In the past, Beaumont Leys had a poor reputation – unemployment and crime were high. The local vicar sought to make positive changes by bringing together the different agencies involved in service provision in the neighbourhood to encourage co-ordination and partnership working.
In 1999 Beaumont Leys became the focus of efforts to resettle asylum seekers and refugee families in emplty property in the area.

The Forum offers asylum seekers in Beaumont Leys in Leicester a welcoming informal weekly “drop in” centre based at the local church.

The Forum is a positive example of effective and sensitive co-operation between agencies to assist and encourage the emergence of a flourishing community in which asylum seekers and refugees are valued and included.

63 houses locally were allocated to support the dispersal programme. The church brought together the relevant agencies to prepare for the newcomers arrival.

The Forum was established with no money, no constitution and no bureaucracy. The Forum established a weekly drop-in centre in the church to provide support, everyday community contact that the asylum seekers and refugees need.

The church’s emergency free food cupboard provides support. The church brought in professional help to run discussion groups to identify the priorities the families had. Help with English and simply a place to unburden were top of the list.

The project has developed a successful programme of advice and support for these vulnerable newcomers, plus holds regular events, family trips to places of interest and ensures children take full advantage of the range of pre-school programmes, after school activities and holiday programmes.

Local agencies are encouraged to co-ordinate their programmes, adopt coherent policies and engage with the service users on their own terms.

Learning points:

Asylum seekers, refugees, the community

Regeneration East Midlands
info@regenerationem.co.uk

//2001

case

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Integration of social groups

Asylum seekers, Refugees