Have coffee with 4in10!
We are delighted to announce the launch of our new ‘4in10 Open Coffee Mornings’!
4in10 Open Coffee Mornings provide a free space for us all to listen, learn, connect, network, and voice concerns on a variety of topics related to child poverty in London.
4in10 Open Coffee Mornings are open to everyone. This includes 4in10 members, voluntary community sector organisations in London, those with lived experience, public sector workers and anyone who shares concern on issues relating to growing child poverty in our capital.
Launching with ‘Health Inequalities in London’ (5th August 2021 | 10:00 – 11:00), Open Coffee Morning sessions are thematic, meaning there is one overarching area in which frames the discussion. However, the sessions are truly flexible; attendees can contribute, participate, and engage in ways and on areas that matter to them.
4in10 is nothing without its membership. Some of our proudest moments at 4in10 have stemmed from shared ideas, cross-organisational collaboration and issue discussion amongst our members and voluntary community organisations. Our Coffee Mornings will provide a regular informal space for this to occur organically and more frequently.
The first Coffee Morning (Health Inequalities in London) is on 5th August, 10:00 – 12:00: sign up here
Sign up to the event to receive email notifications for the session, the ZOOM link, and information on future coffee mornings.
4in10 Coffee Mornings are held roughly every six weeks. Sign up to future sessions:
- 4in10 Open Coffee Morning: Benefits and Income – Wednesday 15th September (11am – 12am): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/162051573619
- 4in10 Open Coffee Morning: Housing and Homelessness – Tuesday 30th November (10am – 11am): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/162053060065
The following session will be at the end of January and the theme will be Family and Child Poverty in Outer London.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Blog Post from Alketa Hystuma of The Shpresa Programme
The Shpresa Programme works with Albanian nationals in the UK who have mainly migrated from Italy, Greece and Bulgaria. Their dual nationalities make them EU citizens.
The 23rd of June 2016 marked a seismic change for a country, which for 47 years was a member state of the European Union and its predecessor, the European Communities (EC). Assisting with the completion of online applications has been challenging since the Brexit process as many service users have difficulties with the language or have no English skills. Others have difficulties using computers and online services, like not understand the confirmation emails or calls they receive to provide further evidences as part of their EUSS applications. Many of the people we work with have completed wrong applications, equally many are not aware of their rights on public funds including housing and homelessness assistance. A general problem is that many do not yet fully understand what Brexit means and why having a Settled or Pre-Settled status is important in protect their future immigration status, as well as their rights and entitlements to family reunions, work, benefits, and access to the NHS.
Since COVID-19 we witnessed a rise of applications for universal credit. We’ve noticed indirect discrimination when an EU citizen has only arrived to the UK a few months ago and is working a limited number of hours per week. Most of the claims made resulted in refusals, not once, but 2-3 times. We have previously requested reviews and have appealed decisions to highlight that the EU citizens have the same rights as a British passport holder or someone with refugee status.
Our other immense concern is for groups or people who are isolated and have no contact with us or any other organisations who promote and do campaign work around the EU Settlement Scheme. If vulnerable members of our community fail to apply before June 30 2021 their immigration status will inevitably be compromised, no matter how long they have resided in the UK.
Our partnership with New Europeans UK started in September last year. Since then, we have jointly delivered more than 5 events and information sessions tailored for the Albanian community. New Europeans UK have advised and trained our staff, as well as a cohort of our Albanian speaking volunteers. We have found a valuable partner that is keen to hear the challenges our service users face and offer free professional advice.
It has been a highlight of Shpresa’s activity, to work intensively with the many EU citizens part of the Albanian community in the UK and raise awareness of their rights in the UK during and after Brexit. With the continuous support from New Europeans UK, the Shpresa Programme has campaigned extensively through social media, our digital work and information sessions, as well through our advocacy “Be the change” project. This will ensure effective support continues to reach our community, so that no EU citizen gets left behind. We will continue to assist anyone who needs help to integrate and become self-sufficient once they chose to make the UK their home.
Shpresa Programme
020 7511 1586
No Child Left Behind – new website! Blog by Mari Burton from the NEU.
New data released by the End Child Poverty collation has revealed that even before the pandemic child poverty levels had risen to 4.3 million children – an increase of 200,000 on the previous year, This means that across the UK, 31 per cent of children are now growing up trapped in poverty – the equivalent of 9 pupils in every class of 30.
It doesn’t have to be this way. The Government must take urgent action to right this wrong.
The National Education Union have launched a brand new campaign website which allows visitors to search for the latest child poverty statistics for their area, simply by typing in their postcode. Visitors to the site are asked to email their local MP, asking them to show their commitment to tackling poverty in their area by signing the NEU’s anti child poverty pledge. The pledge reads:
As a member of Parliament, I pledge to do everything in my power so that no child is left behind in East Worthing and Shoreham:
- I call for the development of a cross-Government strategy to eradicate the poverty faced by the 4.3 million children currently growing up trapped in poverty.
- I will use my vote and voice in Parliament to try to stop an expected 730,000 more children being plunged into poverty by 2024.
We must value and invest in all our children, so they are supported to learn, succeed, and go on to have bright futures.
Poverty is not inevitable – with enough political will we can eradicate it. At the time of writing 91 MPs from across the parties had committed to do everything in their power to leave no child behind – check if yours has signed up by visiting nochildleftbehind.org.uk and supporting our campaign!
Keir Lewis, 4in10's Research and Learning Officer writes about the ending of the eviction ban.
A ‘tidal wave’ of evictions are coming.
May 31st 2021 marked the end of the eviction ban following a series of temporary (often last-minute) extensions. This piece of legislation, whilst imperfect, provided the primary source of protection for renters during the pandemic. The eviction ban originally prevented eviction court hearings, temporarily ensuring eviction proceedings did not start. It also extended ‘minimum notice periods’, the minimum time period a landlord could give a tenant if they wished for them to leave the property, to six months.
What Is Changing?
From 1st June, bailiffs will legally be allowed to enter renter’s homes and enforce evictions.
Minimum notice periods will also change. The notice period required to be given by landlords will drop to four months on 1st June and then to two months on 1st October.
Why This Matters
Many London renters face a myriad of housing challenges and the eviction ban simply papered over cracks.
Inadequate social housing supply, employment insecurity, rising rents, unfit housing benefit and accelerating gentrification are all challenges that remained unaddressed by the eviction ban and the governments pandemic response.
Nowhere else in the country does the cost of housing ‘push’ more people into poverty than in London. According to research from End Child Poverty, nine of the ten Local Authorities with the highest levels of child poverty are in London – with housing being a significant driver behind these figures. A recent London School of Economics report projected that 400,000 private tenants in London may be in significant rent arrears by the end of 2021. Whilst these figures in London are alarming, this is unsurprising given that nationally over £360 million has already been accumulated in covid-related rent arrears.
All in all, this means London could be facing a period of evictions and homelessness like it has never experienced before.
How Can We Help
As part of the London Child Poverty Alliance, our manifesto called upon the new London Mayor to take action on housing. We called for legislative action to tackle exorbitantly high rents, urgently deliver new homes at social rent and improve the standards and conditions of temporary accommodation in London.
However, this call for action cannot be seen as separate from our broader manifesto calls. Just like the eviction ban coming to a close in May, at present, the £20 uplift in Universal Credit is due to end at the end of September.
We simply cannot allow our social safety net to be cut further.
Getting Help
If you’re worried about being evicted or supporting someone who is, Shelter offer support regarding the eviction ban and homelessness here.
You can also use 4in10’s ‘Get Help’ support page here.
Volunteer Week Free Resources
Volunteer Week runs from June 1st to June 7th. Download free resources and templates from the Volunteers Week resources page.
Public Health England guide for CVS's with great links. The route out of lockdown.
Public Health England have produced an excellent guide to 'the route out of lockdown' for voluntary organisations including some really useful links to advice and up to date information. Current at the 10th May 2021
https://dev.4in10.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/04.05.2021-CVS-and-faith-groups-follow-up.pdf
Mental Health Support for Young Migrants and Asylum Seekers
In light of the dreadful 4th Suicide of a young Eritrean asylum seeker in the UK aged just 19, here are a number of London organisations supporting the mental health of young refugees, asylum seekers and migrants:
- Afghanistan and Central Asian Association based in Hounslow but serves Afghan refugees from across London.
- AFRIL support the children of refugees , as well as young refugees themselves, in Lewisham.
- Body and Soul supports children, teenagers and adults affected by trauma.
- Baobab Survivors in Exile The Baobab Centre is a non-residential therapeutic community that enables child and adolescent asylum seekers who have experienced organized violence, violation, exploitation, threats, rejection, loss and bereavement in their home communities and on their journeys into exile to thrive.
- Black & Asian Therapists Network provides training, resources and information, and an online directory of qualified therapists experienced in working with immigrant population including African, Caribbean and Asian clients.
- Forced Migration Trauma Service work with people who have experienced trauma and/or forced migration. This is an NHS service, so referrals are required for treatment. Referrals are available from a care co-ordinator, GP/local doctor, or a specialist mental health service.
- Freedom from Torture provides direct clinical / therapeutic services to survivors of torture who arrive in the UK.
- Ghanaian Welfare Association provides the Ghanaian community in London advice including mental health support.
- Helen Bamber Foundation works with survivors of genocide, torture, trafficking and rape by providing them with practical support and treatment to deal with their pasts and build new futures.
- Nafsiyat Intercultural Therapy Centre offers culturally sensitive psychotherapy/counselling to ethnic minorities including refugees and asylum seekers in a variety of languages.
- NAZ Black Asian and Minority Ethnic run sexual health support agency that are offering free online counselling as well as other practical support for the LGBTQ+ minority ethnic and black communities.
- New Citizens Gateway serve Barnet and north London with specific young refugee projects and support.
- No Panic Helpline Helplines for anxiety disorders, panic attacks etc. 0844 9674848 Youth Helpline 0330 606 1174 (for 13 to 20 year olds open Mon to Thurs 4pm-6pm)
- Refugee Council. Offer specialist mental health support to help refugees to rebuild their lives using the resilience, strength and skills acquired on their journey.
- Social Workers Without Borders offers voluntary support to asylum seekers, refugees and those impacted by borders, independently of government and local authorities, using its members’ social work skill and expertise.
- South London Refugee Association specialist advice for vulnerable young migrants.
- The Chinese Information & Advice Centre offers support and information including mental health support, to disadvantaged Chinese people living in the UK.
- The Refugee Therapy Centre offers expertise in the delivery of an integrated and user-friendly mental health service for people who have endured considerable trauma and forced displacement. The Centre provides psychotherapy, counselling and associated treatments to refugees and asylum seekers in their own language.
- Traumatic Stress Clinic provides specialist mental health care for post traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) to children, adolescents and adults. Refugees and asylum seekers account for over half of the referrals to the Clinic. This is an NHS service, so referrals are required for treatment. Referrals are available from a care co-ordinator, GP/local doctor, or a specialist mental health service.
- Vietnamese Mental Health Services offers culturally sensitive mental health services to Vietnamese people with mental health problems including refugees and asylum seekers. Services provided are drop in day services, outreach and counselling services.
- Waterloo Community Counselling helps people resolve emotional issues, reduce anxiety and depression, and gain self-confidence. Individual and group counselling is offered in English and a range of other languages.
- Young Roots help young refugees and asylum seekers aged 11 - 25. Their 1-to-1 casework service supports young people with issues like housing, immigration and emotional support