT 14,610 Of which appeals allowed 4,150 28%

South West Figures Asylum Seekers in the South West supported in accommodation at the end of 2009: Local Authority No. Bristol 180 Gloucester 105 Plymouth 270 South Gloucestershire 50 Swindon 80 Total South West 685 Total England 19.350

Source: http://rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs10/immiq409.pdf

LYMOUTH ARGYLE FOOTBALL CLUB FIXTURES.

September 2010 Saturday, 4th Brighton (H) Saturday, 11th Colchester (A) Saturday, 18th Sheffield Wednesday (H) Saturday, 25th Rochdale (A) Tuesday, 28th Swindon (A)

October 2010 Saturday, 2nd Hartlepool (H) Saturday, 9th Charlton (H) Saturday, 16th Notts County (A) Saturday, 23rd Huddersfield (H) Saturday, 30th Oldham (A)

For further information, please visit: http://www.pafc.co.uk/

LYMOUTH FARMERS’ MARKET. Go along and see them in Lower New George Street in the West End.

The dates, all Saturdays, are: 11th September 2010 25th September 2010 9th October 2010 23rd October 2010

A friendly reminder: Markets are opened by the cow bell to signal when selling may begin. This gives us time to set up and be ready for you and you’ll not miss anything before that bell rings... promise! More at: http://plymouthfarmersmarket.org/

P

P

13

LYMOUTH HOPE FC. Football Festival & Fun Day. Our Football & Family Fun Day at Brickfields was

held on the Saturday, 10th

July 2010. The event was funded by the Community Cash Grant awarded to us by the Devon Community Foundation. It was solely run and organised by members of Plymouth Hope FC with support of Plymouth Guild, START, BTCV, Devon & Cornwall Refugee Support, and Plymouth Generations Together. Weeks of planning and coordinating between these agencies led to a Six-a-side Football Tournament & Fun Day being held on the weekend of the World Cup Final. The aim of the tournament and fun day was to provide a day where players and teams within Plymouth could come together to enjoy football and to provide activities for local families. We advertised the tournament through The Herald, and the local sports newspaper, The Sunday Independent and the DCRS Newsletter. We also made local agencies aware of the tournament and provided opportunities for agencies to support the event through the offer of volunteers.

The tournament catered for 16 teams, which were made up of local clubs (Saturday & Sunday Leagues) and teams from members of the community (faith groups and local employers). The diversity of the teams were reflected in the players who came from a wide and varying backgrounds (locals, refugees and asylum seekers and international students). In total there were over 150 players on the day, the tournament itself ran very smoothly with many competitive teams and teas who were there to enjoy the day. We were supported by the local Plymouth League who provided a registered referee and to other members of the community who have links with the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary. The final was between Stonehouse Glass FC and All Nations FC. The final was played in good spirit and was eventually won by All Nations FC. The Fun Day activities for the event were supported by a local marquee business Really Good Marquees who erected and supplied a discounted marquee, there was a Bouncy Castle and mini sporting activities for the children and families. We provided free food for the players and local people attending the event. This was provided by START and their volunteers (members of the community), the food was superb and enjoyed by all. The children and families who were taking part in the activities were kept entertained and although we did not get the numbers we expected it was approximated that over 50 children and families attended the day. The funding we received was used to its fullest with some extra support from other agencies. Our assessment of the day was done using feedback forms for the players and informal discussions with people who attended the event. Everyone felt that the day went well with only a few issues cropping up (e.g. more refreshments) and clearer roles for volunteers. All agreed that they would attend another event and we are hoping to hold the event again next year. Trophies and medals were given to the winners; all players received certificates for taking part, as did the volunteers. One thing we would do differently is to advertise the Fun Day more locally through the press and also offer transport for some members who live outside of the city centre. As this was our first event we are very pleased with how things went and we would like to improve on it if given the opportunity to hold a similar event. We believe it brought together local residents and teams who may not normally engage, by using the medium of sport and a local fun day.

Through the great deal of work put together, we have implementing the Plymouth Hope Football Club aims of sport and recreational activities for all along with the work in social inclusion, integration and community cohesion. Many have called it one of the most diverse events they have ever seen locally.

Thank you to the DCRS and all the volunteers for their strong support! Recardo MCDOWELL Vice-chairman, Plymouth Hope FC

LYMOUTH MELA 2010. Saturday, 2nd

October 2010 at the City Centre, Piazza.

Project Manager - Hayley HUCKIN The 7

th June 2010 saw the

commencement of my position as Project Manager for Plymouth Mela 2010 and I am thrilled to be involved in the management of this very exciting project - the first ever festival of South Asian arts and culture taking place in Plymouth City Centre. The past two weeks have been a whirlwind of meetings with people involved in the project to bring me up to speed with decisions that were made before my appointment. I am enjoying learning new things each day, in fact, since I started here at the Barbican my learning curve has been a straight line! My latest nugget of information has been the discovery that the word 'Mela' comes from Sanskrit and literally translates into 'to meet' - I will be using this information in the first shot marketing which I have been working on this week. I’m looking forward to the weeks ahead which are full of visits to Mela Festivals around the country to find out how other cities make their festivals work. There is much work to do in programming the event and soon we will be commissioning a student from the College of Art to design the Plymouth Mela brand and logo - how exciting! If you’re a young person interested in taking part in Plymouth Mela please come along to the Barbican Theatre.

EAFARERS UK. The Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines Plymouth perform

the annual charity concert in aid of the leading maritime charity, Seafarers UK. Date: Tuesday, 22nd September 2010 Time: 7.30 p.m. Prices: £17, £15*

Click on this link to Book Tickets.

P

P

S

14

RIMETHORPE COLLIERY BAND. The Grimethorpe Colliery Band was formed in

1917 as a leisure activity for the workmen at the colliery and the award winning band return to the Pavilions this autumn. Date: Saturday, 25th September 2010 Time: 7.30 p.m. Prices: £16.50, £14.50*

Click on this link to Book Tickets

HOD GILBERT & THE CAT WHO LOOKED LIKE NICHOLAS LYNDHURST. Last year, he punched a

shop-assistant over the duvet tog- rating system and went berserk over a mince pie. Stung by accusations that he over-reacts, this year Rhod sets out on an emotional rollercoaster of a journey to discover the truth. Is he, as he believes, a visionary in a sea of closed minds, or has he, as everyone else believes, anger-management problems? Date: Wednesday, 13th October 2010 Time: 8 p.m. Price: £20* Click on this link to Book Tickets

HE SATURDAYS, have announced a massive 17-date-tour across the UK from February 2011, including a

return to Plymouth Pavilions after their sell out show last year! Since their debut in 2007, the girls have sold nearly two million records and have racked up a very impressive seven Top 10 singles! Their sparkling new album 'Headlines!' went straight into the UK album chart at number 3 on release, following the smash hit single 'Missing You'. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 3 September. Date: Thursday, 24th February 2011 Time: Doors at 7 p.m. Price: £24*

Click on this link for More Info

LYMOUTH SUMMER FESTIVAL: As a city Plymouth is unique in the number and range of events which it

hosts throughout the summer months from May until September. To capture the spirit, and help co-ordination of the events for visitors, the Plymouth Summer Festival was created a number of years ago. Click on the coloured links below for further information on the internet.

SEPTEMBER 2010 Saturday, 11

th

Last Night of the Proms live on the Big Screen, Plymouth City Centre.

OCTOBER 2010 Saturday, 9

th and Sunday, 10

th October 2010

SPORTSBOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS at Plymouth Sound. This is a part of Plymouth Summer Festival 2010. As a city Plymouth is unique in the number and range of events which it hosts throughout the summer months from May until September. To capture the spirit, and help co-ordination of the events for visitors, the Plymouth Summer Festival was created a number of years ago. See the complete list at: www.visitplymouth.co.uk/site/whats-on/plymouth-summer-festival-2010

LYMSTOCK FESTIVAL. The following article was published in the Evening Herald on Tuesday, 23

rd

February 2010:

A PLYMSTOCK committee is appealing for volunteers to help out in this year's Plymstock Festival, which will take place on Saturday, 4

th September.

Committee members have said if not enough people volunteer, the annual festival will not go ahead. They added that the festival had been 'a great success' over the past two years. A spokesman said: "If anyone has a few hours to spare during the coming months and would like to influence decisions in order that the festival can continue, then attend a festival information open meeting on Monday, 8th March, at 7 p.m. at Plymstock Library. "This is also the annual general meeting of the Plymstock Forum, which will provide a brief update on other local issues."

The Plymstock Festival takes place every year and includes a range of events and entertainment for residents. For more details call Brian on (01752) 405132 or Elaine on 404052.

ROMOTING & PREVENTING COMMUNITY COHESION: PREVENTING VIOLENT EXTREMISM.

It’s everyone’s business! Following the success of training days held in 2009 and earlier this year, further opportunities are now available in a new round of half-day sessions for front line staff.

G

R

T

P

P

P

15

Aims of the Day To provide opportunities to raise awareness and deepen understanding of:

The latest Government thinking on the ‘Prevent Strategy’

Violent extremism and the far right

Myths and misunderstanding about Islam

The process of radicalisation

Our roles and responsibilities There are twelve half-day sessions planned (see dates below) and they will run from 9 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. and will be interactive with opportunities for questions and discussion.

The training is free and tea / coffee will be provided. Venue Plymouth Centre for Faiths & Cultural Diversity, 3a Watts Road, St. Judes, Plymouth, PL4 8SE

Available Dates Friday, 17th September, Monday, 4th October, Friday, 15th October, Tuesday, 19th October, Friday, 12th November, Friday, 19th November, Wednesday, 1st December, Thursday, 13th January, Monday 24th January and Wednesday, 9th February (Due to demand only limited places are available for June & July).

Booking a Place To book a place, please contact Gemma FOSTER by telephoning (01752) 254438 or by emailing: gemma@pcfcd.co.uk

ECYCLED FASHION SHOW. We’re having a fortnight of events in September to launch our

transition town status. One of the main events will be a Recycled Fashion Show, in association with CLIC Sargent (http://www.clicsargent.org.uk/Home), which will be providing the clothes. The Show will be on Thursday, 23

rd

September at 7.30 a.m.at Saltash Community Shool. Tickets will be available from Piglets, A&N Health, Bookshelf, and the CLIC Sargent shop. For further information please contact Maureen at: maureenjk@talktalk.net

EFUGEE CHILDREN SHOULD HAVE A GENUINE CHANCE TO SEEK ASYLUM. Published by Thomas

HAMMARBERG, European Commissioner for Human Rights on Tuesday, 24

th August 2010.

The real asylum policies in Europe today largely ignore children among refugees. They are often not listened to and rather treated as if they were possessions belonging to their parents. It is often forgotten that they could have their own reasons for seeking protection. Some of them do. When children arrive in a family group, the parents are regularly interviewed about the grounds for their asylum application, while often the minors are not given the opportunity to spell out their reasons. When children arrive unaccompanied, the migration authorities tend to focus only on how to bring them back to their parents, ignoring that they have in many cases escaped from their country with the fullest support of their family. In cases when authorities do intend to interview children more seriously there appears to be a lack of capacity to do this in a meaningful manner. Overcoming language and cultural barriers - and the effects of trauma - require a particular skill. The appointment of guardians defending the interests of individual children, as now proposed by the EU Commission, is however one step in the right direction. The responses by governments to the needs of refugee children have profound implications for their future. The principle of the best interest of the child must guide the asylum process. This means that each child should be seen as an individual, and special consideration must be given to his or her particular circumstances. Guidelines for the asylum process for children Governments need to establish guidelines aimed at making the process as fair and comfortable as possible. Key points are: * Not only the parents but also children should be interviewed - it is key that their experiences be heard independently. When appropriate, a separated interview should be organised. * The child's possible grounds for asylum should be addressed in the interview.

Any officials, interpreters or others carrying out interviews with asylum-seekers should receive special training for recognising and interviewing particularly vulnerable asylum-seekers. Interviews with children require special attitudes and skills.

* Separated and unaccompanied minors should be appointed competent guardians as expeditiously as possible. * Great importance should be attached to children's grounds for asylum in the judicial process.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees has issued a manual for how authorities can determine the best interests of the child. It should serve as a common reference for all the officers who work with children seeking asylum.

R

R

16

Same rights as other children Migrant children have the same rights as all other children, including the right to live in decent conditions and to receive quality education. International norms on the rights of the child are in fact quite demanding - perhaps more demanding than some governments may have thought when ratifying them - but this is no excuse for delaying their implementation. Source for this message: Thomas HAMMARBERG European Commissioner for Human Rights For further information, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/37w3p2u

EFUGEE WEEK. Different pasts, shared future. Monday, 20

th – Sunday, 26

th June 2011. Refugee Week

is a unique opportunity to discover and celebrate the contributions refugees bring to the UK. During Refugee Week loads of events take place all across the UK, all of which explore refugee experiences. Whatever you’re into - whether its arts, music, food or just meeting people in your local area - Refugee Week will have an event for you. Click on this link to Find our more or visit: http://www.refugeeweek.org.uk/ Please mark these dates in your diaries now!

EWARD FOR SOCIAL CARE SCHEME. This article was published in The Herald on Saturday, 14

th August

2010: A SOCIAL care scheme developed by the University of Plymouth has achieved national recognition. The Students & Refugees Together (START) project has been recognised for service delivery and best practice by the Social Care Institute for Excellence. START's mission is to work with people to ensure refugees make the transition from people in need to positive contributors to communities. Founder Professor Avril BELLINGER said: "Recognition by the SCIE is very important because it validates the unique approach we have taken to involving students in the help and support of asylum seekers and refugees in and around Plymouth."

For further information on SCIE, please visit:

http://www.scie.org.uk/

For more information on START, please visit:

http://www.studentsandrefugeestogether.com/

HE SOUND OF MUSIC. Tuesday. 24th

August to Saturday, 18

th September.

Direct to Plymouth from the London Palladium, this lavish and irresistible musical promises some of the most memorable songs ever performed including My Favourite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Climb Ev'ry Mountain and Sixteen Going on Seventeen. Based on a true story, uplifting and evocative, The Sound of Music follows the 1940s story of the Von Trapp family as they attempt to flee Austria across the mountains to safety.

Buy tickets!

END ME A TENOR – THE MUSICAL. Friday, 24

th

September to Wednesday, 6th

October. In an unpredictable tale of mistaken identities this new musical comedy promises unruly hilarity and a toe-tappingly addictive score that will have you humming for days to come. Based on the award winning West End and Broadway hit comedy by Ken Ludwig, the plot interweaves a witty balance of uncertainty and intrigue with a covetous wife, shrimp gone bad and the boys in blue. Starring Matthew Kelly, Lend me a Tenor The Musical will be in Plymouth for just under two weeks before commencing its career in the West End.

Buy tickets!

NITY PLYMOUTH is an organisation that’s being supported by Fata-He and hopes to become the

blueprint for Black & Minority Ethnic (B&ME) groups striving to be recognised at a local level just like Unity Cornwall. Through support, advice and guidance from Fata-He this has been made possible. Through Fata-He Unity Plymouth is now constituted, has honorary officers and is open to membership from B&ME people who live in the city of Plymouth. Unity Plymouth has the aim of such purposes of benefitting the B&ME community living within the city of Plymouth. Through Fata-He the group aims to:

Unlock funds for B&ME people in Plymouth.

To advocate effectively at a city level to ensure that B&ME people within the area are consulted and recognised.

increase the effectiveness of information for B&ME people in the local area.

Provide a city wide channel of information and representation for the benefit of B&ME people in order that

R

R

T

L

U

17

statutory authorities and other agencies identify the funding and policy needs of local B&ME people.

Meeting Dates for Unity Plymouth at the Council House: Saturday, 25th September 2010 Saturday, 30th October 2010 Saturday, 27th November 2010 Saturday, 18th December 2010

Representatives/ Councillors are invited from various organisations. If you have an issue and would like it to be addressed then please tell us! Please feel free to attend. Bring your family and friends. All meetings are free to all members of the Communities. Recreational facilities for children are provided. Cultural food is provided free by volunteers.

Venue: Council House - next to the Plymouth Civic Centre. All Meetings are scheduled to take place from 1 – 5 p.m. If you need further information please visit: www.unityplymouth.co.uk or telephone: Ikenna: 07868834898 Chaz: 07950957909

Submitted by Chaz SINGH on behalf of Unity Plymouth

HAT'S ON IN PLYMOUTH LIBRARIES? Regular events in libraries

include rhymetimes, storytimes and Chatterbooks reading groups for children and book groups for adults.

September

Book Sale

Plymstock Library Saturday, 4th September 2010: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Books, CDs and DVDs at bargain prices.

Ford Park Cemetery Friendship Group North Prospect Library Monday, 13th September 2010: Join our monthly Friendship Group for a talk on the history of Ford Park Cemetery.

Tania CROSSE Southway Library Tuesday, 14th September 2010: 7.30 p.m. Hear Tania talk about her latest book 'Hope at Holly Cottage'. Set in Plymouth and on Dartmoor, it tells the story of 1950s schoolgirl Anna MILLINGTON and the cruel family secret that resulted from the worst night of the Plymouth Blitz back in 1941. All are welcome. Book Sale Central Library Saturday, 18th September 2010: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Books, CDs and DVDs at bargain prices.

October

Older People's Day

Plymstock Library Friday, 1st October 2010: Makeovers, beer tasting, web help sessions and more.

To find out more about Plymouth Libraries, please visit: http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/libraries

DIARY DATES Compiled by Geoffrey N. Read

All the dates are shown using the Gregorian (Western) calendar. The calendar is accurate, but some dates may vary regionally because they are determined by the lunar calendar. Jewish festivals usually begin at sundown on the previous day.

If you have access to the internet, just click on the faith links for further

information.

Thursday, 2nd

September

Farewell to Sylvia HAMLEY

Janmashtami - Krishna Jayanti (Hindu) The Janamashtami festival marks the birth of Krishna, the most highly venerated God in the Hindu pantheon.

Friday, 3

rd September

England v Bulgaria European Championship

Saturday, 4

th September

Plymstock Festival

Sunday, 5

th September

Paryushana (Jain) The most important Jain festival, it consists of eight (Swetambara) or ten (Digambara) days of intensive fasting and repentance. A time of reflection.

Tuesday, 7

th September

Meeting of the Devon & Cornwall Charitable Food Group Switzerland v England European Championship

Wednesday, 8

th September

Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Christian) Roman Catholics celebrate the birth of the Virgin Mary. Feast of the Birth of Mary (Christian) Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches celebrate the birth of Mary, mother of Jesus. Nativity of the Theotokos (Christian) Orthodox Christians celebrate the birth of the Virgin Mary.

W

18

Thursday, 9th

September

Rosh Hashanah (1st day) (Jewish) Jewish New Year. A two-day festival during which work is not permitted.

Friday, 10

th September

Eid-Ul-Fitr (Muslim) The end of Ramadan when Muslims celebrate the end of fasting and thank Allah for His help with their month-long act of self-control.

Saturday, 11

th September

Fishstock Brixham 2010 Last Night of the Proms on the Big Sreen at the Plymouth Piaza Plymouth Argyle Football Club: Colchester (H) Plymouth Farmers’ Market

Ethiopian New Year (Rastafari) The start of the New Year in Ethiopia is recognised because Rastafarians believe Ethiopia to be their spiritual homeland, and a place to which they want to return. Fast of Gedalliah (Jewish) Fast in memory of the assassination of Gedalliah Ben Achikam, the Governor of Israel during the days of Nebuchadnetzar, King of Babylonia. Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu) Hindus celebrate the birthday of Lord Ganesh, the elephant-headed God.

Friday, 17

th September

Promoting & Preventing Community Cohesion: Preventing Violent Extremism

Saturday, 18

th September

Yom Kippur (Jewish) Day of Atonement - the most solemn day of the Jewish year.

Wednesday, 22

nd September

Band of HM Royal Marines Performing

Thursday, 23

rd September

Recyled Fashion Show 7.30 a.m. at Saltash Community School. Sukkot (Jewish) Sukkot or The Feast of Tabernacles, commemorates the years that the Jews spent in the desert on their way to the Promised Land, and celebrates the way in which God took special care of them under impossible conditions. Sukkot lasts for seven days, and work is not permitted on the first two days. Autumn Equinox (Pagan) This day is celebrated when day and night are of equal duration.

Friday, 24th

September

Last day for Submission of Articles for the October Newsletter. World’s Biggest Coffee Morning (Macmillan Cancer)

Friday, 24

th - Wednesday, 6

th October

Theatre Royal: Lend Me A Tenor - The Musical

Saturday, 25

th September

Grimethorpe Colliery Band Performing Plymouth Argyle Football Club Fixture: Rochdale (A) Plymouth Farmers’ Market Unity Plymouth Meeting at the Council House

Tuesday, 28

th September

Plymouth Argyle Football Club Fixture: Swindon (A)

Wednesday, 29

th September

Michaelmas /St. Michael's Day (Christian) A feast day in honour of the archangel Michael. Michael is one of only two angels mentioned by name in the Bible (the other being Gabriel.) Hoshanah Rabbah (Jewish) The seventh day of Sukkot.

Thursday, 30

th September

DCRS Volunteers’ Meeting

Shemini Atzeret (Jewish) Shemini Atzeret can be translated as "the assembly of the eighth (day)." In Israel the festival is combined with Simchat Torah.

Friday, 1st

October

Simchat Torah (Jewish) Simchat Torah means "Rejoicing in the Torah." This holiday marks the completion of the yearly cycle of weekly Torah readings.

Saturday, 2

nd October

Plymouth Argyle Football Club Fixture: Hartlepool (A) Plymouth MELA 2010 at the City Centre, Piazza.

19

Monday, 4th

October Promoting & Preventing Community Cohesion: Preventing Violent Extremism

Friday, 8

th October

Navaratri (start) (Hindu) Navaratri (nine nights) symbolises the triumph of good over evil and marks the start of autumn.

Saturday, 9

th October

Plymouth Argyle Football Club Fixture: Charlton (H) Plymouth Farmers’ Market Sportsboat Championships

Birthday of Guru Ram Das (Nanakshahi calendar) (Sikh) Guru Ram Das (1534-1581) was the fourth of the Sikh Gurus.

Sunday, 10

th October

The Eden Project Marathon Sportsboat Championships

Tuesday, 12

th October

England v Montenegro Football European Championship qualifier

Wednesday, 13

th October

Rhod Gilbert & the Cat Who Looked Like Nicholas Lyndhurst at Plymouth Pavilions St Edward's Day (Christian) Edward the Confessor was King of England 1042 - 1066. He built Westminster Abbey where there is a shrine to him - and where the saint is also celebrated on 5th January each year, the anniversary of his death.

Saturday, 16

th October

Plymouth Argyle Football Club Fixture: Notts County (A)

Sunday, 17

th October

Dussera (Hindu) Celebrates Lord Rama's victory over the evil demon Ravana.

Tuesday, 19

th October

Promoting & Preventing Community Cohesion: Preventing Violent Extremism

Wednesday, 20

th October

Birth of the Bab (Bahai) Celebrates the birth of the precursor of the founder of the Baha'i faith.

Friday, 22nd

October In Defence of Youth Work” Meeting at UCP Marjon.

Saturday, 23

rd October

Plymouth Argyle Football Club Fixture: Huddersfield (H) Plymouth Farmers’ Market Church Reunion of All Saints, St. Matthews and St. Peter’s

Saturday, 30

th October

Plymouth Argyle Football Club Fixture: Oldham (A) Unity Plymouth Meeting at the Council House

Sunday, 31

st October

Hallowe'en (All Hallows' Eve) (Christian) The night before All Saints' Day (All Hallows' Day). Its origins date back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. It was celebrated as a Christian festival by the 8th Century. Samhain (Hallowe'en) (Pagan) Samhain (pronounced 'sow'inn') marks the Feast of the Dead. Many Pagans also celebrate it as the old Celtic New Year (although some mark this at Imbolc). All Saints' Day (Catholic Church in England and Wales) (Christian) The Catholic Church in England and Wales moves this festival to the nearest Sunday if it falls on a Saturday or Monday.

FOR FURTHER DATES LATER IN THE YEAR

AND FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT

OUR WEBSITE CALENDAR AT:

http://dcrsc-archives.webs.com/Calendar.htm

THIS SPACE COULD HAVE BEEN USED

TO PLACE YOUR NOTICE!

Why not contact the Editor?

20

Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support

A company Limited by Guarantee

Providing Practical Support To Refugees

Our major funders: